Harry Riches Answer requested by Jack Bakewell
Harry Riches Answer requested by Jack Bakewell
In the above question there is the implicit reference to two different systems and two different worlds. One is the difference between the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of this World, and the other is the world of a child compared to that of an adult.
The Kingdom of God is a different system to the system of this world because it is based on righteousness, whereas the world’s system operates with deceit as its prime means of functioning—even though this is denied.
The world of a child is one of trust, whereas the world of the adult is one of distrust. There is an anecdote told how an adult tells a child that the stuffed toy will become real if the child prays to God. The child prays and nothing happens. The adult is teaching the trusting child the world of the adult. In this adult’s world, God is to be distrusted rather than trusted.
Yet Jesus says that if a person desires to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, the person must become a child, for the Kingdom of Heaven is reserved for children, and those who enter the Kingdom and become great are the ones who are humble like children.
Unfortunately, many people read what Jesus said, and while they like the idea of justice and loving one’s neighbor, they then go to Bible college and learn the philosophies of men and, in so doing, become know-alls who know nothing of the Kingdom of God. Often they are already academically-minded or have attended college, so having been trained in memorization techniques, regurgitating what they are told is not too difficult.
God’s way is contrary to this worldly method of learning, whereby a person thinks philosophy (which is what most theology is really) is a great means of developing a world view and demonstrating that one has a handle on truth. God’s way is not about creating mere systems of thought (that produce bubbles even though they appear to be reasonable) based on the assumptions that were made as premises. God’s way is experience counts, and the type of experience required to enter the Kingdom becomes a conflicting matter for people who like to think that they are all grown up.
Jesus referred to the need to become children because, unless one experiences an initial reception of the seed of life in the spiritual realm, so that one can see the Kingdom of God, one cannot enter the Kingdom of God without being born again. We might see the Kingdom of God, but not actually enter it, because we have not yet become as children.
Whereas when a person calls upon God, admits ignorance, and trusts the Savior to answer, the person will wait until the answer has been given. This is what children do who trust their parents. Initially, children recognize their parent’s voice and learn to obey them because they know more than what they do. Likewise people who seek God, wait upon Him until they recognize His voice and have the assurance that they know the voice of God.
Initially, when a person becomes a Christian and has been humble enough for entry into the Kingdom of God, guidance is needed. Once a person has become mature, the person is able to exercise authority and assume the responsibilities of a legitimate child (son) of God. This is impossible without having a thorough understanding of the Ten Commandments for starters. (Yet most people reading this will scoff at the thought.) The Ten Commandments are the milk of the word of which the Bible speaks is required for baby members of the Kingdom of God to feed on, so they can grow into maturity. The Ten Commandments are only the beginning of the foundation truths that we need to learn experiential after heeding the voice of Lord Jesus Christ (Hebrews 5:7–6:1).
Actually, when Jesus says that unless we become as children and learn the truths of God, He is pointing us to the only way we can grow in faith and overcome the world. For each truth of God we understand will offer us insights and more individual freedom, so our faith can grow as we give glory to God. Only by faith can we overcome the system of deceit that belongs to the kingdom of the world.
Really, only by becoming a child and entering the Kingdom of God and being humble enough to let God teach us, can we better ourselves and become responsible citizens in the Commonwealth of Heaven (Philippians 3:20)..
The Kingdom of God is a different system to the system of this world because it is based on righteousness, whereas the world’s system operates with deceit as its prime means of functioning—even though this is denied.
The world of a child is one of trust, whereas the world of the adult is one of distrust. There is an anecdote told how an adult tells a child that the stuffed toy will become real if the child prays to God. The child prays and nothing happens. The adult is teaching the trusting child the world of the adult. In this adult’s world, God is to be distrusted rather than trusted.
Yet Jesus says that if a person desires to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, the person must become a child, for the Kingdom of Heaven is reserved for children, and those who enter the Kingdom and become great are the ones who are humble like children.
- Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:14)
- At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them, and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.(Matthew 18:1–4)
Unfortunately, many people read what Jesus said, and while they like the idea of justice and loving one’s neighbor, they then go to Bible college and learn the philosophies of men and, in so doing, become know-alls who know nothing of the Kingdom of God. Often they are already academically-minded or have attended college, so having been trained in memorization techniques, regurgitating what they are told is not too difficult.
God’s way is contrary to this worldly method of learning, whereby a person thinks philosophy (which is what most theology is really) is a great means of developing a world view and demonstrating that one has a handle on truth. God’s way is not about creating mere systems of thought (that produce bubbles even though they appear to be reasonable) based on the assumptions that were made as premises. God’s way is experience counts, and the type of experience required to enter the Kingdom becomes a conflicting matter for people who like to think that they are all grown up.
Jesus referred to the need to become children because, unless one experiences an initial reception of the seed of life in the spiritual realm, so that one can see the Kingdom of God, one cannot enter the Kingdom of God without being born again. We might see the Kingdom of God, but not actually enter it, because we have not yet become as children.
- Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born anew, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3)
- Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” (Luke 18:17)
- Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. (John 3:5)
Whereas when a person calls upon God, admits ignorance, and trusts the Savior to answer, the person will wait until the answer has been given. This is what children do who trust their parents. Initially, children recognize their parent’s voice and learn to obey them because they know more than what they do. Likewise people who seek God, wait upon Him until they recognize His voice and have the assurance that they know the voice of God.
Initially, when a person becomes a Christian and has been humble enough for entry into the Kingdom of God, guidance is needed. Once a person has become mature, the person is able to exercise authority and assume the responsibilities of a legitimate child (son) of God. This is impossible without having a thorough understanding of the Ten Commandments for starters. (Yet most people reading this will scoff at the thought.) The Ten Commandments are the milk of the word of which the Bible speaks is required for baby members of the Kingdom of God to feed on, so they can grow into maturity. The Ten Commandments are only the beginning of the foundation truths that we need to learn experiential after heeding the voice of Lord Jesus Christ (Hebrews 5:7–6:1).
Actually, when Jesus says that unless we become as children and learn the truths of God, He is pointing us to the only way we can grow in faith and overcome the world. For each truth of God we understand will offer us insights and more individual freedom, so our faith can grow as we give glory to God. Only by faith can we overcome the system of deceit that belongs to the kingdom of the world.
Really, only by becoming a child and entering the Kingdom of God and being humble enough to let God teach us, can we better ourselves and become responsible citizens in the Commonwealth of Heaven (Philippians 3:20)..
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