THE PATH TO THE KINGDOM
By
LT.-COLONEL G. F.
POYNDER
If
(as is the case) the Kingdom is our hope, the prize which we must
agonize to obtain, it is of vital importance that we enquire how we may do so; lest,
through ignorance, or wilfulness, or blinded eyes, we miss what God has
graciously provided for those who really believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as
their Lord and their Saviour.
First,
we notice that it is no easy road into
that kingdom. It is "gotten by force, and
they that thrust men take it by force" (Matt.
11: 12, marg.). Let us not sit down satisfied that we are
saved, that all that is necessary to be done, if we would enter that kingdom,
has already been done for us. If we do,
we show plainly we are not worthy to enter it. Rather let us remember it is held out before
us as a prize for which we must so run as those run who are anxious to win a
prize. It is a hard battle in which we
must so fight, not as those who beat the air, but keeping under our bodies, and
bruising them, strive to be more than conquerors; lest, when we have acted the
part of heralds to others, we ourselves should be rejected at the Bema for the
prize (comp. 1 Cor. 9:
24-27).
Secondly,
as we turn to the discourse that our Lord had with Nicodemus, the teacher of
Israel, He plainly showed that there are two classes of believers: the one
class will only be privileged to see this Kingdom of God
(so called, doubtless, because He was speaking to a Jew, and referred,
therefore, to the kingdom on earth, which he would have understood), and the
other class who will be able to enter that kingdom. Two classes of whom we have striking types in
the Old Testament: (1) Moses, because of his sin, only permitted to see the
land, but not allowed to enter at that time. (2) Joshua, who was not only permitted to see
it, but also to enter in, as the leader of God’s chosen people. And what constitutes the difference between
these two classes? The first are those
who are born again only, and go no further; but the second are those who are
born out of water and of the Spirit. What
could our Lord have meant by this phrase? Are we to look upon it as an
Hendiadys, or figure of speech, meaning "born out
of spiritual water"? Surely
not! Nor ought we to read the water
figuratively as the Word of God, for there is no difficulty in reading the
sentence literally, as referring to those who have passed through the waters of
baptism,* and then have been baptized by the Holy Spirit, and thus endued with
power to win the prize, "the out-resurrection (or
first resurrection) from amongst dead persons"
(Phil. 3: 11, 14), which entitles them
"to live and reign with Christ during the
Millennial age" (Rev. 20: 4).
[*
Certainly no virtue is to be ascribed to the water; passing through the water
of Baptism is to show our obedience to the Lord’s command (Matt. 28: 19).]
Again,
as we turn to the words of the Lord (Matt. 18: 3)
we read, "Except ye be converted, and become as
little children, ye shall not enter into the Kingdom of the Heavens."
Evidently, then, more is needed than
conversion, if we would enter that kingdom. We need the simplicity, the purity, the
humility, the childlike faith and innocence of little children, if we would
obtain an entrance into that kingdom.
Further,
there must be no looking back when once we have set out for that kingdom (Luke 9: 62). There must be a continuance in the faith, even
though we may be called upon to pass through much tribulation (Acts 14: 22). For though the Spirit of God may bear witness
with our spirits that we are children of God, we are not heirs of God, and
joint-heirs with Christ of His kingdom, unless we are willing to suffer with
Him. But if we are, and do so suffer,
then indeed shall we be glorified with Him (Rom. 8:
17).
Let
us remember also the solemn, awe-inspiring words with which our Lord warns His
disciples, that sloth and lawlessness will exclude believers. "Not every one
that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdom of the Heavens,
but he that doeth the will of My Father" (Matt.
7: 21). For, notice, there is no
reference to faith, or to eternal life, it is only "the Kingdom of the Heavens" which is in question
in these verses, and into which unworthy believers, even though they have
accepted the free gift of salvation, will be unable to enter, although they may
have professed devotion to their Lord; for His eyes of fire have scrutinized
their works and found them lacking in sincerity and in obedience to his
Father’s will. And yet, how many true believers
are failing to grasp the import of these most solemn passages, and the teaching
generally of the Master and His disciples regarding these kingdom truths; but
instead - thinking all is well - are looking for the Lord to come at any moment
to call them, and all believers, to meet Him in the air, and to be with
Him forever! Oh, how important, then, it
is for us who know these things, to so watch an "pray
that we may be accounted worthy” to stand before the Son of Man when He
comes, and, rendering a good account of our stewardship, hear the "Well done, good and faithful servant," and enter
with joy into His Millennial Kingdom of the Heavens.
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