There are only two kingdoms.

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” Matthew 3:2. Again Jesus said, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” (Matthew 4:17). It is quoted Jesus said, “the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel. “Mark 1:15

The kingdom of God and the kingdom of heaven are used simultaneously with the same meaning. Our today’s insights assure us this -repentance paves the way to step into the kingdom of God with all its blessings. I see repentance like this – I was walking in one direction. I heard this path leads me to destruction and ruin. I felt genuine sorry inside that I walked in that bad path and changed my mind with determination and started walking in another direction. When I was sincerely sorry and changed my mind, God’s power came along and helped me with the divine strength I need to walk in a new way. The old road was in the kingdom of darkness, and the new path is in the kingdom of God.

You see, there are only two kingdoms in existence. Either people are in the kingdom of darkness, which is the kingdom of the devil or they are in the kingdom of God. According to the Bible, there is no third kingdom. We do not create our kingdoms. Either we are in God’s kingdom, or we are in the kingdom of darkness.

You see, At the time of birth, we are all automatically born into the kingdom of darkness. This is why we do not need to teach any children to say lies. We do not need to show them to break the law. We do not need to teach selfishness and self-centeredness either. However, we need to teach them diligently, to tell the truth, and to avoid breaking laws.

From the day we are born, as we grow up into old age, many sins have already been committed knowingly or unknowingly by each person. This is why Jesus offered entrance into the kingdom of God by believing in the gospel, which is the good news. The people who spent their life so far in the kingdom of darkness knowingly or unknowingly performing unrighteous deeds have the option to enter into God’s kingdom of His beloved Son Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “kingdom of God has come near.” What does it mean? King of the kingdom of God is standing next to them, very near to them. Jesus is the Savior and king we all need. He is the savior of the whole world and its need. He is bidding us come into His kingdom.

You see, Jesus was in a rescue mission when He came into this world from heaven. While we were all under the influence of darkness and the ruler of darkness, the devil, God sent His son Jesus Christ in a massive rescue mission. We needed rescue and deliverance by a powerful deliverer who would go into the territory of the kingdom of darkness, confront the enemy of our soul, conquer him and get us freedom and liberty from his slavery and bondages. Jesus rescued us from the kingdom of darkness by paying with his blood that was poured out for all of our sins. Bible says Jesus bought us with His own blood (Acts 20:28(c). Galatians 3:13 says, “Christ bought us with His blood and made us free from the Law. Christ did this by carrying the load (of our sins) and by being punished instead of us. This is the good news called the gospel. The good news offers us help to come out of our darkness and enter into God’s kingdom of light. We do not need to be under the slavery of the devil. We do not need to obey him anymore who only wishes to destroy us eventually. We can step into the kingdom of God by repenting of our sins and be accepting the gospel. We can get freedom and liberty from the bondage and slavery of the devil. The gospel is Jesus died, buried, and rose again in our place for our sins. He paid it all. He released us from the power of evil and darkness. Come out and step into the kingdom of God by repenting about the past sins and accepting Christ as your savior. It is that simple.

Bible says, “For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”
Jesus Himself said another result of repentance is “there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” Luke 15:7. Jesus said again, “I tell you there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Do not get upset because the Bible tells the truth that all are sinners. We all are. Truth sometimes hurts. However, acknowledgment of the truth grants us freedom. Do not need to be ashamed about it because it is the truth about all. Not about some people. However, all have sinned. However, for some people, it is difficult to repent of their wrongdoing and sins. However, when we do, we will step into the kingdom of God, and there is more rejoicing in heaven and among the angels of God. There are big joy and merry parties in heaven when one person repents.

Finally, repentance restores our relationship with God and one another. It is true that when we repent and accept the gospel, our broken relationship with God is fully repaired. We become the children of God at the moment of our repentance and acceptance of Christ as our savior. In addition to this, can you imagine how many broken human relationships would be restored and repaired by our repentance? Repentance is a God-given privilege, and it does marvelous and beautiful things in the presence of God and people. When the prodigal son who went far away from his loving father repented and came back home, what a joy the father and son experienced? The father said to his servants, ‘Quick, bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let us have a feast and celebrate. For this son of man was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.”

Got a moment for today’s prayer. “Father in heaven, I come to you and pray for your help in my life. I repent of my sins. I am sorry for my sins. I believe Jesus Christ shed his blood to release me from the bondage and punishment of my sins. I accept Him as my savior and Lord. Thank you for coming into my heart. In Jesus Christ’s name, I pray. Amen.”