The Character Of those Who Are Not Far From The Kingdom Of God;
With A Serious Address To Such Persons.

Adapted From A Sermon By

Philip Doddridge

You are not far from the kingdom of God.

(Mark 12:34)

This morning in a sermon by Philip Doddridge we consider The Character Of those Who Are Not Far From The Kingdom Of God; Our text is Mark 12:34: You are not far from the kingdom of God.

Many people attend services year after year, experiencing the most profound and heartfelt presentations of the gospel, yet they show no signs of being touched by it. It is uncertain whether the gospel has ever truly resonated with them even for a moment. Others might show initial enthusiasm for the message, only to lose that spark over time, sometimes becoming even more resistant than before.

Today, the sermon will focus on those who have been stirred by the gospel but have not fully committed to faith---those who, in the words of our text, are "not far from the kingdom of God."

I earnestly seek the attention of those in this situation, especially young people. I will speak to you straightforwardly, amidst your mix of hope and fear. There is hope because you are so close to embracing the faith, and I want to encourage you to take that step. Yet, there is also fear that the emotions you are experiencing now, or might feel from this message, instead of securing your happiness, should increase your misery.

Jesus spoke these words to a curious scribe who asked him, "Which is the great commandment in the Law?"{Matthew 22:36} Some believe this question was based on a Jewish notion that there was one commandment so vital that keeping it alone could ensure divine acceptance, even if others were neglected---a rather absurd idea. This misconception might be what James the apostle was arguing against when he emphasized that breaking one commandment makes someone guilty of all.

Later rabbis, according to some accounts, took this to an extreme by suggesting certain ceremonial laws were so important that strict adherence to them could excuse all other sins, which is an even more flawed interpretation. Jesus, instead of supporting such a harmful idea, chose a commandment that would naturally lead to the fulfillment of all others. He cited the command from Deuteronomy 6, which, if ancient Jewish traditions are to be believed, was recited daily by the scribes of that time, and is still repeated by modern Jews, though often without practical application: "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might."{Deuteronomy 6:4-5} This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it, encompassing all interpersonal duties: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."{Matthew 22:39}

The scribe acknowledged the wisdom in this response, affirming that these moral principles were more significant than any ceremonial practice, even sacrifices. Jesus then said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God,"{Mark 12:34} essentially saying, "You have a good chance of becoming my disciple and receiving the benefits of my spiritual and eternal kingdom, though you are not yet one of my followers."

We do not know what happened to this scribe afterwards---whether he embraced the gospel and enjoyed its blessings or if he rested in these good speculations, and perished on the very edge of salvation. My focus here is on those who are in a similar position today, those who are close to the kingdom of heaven but have not yet fully entered it. In addressing those who are close to embracing faith, I will:

I. Define who these people are - those who are on the brink of committing to a spiritual life.

II. Explain why they should not remain in this limbo, urging them not to be content with just being near the faith but to fully engage with it.

III. Offer guidance tailored to their current situation, providing steps or advice that could help them make the final leap into faith.

IV. Wrap up with a message for those already advanced in their faith. Reminding those who are assuredly part of the spiritual community of their responsibilities and the joy of their journey, while hoping that through this discourse, more might join their ranks.

I. I am to describe persons of whom the best which can be said of them is that they are not far from the kingdom of God; they have made significant strides toward true religion, although they have not yet reached it. As I delineate these traits, I implore you to reflect upon yourselves, so that you may ascertain your own standing. There may exist a considerable degree of knowledge, impeccable morals, profound convictions, and a degree of reformation, along with a certain rigor not only in public but also in private devotion, yet, one might still linger in the state and character in which I am urging you not to settle.

