One of the first things Jesus taught when he began his ministry was:
Matthew 4:17
17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
He didn't teach that we should repent after we have been saved but that by repenting you can obtain the forgiveness of God through the atonement of Jesus Christ that will allow you to gain entrance into the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 7:21
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
A very misunderstood verse in the Bible is:
Ephesians 2:8-9
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
It is true that our works do not save us. But this does not mean that Jesus does not require a work at our hand. Verse eight tells us that we are saved by the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ. It is only in and through His grace that we are saved. But the verse also mentions that we must receive this grace through faith if we are to be saved. The Apostle James tells us that works are a part of faith:
James 2:14-24
14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
Faith without works is dead says the Apostle of Jesus Christ. A true faith includes good works. Jesus requires that through faith we can receive the mercy. It isn't the works that save us. We could do all things in faith with all manner of good works and it would avail us nothing without the mercy of Jesus Christ. Thus we become unprofitable servants. The works don't save us but they are required of us. Thus verse 8 tells us that we are not saved by works and nobody can boast that they are saved by their works. Faith doesn't save us either even though it is through faith that we can obtain grace. The grace is the only thing that saves us. But this does not mean that God cannot require that we have faith which includes good works before he will grant his saving grace. Thus Matthew 7:21 above holds true that only he who does the will of our father in heaven will be saved into the kingdom of heaven.
For the very next verse in Ephesians says:
Ephesians 2:10
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
We shall all receive the salvation of resurrection from the dead and become immortal whether we are just or unjust. This is a gift without requirements given by the Lord.
Acts 24:15
15 And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.
Those who will inherit the kingdom of heaven will resurrect in the morning of the first resurrection or the resurrection of the just. Those who are unjust will resurrect in the second resurrection after the millennium.
Revelation 20:6
6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
John 5:29
29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
But to inherit the kingdom of heaven, a work is required of us. We must exercise faith unto repentance. Those who repent in this life and come unto Jesus will be saved in his kingdom. Those who reject him and continue in their wickedness will be sent to another kingdom. But there is hope for all of us. Jesus died that we might have the chance to repent of our sins and come unto him. So we should take heed to what he first began to teach:
Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.
and to exercise faith unto repentance which includes doing good to your neighbor.
