Verily I say unto you Whosoever shall not receive kingdom of God as little child shall not enter therein. Verily amēn solemn affirmation. Receive dexētai welcome accept. Kingdom of God basileia. As hōs in manner of. Little child paidion young child. Shall not enter eiselthē access. Therein eis autēn into it. Requirements for kingdom entrance. Must receive like child humble dependent trusting. Cannot earn merit achieve. Must receive as gift. Pride self-sufficiency obstacles. Reformed theology emphasizes salvation is gift by grace through faith. Monergism God alone effects salvation. Synergism human cooperation heresy. Must receive passively not achieve actively.
Historical Context
Childlike receiving contrasts with adult achieving. Children depend receive cannot provide for themselves. Kingdom is gift received not wage earned. Paul Ephesians 2:8-9 gift of God not works. Roman Catholic view faith plus works equals salvation. Protestant view faith alone (which produces works as fruit). Childlike humility recognizes inability need. Pharisees trusted own righteousness (Luke 18:9). Tax collector cried for mercy saved. Modern self-help prosperity gospel contradicts this. Cannot earn merit deserve save self. Must humbly receive what Christ offers.
Questions for Reflection
What does receiving kingdom as little child teach about passivity in salvation versus human effort?
How does childlike humility dependence contrast with modern self-sufficient self-help approaches?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Verily I say unto you Whosoever shall not receive kingdom of God as little child shall not enter therein. Verily amēn solemn affirmation. Receive dexētai welcome accept. Kingdom of God basileia. As hōs in manner of. Little child paidion young child. Shall not enter eiselthē access. Therein eis autēn into it. Requirements for kingdom entrance. Must receive like child humble dependent trusting. Cannot earn merit achieve. Must receive as gift. Pride self-sufficiency obstacles. Reformed theology emphasizes salvation is gift by grace through faith. Monergism God alone effects salvation. Synergism human cooperation heresy. Must receive passively not achieve actively.