1. One might possess a considerable degree of religious knowledge, yet still reside in the state I am describing. Such mechanical knowledge in religion can be acquired much like any other form of knowledge, through a reasonable measure of understanding and diligence. When those responsible for the education of the youth take care to instill this knowledge, it becomes almost impossible for those individuals to remain entirely ignorant of it. Indeed, this knowledge can sometimes be very precise, surpassing even that which others, who hold the truth of religion in their hearts, might have. Moreover, this knowledge can be employed in ways that might prove more harmful than beneficial. It might also be a very substantial form of knowledge; an individual could, like the scribe in our text, discern, understand, and even teach others that religion primarily involves the love of God and neighbor, far more than sacrifice or ceremonial practices. Nonetheless, he might himself be devoid of these qualities. For it is one matter to know that faith and holiness are essential for salvation, and quite another to truly embody them in one's heart. Again,

2. One may exhibit blameless morals yet still be in the condition I am describing. Morality, without doubt, holds great significance; it goes beyond mere theoretical knowledge, and there can be no genuine religion without it. However, when we reflect upon what we denote by a person of blameless morals, it becomes clear that this falls significantly short of a truly religious character. By such a description, we mean someone who abstains from committing overt acts of injustice or excess. A mere natural disposition might elevate an individual above such scandalous behaviors.

Certain temperaments are so favorably inclined that there is little tendency towards shameful acts; moreover, where there is some strong inclination, it might be held back by considerations for one's reputation and personal interests, which would be inevitably compromised by drunkenness, lewdness, or clear acts of dishonesty. Prudence might prevent some from such acts, while for others, a natural kindness and concern for the feelings of friends, whose hearts could be shattered by such behaviors, might serve as a restraint. One motive or another of this nature could maintain a semblance of virtue even in an atheist, and even more so in someone who intellectually acknowledges religion but does not feel its transformative power in the heart. But further,

3. One might have experienced profound convictions regarding the evil of sin and the peril it poses, and yet still find oneself in the condition I am describing. Indeed, the reflections prompted by religion are so evident and so critical that it would be surprising if those who have received a religious education have not been somewhat stirred by them.

In the tender and fervent years of youth, is it conceivable to hear of God, his attributes, and his mercy; to contemplate the accountability we will face; to learn of the marvels of redeeming love, and the grave solemnities of death, judgment, and eternity, without being moved? I have no doubt that most of you have, to some extent, felt the force of these truths. You have felt them during religious observances; and if you have somewhat outgrown these feelings, perhaps you have been compelled to experience them more acutely through the discipline of divine correction.

Affliction has overtaken you; perhaps confining you to your room or bed, with the impression that your remaining days were about to be cut short and your soul was transitioning into an eternal state. In such moments, you may have been seized by terror, perhaps excessively; all you experienced in body and mind seemed but the onset of greater suffering, where mental agony nearly eclipsed the pain of physical ailments. Your very soul has seemed to convulse, with all its faculties shaken; yet, this was but a temporary state, akin to that of Felix, who trembled when Paul spoke of righteousness, temperance, and the judgment to come, only to postpone the matter and soon return to his previous ways, as unjust and intemperate as ever. Perhaps, the aftermath for you has been such that, rather than fostering a love for religion, these experiences have instilled a fear of it, as if such intense agony and fear were inherently linked to it. But, perhaps, you have gone yet further, and imagined that some solid fruits of these convictions are apparent; I must therefore add,

4. There may have been a reformation of many things which were amiss, and yet it may only be said of you, that you are not far from the kingdom of God.

Reformation is, indeed, the best proof of true repentance; where it is universal and extends to the heart as well as to the life, it is truly happy. However, it is quite evident that a partial reformation may coexist with the indulgence of some sin in both heart and life; and so, this may exist while there is a fatal distance from God.

Herod not only listened to John the Baptist with pleasure but also performed many deeds, which surely enhanced his delight in hearing him. Yet, he clung to one cherished vice, which led him not only to imprison but also to murder the very preacher he had so esteemed.

I have often noted that when the frivolities of childhood, during which the initial impressions of religion were obscured, have passed, young individuals approaching manhood often find themselves touched by religion. They endeavor to make peace with God, experiencing a degree of humility due to their sins. They might avoid some of the more offensive sins that previously pricked their conscience, adopting instead the outward appearance of religion. In this condition, they might be tempted to pause their journey, and in some cases, upon further understanding the essence of true Christianity, this initial phase has matured into genuine faith. However, in other instances, even this initial fervor has been quickly lost, leading to considerable dissolution. In yet other cases, this partial reformation has been relied upon and trusted in to their destruction. Which leads me to add,

5. There may be a form not only of public but also of private devotion; and yet you may be in the case I am describing, merely approaching the kingdom of God.

