by esther phinias | 1 October 2019 08:46 pm10
Have you ever asked yourself why Jesus said, “I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2, NKJV)? Why did He use the imagery of a banquet or wedding feast to describe heaven (Matthew 22:2)? It’s not a coincidence. The preparations involved in entering the Kingdom of Heaven mirror those of a great celebration. Understanding the nature of a banquet gives us valuable insight into how God receives His people into eternity.
1. Understanding the Banquet of Heaven
Every banquet requires intentional planning. The venue, the guest list, the decorations, the food and drink, and the schedule are all carefully arranged. But above all, there must be invited guests. A celebration without people isn’t a celebration at all.
In the parable of the wedding feast (Matthew 22:1–14), Jesus compares the Kingdom of Heaven to a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. He sent invitations—but not everyone responded. Some made excuses, others rejected the invitation, and a few even mistreated the messengers. Eventually, the king extended the invitation to anyone willing to come, but even then, someone showed up without the proper wedding garment—and was cast out.
Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?” And he was speechless… ‘Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness.
Matthew 22:12–13 (NKJV)
This shows us that heaven is not for the casual or unprepared—it’s a sacred invitation, and entry requires not only being invited, but also being dressed appropriately, symbolizing righteousness through Christ (Revelation 19:7–8).
2. The Cost of the Invitation
Why isn’t everyone automatically allowed into the banquet? The answer is sacrifice. A feast is expensive. Those who contribute—financially or otherwise—are usually the ones who receive invitations. Similarly, in the Kingdom of Heaven, your life on earth is your contribution. Jesus paid the ultimate price through His death and resurrection (1 Peter 1:18–19), but each believer is called to deny self, take up the cross, and follow Him (Luke 9:23).
Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth… but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.
Matthew 6:19–20 (NKJV)
Many people expect to enter heaven but have never invested in God’s Kingdom. They’ve never laid down their lives, shared the Gospel, or lived for His glory. The reality is that heaven is not accidental—it is intentional. Jesus said.
The kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.
Matthew 11:12 (NKJV)
This doesn’t mean physical violence, but spiritual intensity—earnest faith, fervent prayer, self-sacrifice, and relentless pursuit of righteousness.
3. What Does It Mean to Contribute?
In Luke 10:25–28, a lawyer asked Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus pointed him back to the Law:
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.
Luke 10:27 (NKJV)
Jesus affirmed this answer: “Do this and you will live.” These are the five pillars of eternal readiness. Let’s explore them:
A. Love God with All Your Strength
This refers to physical action. Use your energy, time, and talents for God’s purposes. Instead of spending your youth on fleeting pleasures, invest it in worship, service, evangelism, and prayer.
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might.
Ecclesiastes 9:10 (NKJV)
Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
Romans 12:1 (NKJV)
Your strength is not just for career building or personal gain—it’s for building the eternal Kingdom.
B. Love God with All Your Heart
This is about sincerity and affection. God desires wholehearted devotion—not a divided or reluctant heart. Love Him with purity and without hidden motives.
These people draw near to Me with their mouth… But their heart is far from Me.
Matthew 15:8 (NKJV)
True love for God leads to obedience (John 14:15) and a life free from hypocrisy.
C. Love God with All Your Mind
Loving God with your mind means using wisdom and discernment. Make decisions that glorify Him. Think biblically. Prioritize eternal things over temporary pleasures.
Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Romans 12:2 (NKJV)
For example, choosing a new smartphone over having a Bible shows misplaced priorities. Failing to seek God because a preacher didn’t come to your doorstep ignores the wealth of biblical knowledge available online, in print, and in communities of faith.
D. Love God with All Your Soul
This reflects deep spiritual devotion and worship. The soul represents your innermost being—your will, emotions, and eternal identity. To love God with your soul is to live in a state of worship, longing for His presence, even to the point of being ready to suffer or die for His sake.
My soul longs, yes, even faints for the courts of the Lord.
Psalm 84:2 (NKJV)
To live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Philippians 1:21 (NKJV)
E. Love Your Neighbor as Yourself
This is the fruit of loving God. You can’t claim to love God and hate your brother (1 John 4:20). Loving others means extending the same care, forgiveness, and dignity you desire for yourself.
Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
Philippians 2:4 (NKJV)
Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2 (NKJV)
4. These Are Your Kingdom Credentials
These five commands are not optional—they are the true credentials for heaven. Your title—pastor, prophet, singer, or usher—will not matter. If these five principles are not evident in your life, you will not be admitted.
The wedding feast is still being prepared. Every generation sees people fighting their way in. There is no room in heaven for the idle or indifferent.
Since that time the kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is pressing into it.
Luke 16:16 (NKJV)
5. Are You Holding an Invitation?
Do you have your invitation in hand? Are you living in the light or still walking in darkness? Are you actively pursuing God’s Kingdom, or simply waiting for the Rapture with no oil in your lamp (see Matthew 25:1–13)?
Remember:
But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.
Revelation 21:8 (NKJV)
Hell, too, is a destination—and just like heaven, people are preparing their place there right now through their choices.
6. The Door Is Still Open
If you haven’t given your life to Christ, the door of grace is still open—but not for much longer. The banquet is about to begin. Now is the time to repent, be baptized in the name of Jesus (Acts 2:38), and begin walking in love, righteousness, and obedience.
Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.
2 Corinthians 6:2 (NKJV)
May the Lord bless you as you prepare for eternity.
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