Q: How can I enter the kingdom of God? — Pelasio, from Fiji
A: Pelasio, this is an important question to which Jesus Himself gave a very clear answer in a conversation He had with Nicodemus, recorded in John 3.
“Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (vs. 3).
Jesus further explained that, “unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God” (vs. 5).
To be “born of water,” is to accept Jesus as our Savior through baptism by immersion — this represents dying to the old self and being resurrected to a new life in Christ — being born again in Him. To be born of the Spirit means allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our thoughts and actions, to renew our minds in directions that are taught by Scripture, rather than following our own natural, sinful inclinations.
God wants everyone to be saved, and has done everything possible to make that happen by sending His Son to die for us, as is so beautifully stated in the well-known verses of John 3:16-17.
In the following verses, Jesus states the importance of accepting Him as our Savior, explaining that those who do not believe in Him are condemned. “And this is the condemnation,” He said, “that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. … but he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God” (vss. 19-21).
Jesus invites you to come to Him just as you are, accept Him as your Savior, be baptized, and allow the Holy Spirit to renew your mind. I encourage you to visit the Voice of Prophecy website where free Bible studies are offered or contact your local Seventh-day Adventist pastor to learn more.