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The Cost of the Kingdom

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 6, 1916

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 93, No. 33.

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The Cost of the Kingdom

By J. G. SLATE

J. G. SLATE
THE Bible teaches that the way to the kingdom of God is straight and narrow; a way of self-denial and cross-bearing for the followers of Jesus Christ. Many wonder at the price of faith and sacrifice demanded of the Christian, and question God’s justice in restricting his promise. Why should not all who “strive” for the crown of life obtain the reward?
We prize most that which costs us most. Self is dear to every heart; but as shown by the illustration of the camel’s passing through the needle’s eye, everything of earthly value must be laid aside before we can “enter in through the gates into the city.”
God has made the way straight and narrow and long, that he may have a company “not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing,” when he gathers his people home at last.
The young ruler inquired of the Master, “What good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?” Jesus referred him to the law, which promises salvation to all who keep its precepts. The young man replied, “All these things have I kept from my youth,” and then the Lord pointed out an unfulfilled condition—that of self-sacrifice: “Sell that, thou hast, . . . and come and follow me.” But alas! the young man went away sorrowful, “for he had great possessions.” Had he been willing to pay the price, he might have become a joint heir with his Lord in glory, and obtained glory, honor, immortality, and eternal life. Mark 10: 17-25; Rom. 2: 7; 8: 17.
Two of Christ’s disciples asked for the privilege of sitting at his side in the kingdom. He inquired, Are you able to drink of my cup of self-denial, sacrifice, ignominy, and shame? Are you able to be baptized into my death—to put away self-will and to suffer the cutting off of every earthly privilege, if such be God’s will for you? Matt. 20: 22; Mark 10: 35-38. They answered that they were ready to endure anything with him. He assured them that if faithful to the end, their reward would be a crown of life.
The same prize is before the disciples of Christ today; the same help is offered us if we follow in the footsteps of the Man of Calvary, who “was tempted in all points like as we are, yet without sin.”
Takoma Park, D. C.