WHO IS CLOSE TO THE KINGDOM?
"You are not far from the kingdom of God."(Mark 12:34)
This passage is the conclusion of a discourse between Jesus and some detractors. But this last man, to whom he said, "You are not far from the kingdom of God," was no detractor for he was honest. The former inquisitors only wanted to trap Jesus, but this man questioned only that he might learn. His question concerning the greatest commandment was out of a truly personal concern to know.
What is so confounding to many of our Brethren is how religious folks can be lost. At least part of the answer is right here. Some convince themselves that we aren't closer to perfect than our denominational "friends," therefore, either we are just as lost, or they are just as saved. It is interesting to note that Jesus didn't offer any heavenly assurances to those who argued against the truth. The honest man, though, can find the truth and the way to heaven.
I do not mean to suggest that those purchased by The blood, should not "contend" for the faith, because they should! But there is a difference between arguing for pride and arguing in defense of God. When a brother "argues" (if you don't like the word, insert "defend", or "preach") he does it out of a desire to enlighten others by relating the will of God.
One of the greatest obstacles to entering the kingdom is the lack of love for truth (2 Thess. 2:11). The mind given over to every false way, first, with full volition, must "suppress the truth..." (Rom. 1:18). This is the work of many sinners and Jesus dealt with His share of them. For Jesus to suffer the lies of men was nothing new. He knew from the beginning that his words would be distorted to accommodate the desire of men's flesh. How easily the Serpent convinced the first man and woman to disregard God's word! The forbidden fruit looked so good, surely God was mistaken. But they did die, spiritually, and heaven wasn't so close any more. So it is, with the inquisitors in our passage, they cared not for the truth, but they cared immensely for power and prestige. They, it can be said, were not close to the kingdom.
But of the last man, the passage says Jesus saw that he had answered "intelligently." The word suggest a prudent or wise response. He didn't compromise, equivocate, or hedge his answer. He understood some truth and was ready to learn more.
Here is a lesson for the children of God: we don't get closer to the kingdom by arguing with God. Is it difficult to imagine that the "many", not the "few", are going to eternal hell? Most certainly it is, but what is gained by protesting against the truth? It is true that for "immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these," men will not go to heaven (Gal. 5:19-21). Believers who desire more people be saved have to save them (Jude 23) according to God's prescribed way. The Gate which leads down the straight and narrow is not made wider by removing mode or meaning from Baptism. We cannot stay right with God when we strip meaning from what God gave meaning to. The same is true with worship: if we desire to broaden the church's circle of fellowship, it can not be done by worshipping with and accepting those whom God doesn't know (Mt. 7:21-23; John 4:23,24). The present day spirit of "openness" and "non-judgmentalism" will not bring people closer to heaven. This spirit is the modern day equivalent to the Tower of Babel; man's feeble attempt to make his own path to heaven.
Jesus said to the man, "you are not far from the kingdom of God", because the man wanted to know the truth. There is no other way to heaven.
-- Dan Mayfield, Owatonna --
©1998 Dan Mayfield. Permission granted to use this article in any manner, as long as: 1) the content is not changed and 2) the name of the author is left on the article.
Free Bible Correspondence Course
Thanks For Visiting
Our Email Address is
©1998, 1999, 2001 Birdville church of Christ