Those seeking an earthly kingdom with an earthly Messiah stayed in Jerusalem and were outside the kingdom (visible church) in 70 A.D. when Jerusalem was destroyed by the Romans.
When it comes to partaking of the joys of the kingdom of heaven while here on earth, there can come a time when it’s too late to act. It is possible to be outside the door and knocking with no way to get in.
We are citizens of God’s kingdom but we sojourn in a strange land throughout our lives. The only way we can find peace and rest is in fellowship with Jesus.
No one will enter heaven because they deserve it. The population of heaven is and will be innumerable, and everyone of them will be there by the grace of God alone.
The next time someone near you is blessed by God, make sure you are not a party pooper! Be the first one to join in and rejoice with those that are rejoicing!
We repeatedly turn away from God. So, why does God not immediately destroy us? Because He is longsuffering toward us and Jesus advocates that He will “work on us” to bring about the needed fruit.