What does the Bible say about being close to the kingdom of heaven?

In Mark 12:34, Jesus tells a scribe, 'Thou art not far from the kingdom of God.' This statement highlights that while the scribe had an understanding of significant commandments, he lacked the essential new birth that allows entrance into the kingdom. The Lord's assertion serves as a stark reminder that knowledge and proximity to truth do not equate to salvation. Only by being born again, as mentioned in John 3:3, can one truly enter the kingdom of God, affirming the importance of regeneration in salvation.