Neglecting to participate in public religious activities is a sure sign of spiritual danger. However, regular church attendance in itself is not to be trusted in. Some people, misguided in their faith, boast about it with a confidence that is actually sadly misguided, especially considering what the Bible says about the vanity of such pride.

A regularity in secret devotion is a far more promising sign: indeed, where secret duties are conscientiously practiced, and an inward sense of God is maintained in the heart, coupled with a desire to test all the secret sentiments of the soul in his presence, is a great mark of real religion, and nothing can more assuredly designate a man as a faithful subject of God's kingdom; this, assuming a proper regard is maintained for Christ in our approaches to God and our appeals to him.

However, it is quite evident that there can be the mere form of secret devotion where the heart is scarcely engaged. When children are brought up religiously, they are taught early to pray; they learn a set of words, and at first are obliged by their parents to repeat them morning and evening. This establishes a habit, and instills a conviction that, when neglected, makes young persons uneasy; conscience confronts them for failing in what was no more than a meaningless form.

It is burdensome to perform, and perhaps more burdensome still to entirely neglect; thus, they find themselves unable to be at ease either with or without it. Consequently, perhaps, a compromise is reached, and the habit is kept; a few insincere words are mechanically uttered, and this is called secret prayer, serving merely to soothe conscience and stave off conviction, even though there might not be a single heartfelt sentiment of true devotion from the beginning to the end of a week, or a month.

And thus you see how far it is possible for you to proceed, yet still remain in an unsafe condition; so that the highest praise that can be bestowed upon you would be that you are not far from the kingdom of God. But some might be inclined to say, "How do such persons as I have described fall short? Is not this a beautiful and lovely character; to possess correct notions of religion, impeccable morals, strong convictions, to reform many past errors, to worship God both in his house and in private? What could possibly be lacking when this is the case?"

What is missing is that which is the very essence of all. It is like looking at a corpse that is not torn apart or disintegrated; here lies the full form of a man, with hands, feet, eyes, ears, and lips; and you might ask, what can be lacking? The soul, which should animate all; without which, even these complete members will soon decay. What is absent is this: a principle of true faith in Christ, yielding love for God and delight in all his will; and until this is present, your religion is in vain.

If all that I have now described is your state, you lack a true faith in Christ. You have never properly recognized your need for him if you have not sought refuge in him. Indeed, you might have experienced alarm, much like the manslayer pursued by the avenger of blood; yet, mere trembling would not suffice to save him unless he fled to the city of refuge. The true Christian solemnly entrusts his soul into the hands of Christ, to be saved by him in his appointed manner; and it is this commitment that sets his condition apart from one who is merely approaching the kingdom of God.

And then, it is a faith that engenders love for God, a heart reconciled to him, a heart that takes delight in him, choosing him as our ultimate portion, and contemplating him with an inward satisfaction under that title; even when one's worldly circumstances are most difficult. It is a principle that will engage us to delight in all his will. Never was a more religious character encapsulated in a few words than in those of the apostle, "I delight in the law of God, in my inner being";{Romans 7:22} particularly when it ascends to the level expressed by the Psalmist, not only fearing the Lord but greatly delighting in his commandments.

Rest assured, religion is never genuine until it becomes a source of pleasure. To aspire to engage in as little of it as possible is a clear indication of an insincere heart. He who fears going too far in religion nows nothing of its foundational principles. And again for individuals to guard against the highest heights and greatest attainments in religion, as something they would willingly forego or evade, is a sorrowful sign of an insincere heart.

