Why can’t we just accept Jesus, live as we like and when we die we are automatically part of God’s eternal Kingdom and become citizens in the new heaven and earth? It is because of the following verse,
‘He [God] has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the Kingdom of the Son He loves….’ Colossians 1:13a
People saved by Jesus already live as citizens of the Kingdom. Jesus explained that the Kingdom is still invisible in this life.
‘…the Kingdom of God is within you.’ Luke 17:21b
It is in the age to come that it will be visible but God’s standard remains the same,
‘…without holiness no one will see the Lord.’ Hebrews 12:14b
One can claim to be a follower of Jesus and invade a country and cause the deaths of thousands or be a leader and promote what God hates. Yet all people will appear before the Judge, Jesus Christ, and His judgment will be fair. He will not give preferential treatment however high and mighty you are.
‘…each person was judged according to what he had done.’ Revelation 20:13b