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THE KINGDOM OF GOD.
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with him (John, XIV. 23). Blessed are they that hear the word of God and keep it. Why call me, Lord, Lord and do not the things which I say (Luke, VI. 46)? Not every one that sayeth unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven (Matt. VII. 21). Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man which built his house upon a rock (Matt. VII. 24). And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man which built his house upon the sand (Matt. VII. 26). And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me" (Matth. X, 38).
These passages leave not the least doubt in one's mind that the admission into the Kingdom of God depended not on the personal adoration and worship of Jesus, but on the faithful observance of the "word” which he preached. Thus, the most essential part of the qualification was the "doing" or "keeping” of the teaching
Now let us see what those things were which Jesus pointed out should be observed or avoided. On this point the Sermon on the Mount is rather interesting, as .containing many instructions for the tyro. Blessed are the poor in spirit. Blessed are they that mourn. Blessed are they which hunger and thirst after righteousness. Similarly, blessed are the merciful, the peace-makers, and the pure in heart. Thou shalt not only not kill, but shall also not be angry with any one. Whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her commits adultery with her in his heart. Thou shalt not swear. Thou shalt love thy neighbour as well as thy enemy. Thou shalt not resist evil, but whosoever smite thee on thy right cheek, thou shalt turn to him the other also. And, if a man claim thy coat at law, give him thy
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