And thus we have considered the character of those about whom it can only be said, they are not far from the kingdom of God: regardless of their knowledge, morality, convictions, or their extent of reformation, no matter how precise they might be in the practice of public or even private devotion, they remain strangers to a true faith in Christ; such a faith as would produce love for God and engage them to take pleasure in all his will. There persists some secret reservation in favor of some cherished sin; some permitted estrangement of the heart to God which poisons and ruins all. And now,

II. Let us consider why this is not a condition in which you should remain content. We will merely explore these two considerations: If you persist in this state, you will never gain entry into the kingdom of God; and failing to reach it will lead to unspeakably misery.

1. If you continue in this state, you will never enter into the kingdom of God.

To prove this, we must turn to the entire tenor of the word of God, particularly to that solemn declaration of Christ, which encapsulates all we have heard, "Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven."{Matthew 7:21} And what a awful matter it is to be excluded from this kingdom, even if you were to consider it simply as an exclusion, separate from additional affliction.

Formed as we are with an innate desire for happiness, how eagerly do we seize every opportunity to elevate ourselves to better conditions! How severely would you reflect upon yourselves if, for the sake of some fleeting amusement, you had squandered an opportunity for the greatest advancement, for making yourselves rich and noble for life?

But what a momentary vanity is life when its possessions and splendor are compared to a heavenly kingdom, to an unfading crown of glory? To have lost it will become a source of perpetual anguish, especially when you ponder the fate of those who are barred from it. Is there not any hope at all for such? Observe how decisively the Lord has declared the contrary: "When once the master of the house has risen and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, open to us,’ then he will answer you, ‘I do not know where you come from.’"{Luke 13:25}

When the door is once shut, it is shut forever; the exclusion is final, and that is terrifying. But there is much more to be said. Sadly! there is another place for those shut out of the kingdom of God. While the wretched soul stands vainly knocking and pleading, angels sweep it up; and can you contemplate where they take it? To what place? To what company? To what condition?

What do you think has become of the spirit of one who has died yesterday, excluded from the kingdom of heaven? Is it fallen into a peaceful slumber, into pleasing dreams, or profound unawareness? No! it awakens to misery; and to what misery? Who can describe it? Who can fathom it? Indeed, who can bear to dwell on even the little that can be imagined of it, when considering it as in a state of final despair, of irrevocable condemnation?

It is shocking to witness what a change a few hours can sometimes bring about in the condition of a person in this world. Many young people, who but a few days before were in perfect health and cheerfulness, have been suddenly overtaken by a violent illness; writhing in agony; their spirits filled with terror at the prospect of appearing before God.

But what is this situation compared to that into which any of us, who are in the condition that has been described, might be cast in a week, a day, an hour? When all the agony of mind and body, to be endured throughout a miserable eternity, converge in the moment that initiates it. A miserable eternity! Let each of us seriously reflect upon this and to think as attentively as possible, though it will be in a very imperfect manner, what it would mean to fall into it. For as I am to add,

2. That one's falling short of the kingdom of God constitutes a case of peculiar wretchedness becomes evident when considering from what one has fallen, and for what cause such misery is incurred.

The realization of having fallen from such great heights will be particularly dreadful when one reflects upon the lofty hopes, the glorious privileges, and the towering expectations with which one had once flattered oneself. You, who by birth were, as it were, the children of the kingdom, and had flattered yourselves that you should have been its heirs. The Lord Jesus Christ mentions this as the most lamentable circumstance of all. There shall be weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, while you are shut out. Most notably, when you come to think how near you came, what steps you took, so that you seemed, as it were, at the gates, upon the very threshold. The balances hovered so long in uncertainty, coming so near to a tipping point, and yet at last, a vanity lighter than air pushed it over.

Consider for what reason all this sublime happiness was lost, and this awful misery incurred.

Indeed, there would be room to make such a reflection in any conceivable situation. I recall it is said of Henry IV of France that, before his accession to the throne, one of his predecessors, in whose power he then was, threatened him with immediate death if he would not renounce his religion; and accordingly, he was induced to do so. When a Protestant minister later met him and remonstrated with him about it, he responded, "It was for my life and the crown of France."

