Mark 8:38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
We, as Christians, are called to witness to the Lord Jesus Christ and His Word; this is not an option but an essential criterion.
People are fooled into believing that, by simply believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, one will go to Heaven. Yes, believing in the Lord Jesus Christ is very important, but understand that when we believe in Him, it is not just His existence and His coming as our Saviour. We also need to believe His words (the Word of God) and follow them, for believing in His words and not following them is not believing.
Carrying our Cross (purpose in Christ) daily and following Him makes us His true disciple. If we do not do it daily, then at least a few times a week, but just on Sundays, does not meet this criterion. There are many other conditions, like being innocent of evil (like a child), not being rich, which are stated as conditions for entering the Kingdom of God; they all fall under repentance and baptism in the Holy Spirit (transformation).
Baptism in Jesus Christ is the start of our journey; we may or may not be water baptised; that will not stop us. What is essential is repentance and surrendering to Him. Water baptism helps us publicly witness that we have chosen Him.
Baptism in the Holy Spirit is also another important aspect that helps us continue in our faith walk, understand our purpose and carry it daily.
This Baptism in Lord Jesus Christ (is confirmed by change in our lives), Baptism in the Holy Spirit (is confirmed by Gifts of the Holy Spirit), witnessing Christ and abiding in His Word are essential processes of becoming Christian and heirs to His Kingdom.
[Prayer Starter]
Lord, You are Almighty God. You are Creator and created all things with purpose. The main purpose was to create man so as to be heirs of Your Kingdom. Lord, we pray that we understand Your Kingdom is spiritual and Holy, so we need to be transformed in spirit and walk the path of perfection. For it is truly said the path to Your Kingdom is narrow, while the way of vanity is broad…
This prayer we make in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
[Reference Scriptures]
John 3:5 Jesus answered, Truly, truly, I say to you, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
Acts 2:38 Then Peter said to them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 7:21 Not every one that said to me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that does the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Matthew 18:3 And said, Truly I say to you, Except you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 19:23 Then said Jesus to his disciples, Truly I say to you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.