How To Become A Citizen of God’s Kingdom

Over the last decade, millions of people have fulfilled the requirements to become a naturalized U.S. citizen: be at least 18, hold a valid green card, pass an English and civics test, and take an Oath of Allegiance. It's a clear, rigorous path to enter a nation.

But what about citizenship in the Kingdom of God?

Our journey starts with a question posed in the book of Psalms: "Who may worship in your sanctuary, LORD? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill?" (Psalm 15:1).

In the Old Testament, God's perfect holiness meant no human was worthy to stand in His presence. The path was closed by a thick veil in the Temple, and only the High Priest could enter—and only once a year on the Day of Atonement.

The good news is that Jesus Christ's death on the cross tore that veil in two, providing a way for us to enter God's presence. Jesus's message was that the Kingdom of God was "at hand"—not a physical kingdom to overthrow Rome, but a spiritual kingdom where He rules in the hearts of His followers.

Entry into this kingdom, Jesus explained, requires being "born again" (John 3:3-5). We become citizens when we repent and are baptized for the forgiveness of sins, receiving the Holy Spirit. This act makes us morally pure and holy, worthy to stand in God’s presence.