Are the Beatitudes the basic principles for life in God's kingdom?

Answer 1

The Beatitudes describe the characteristics of those who are fit to comprise God's kingdom. They build one upon another, and are parallel to the steps of conversion and living a life dedicated to Christ. Those who are "poor in spirit" recognize their own shortcomings. (Parallel to hearing the word. [Romans 3:23 - for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,]) "Those who mourn" are saddened by these shortcomings, recognizing their need for God. (Parallel to believing the word. [2 Corinthians 7:10 - For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.]) "The meek" set aside their pride and self-serving attitudes, determining to please God rather than themselves. (Parallel to repentance from past sins. [James 1:21 - Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.]) "Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness" crave a better life through knowledge of and obedience to God. (Parallel to obeying the gospel and beginning the Christian life. [1 Peter 2:2 - as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby,]) "The merciful" are exhibiting a basic underlying principle of obedience to God. One of the first things a new convert must understand is that God's mercy toward them is dependent upon their mercy toward others. [Matthew 6:14, 15 - For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.] The "pure in heart" will "see God." This excludes all with false pretenses; those who feign obedience or engage in false worship. Only a pure heart is truly compliant to God's word. [Hebrews 10:22 - let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.] "Peacemakers" have matured to the point of sharing the gospel with others. [Romans 10:15 - And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!"] It's vitally important to remember that Jesus is speaking of spiritual principles, thus the "peace" that is made is between the believer and God: "peacemakers" is not to be taken in any political sense. [Romans 5:1 - Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,] Being "persecuted for righteousness' sake" is an inevitable outcome of declaring the gospel. [John 15:19, 20- "If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also."] With the final beatitude, Jesus goes from saying "the" and "those" to saying, "Blessed are YOU when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven…" This wonderful assurance regarding the completion of one's Christian journey affords the believer the strength to remain steadfast in the face of even the most painful opposition. [Revelation 2:10 - Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.] To God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen. - Romans 16:27