"Now when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, He said to [the scribe], 'You are not far from the kingdom of God.' "
I wonder how many people we will speak with today are "not far from the kingdom of God." The Holy Spirit starts a work in souls, often
long before they are regenerated. Let all churchmen recognize this fact, and act in accord with it. In other words, some people with whom we are doing evangelism--though they are not "in" the kingdom of God yet--may not be far from it.
Clearly, proximity to the kingdom has something to do with doctrinal understanding. But it must also have something to do with human love and patience. Let us be those who encourage others who are "not far" away; and not be those who discourage them.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Grace is necessary for a Christian; others things are but inconveniences." --Christopher Love, in his sermon, "Uses of Instruction and Trial"]
