Shutting up the Kingdom of God

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Jesus reproved the Pharisees for shutting up the kingdom of heaven against men.

Woe unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves, nor suffer them that are entering to go in.-Matt. 23:13.

They were never guilty of shutting up the kingdom of hell, they were perfectly willing that it should be kept open, and that many should go in; but the door of the kingdom of heaven they endeavored to close against all who did not think and do as they did.

How many there are in this day just like the Scribes and Pharisees of old! They open hell and shut heaven to most of mankind.

Elsewhere Christ said to his disciples, "Beware of the doctrine of the Scribes and Pharisees." Jesus labored, preached, suffered, died, rose from the dead, and ascended on high, that all might enter his kingdom.

We are informed that "he shall see of the travail of his soul, and be satisfied." All, then, will finally enter the kingdom of heaven.

Peter was instructed in a vision, that all mankind came from heaven; that they are, while on earth, protected by heavenly power; and that they all will be drawn up again into heaven. Acts 10:10-16.

The same truth is taught by the Apostle Paul, when he says, "For of him (God), and through him, and to him, are all things." -Rom. 11:36

God is the Source, Guide and Goal of the all: the ta panta.