Why Many Will Fail by W. N. Glenn

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jan 8, 1885

Why Many Will Fail.

By W. N. Glenn

We are told by the Saviour of mankind (Luke 13:24) that many will seek to enter into the kingdom of God, and shall not be able. This statement, together with the further declaration (Matt. 7:14) that few will find the narrow way to eternal life, shows the importance of some inquiry as to the reason for the multitude of failures here foretold. As God is “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Pet. 3:9), it is clear that the fault cannot be ascribed to him. To the Jewish rulers, Jesus said, “Ye will not come unto me, that ye might have life.” Here was positive rejection of the only source of life; and this fully accounts for their condemnation, as also for the condemnation of all others who assume a like attitude toward the Redeemer.

But the query still stands, why so many who do not abruptly reject the offered mercy, but who actually “seek” admission to the kingdom, professedly through Christ, will in the end come short. There are many reasons assigned in the Scriptures why different classes of professors will fail, but there must be a root whence they all spring. The all-important era in the life of one who would seek the kingdom of God is his conversion. That is the starting point, and much depends upon getting a right start.

In this connection there is a principle laid down by the Saviour, in his instruction to his disciples, which the many seekers for the honors connected with his service apparently overlook: “Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of Heaven.” Matt. 18:3. Not only is conversion essential, but it is also necessary for the convert to become as a little child. This is the great obstacle in the way of human nature; and the greater the measure of worldly success an individual may have attained, the greater is the difficulty he experiences in giving it all up and reverting to childhood for a new start in a directly opposite course. But the imperative word of the Lord is, “Ye must be born again” (John 3:7). Being born again implies beginning life a second time, and consequently assuming an entirely dependent position, helpless as regards inherent strength. A person may be converted, and through false instruction, or lack of instruction, may fail to realize the necessity of an absolute surrender of self, and a meek, childlike submission to God. But, sometime during his probation, this humble position may be assumed, otherwise he “cannot enter into the kingdom of Heaven.”

The apostle Paul said, “I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then am I strong.” 2 Cor. 12:10. Those things drove him to God for strength—a strength that overcomes all weakness, and subdues all opposition. Now a child is the personification of weakness and dependence. No other young creature, of whatever species, remains so long in an utterly helpless condition, as a child. Yet there is no time that it is subject to so many mishaps as when it begins to go alone. So long as it lies contentedly in its mother's arms, or confidently allows her to assist and direct its steps, it is comparatively safe from harm. But as soon as it begins to spurn parental guidance, then come the straying into forbidden paths, the beguilements of the enemy, and departures from duty.

There is hardly a principle in the Christian course that is not in some way illustrated in the history of ancient Israel. And in contemplating this subject the mind reverts to the case of Uzziah, king of Judah. The account of his career is given in the twenty-sixth chapter of 2 Chronicles. He was elevated to the throne in a day of trouble, when his father Amaziah,

who had departed from the service of the Lord, had been slain by his people. Although Uzziah was but sixteen years old when he began to reign, “he sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God; and as long as he sought the Lord, God made him to prosper.” Verse 5. “And his name spread far abroad, for he was marvelously helped, till he was strong. But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction; for he transgressed against the Lord his God, and went into the temple of the Lord to burn incense upon the altar of incense.” Verses 15, 16. The priests remonstrated against the wicked assumption, but he persisted in the unwarranted trespass until he was smitten with leprosy; and was cut off from the house of the Lord from that day onward.

Comment upon this example is unnecessary. It was “written for our learning,” and we can do no better than to heed the instruction. But there is one more point in reference to childhood. “Little children” are supposed to do what they are bidden. And it is a fact that, generally, they are more obedient than those of maturer age. Then to become as a little child the conversion implies not only a close relationship to God, and humble dependence upon his fostering care and guidance, but obedience to his commands. Without these qualifications, “ye shall not enter into the kingdom of Heaven.” The requirement is imperative, and the sooner all seekers for entrance to that kingdom learn the lesson, the better for their prospects of success. W. N. GLENN.