153. So Near.

And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. - Mark 12:34.

THE kingdom of God is set up among men.

Those who are in it are—

· Quickened with divine life. "He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living" (verse 27).

· Received under the reign of grace (Rom. 5:21).

· Obedient to the law of love (1 John 4:7).

· Favored with divine privileges (Matt. 6:33; Luke 12:32).

· Raised to special dignities (Rev. 1:6).

· Indulged with peculiar happiness (Matt. 25:34).

Those who are outside of it are in some respects on a level.

But in other regards, some are "far off," and others "not far."

The scribe in the narrative was on the borders of the kingdom.

Of such a character we will now treat.

I. WHAT ARE ITS MARKS?

1. Truthfulness of spirit.

· This man was candid as a student of the law.

· This man was honest as a teacher of the law.

· This man was fair as a controversialist.

· A spirit of general uprightness, sincerity, and fairness, is a great moral advantage.

2. Spiritual perception. This scribe must have spoken with great discretion, or the Lord Jesus would not have taken such special notice of his reply. He saw—

· More than a Papist, who makes everything of ceremonies.

· More than a mere doctrinalist, who puts head-knowledge above heart-experience and holiness.

· More than a moralist, who forgets the love of the heart.

3. Acquaintance with the law.

· Those who see the unity, and yet the breadth and spirituality of the law's demands are in a hopeful condition.

· Still more, those who perceive that their own lives fall short of those demands, and grieve on that account.

4. Teachableness, which this man clearly exhibited, is a good sign; especially if we are willing to learn truth, although its advocate is unpopular.

5. A sense of need of Christ, which did not appear in the case of this scribe, but is seen in many who attend the ministry.

6. A horror of wrongdoing, and of impurity of every kind.

7. A high regard for holy things, and a practical interest in them.

8. A diligent commencement of prayer, Bible reading, meditation, regular hearing of the word, and other gracious habits.

There are other signs, but time would fail us to mention more.

Many of these appear, like blossoms on a tree, but they disappoint the hopes which they excite.

II. WHAT ARE ITS DANGERS?

No man is safe till he is actually in the kingdom: the borderland is full of peril. There is the danger—

1. Lest you slip back from this hopefulness.

2. Lest you rest content to stop where you are.

3. Lest you grow proud and self-righteous.

4. Lest you proceed from being candid to become indifferent.

5. Lest you die ere the decisive step be taken.

III. WHAT ARE ITS DUTIES?

Though your condition is not one in which to rest, it is one which involves you in many responsibilities, since it is a condition of singular privilege.

1. Thank God for dealing so mercifully with you.

2. Admit with deep sincerity that you need supernatural help for entrance into the kingdom.

3. Tremble lest that decisive and saving step be never taken.

4. Decide at once through divine grace. Oh, for the Spirit of God to work effectually upon you!

What a pity that any should perish who are so near!

What horror to see such hopeful ones cast away!

How fatal to stop short of saving faith!