And what if it was for great riches and for a crown that you sold your immortal hopes; for the crown of the whole world? As our Lord himself phrases it: "What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?"{Matthew 16:26} What would he not give to redeem it again, having sold it for all the world? But it is a truth as certain as it is solemn and moving, that the kingdom of God is generally traded for matters which do little for men's worldly happiness; indeed, very often, for things that become the source of their misery in this world as well as in the next.

Surely, if you have contemplated these matters with any amount of attention, you will be alarmed and will seek guidance. And do you truly desire it? If so gladly hear the third general point, where I am,

III. To offer some appropriate advice for those who are not far from the kingdom of God, but have not yet progressed sufficiently to be entitled to its blessings.

1. First resolve to make time for solitude and profound reflection. Dedicate time in your morning and evening hours to meet with God and your own conscience. Arrange suitable times and occasions for this purpose; and, having wisely determined them, be steadfast in adhering to them when it is within your power.

2. Secondly, take time to engage in fervent prayer. I emphasize fervent prayer, for a cold and formal approach will only invite rejection.

Rest assured, nothing will succeed without this. It is the power and grace of God that must usher you into his kingdom; and this grace is to be sought and anticipated through prayer. Do not reply that you do pray; you do pray, but how? In a cold, formal manner? Merely to maintain a tradition, or to pacify, if not silence, the cries of conscience. But, consider, there is a cause, a cause substantial enough to intensify your earnestness.

It is for a kingdom, for a crown of glory; it is an immortal soul that hangs in the balance, and its eternal happiness or misery is in question. How persistent young people can be, particularly for what they ardently desire! Even if it is merely the diversion of a moment's pleasure, or some trivial piece of clothing; if they believe they can secure it through persistence, how insistent they become! Would that there were such fervent desires and petitions in a matter that so richly merits them; and where eager persistence would be as much an honor as it is, in these trivialities of which I speak, a sign of weakness and disgrace.

3. Share your situation openly with some mature Christians, and ask them to provide you with counsel and to keep vigil over you. If possible find someone to whom you might reveal the turmoil within your mind, the anxiety that grips your heart, and your dread of ultimately missing heaven. The mere act of sharing could be of some benefit, further embedding the issue in your consciousness; their guidance might prove very helpful; their intercessions on your behalf could also bear fruit.

4. Take note of those things which have caused you to stumble, and remain especially vigilant against them. Convictions have faded, and positive impressions have been eroded, I may assume, with respect to each of us; and how have these been eroded and lost? Surely it would be prudent for you to reflect and investigate. Was it by abandoning solitude and neglecting prayer? Was it through the perusal of trivial literature or by associating with harmful company? Or, what often entraps numerous young individuals, an affection for sports or an affinity for food? In your introspection, ask yourselves, "What benefit have I derived from these things? Come, my soul, let us audit the account, and consider what I have gained from that company, from those entertainments, pleasures, and companions, for they are not deserving of the title of friends, for which I have turned away from my God when I was pursuing him, and appeared well on my way to securing his favor and friendship."

Ponder this, and escape the traps that have ensnared you, perhaps time and again. Even a child, indeed even an irrational creature, in many instances, will be wary of approaching a place where it has been injured or an individual by whom it has been harmed; and will you perpetually rush into the same snare and into the same peril? If you do not glean wisdom from the experiences of others, then learn it at least from your own. And, so that you may not be perpetually learning without ever coming to grasp the most vital truth, consider,

5. If you feel the Holy Spirit stirring within, commit to God solemnly. Reflect on the covenant between you and God, considering its demands and blessings. Ask yourself if this covenant is beneficial and if you should fully assent to it. If so, express your commitment by kneeling and saying: "Blessed God, I accept your covenant, taking you as my Father, Christ as my Redeemer, and your Spirit to sanctify me. I choose your word as my guide, your glory as my purpose, and eternal joy in you as my goal. I dedicate myself to you as your servant and child." Write this down like Nehemiah, and reaffirm it often. Having done this,

6. Strive to remain steadfast in this commitment, and be vigilant against the initial steps toward apostasy. You can assuredly count on the fact that, in such a situation, the eyes of your spiritual adversaries will be on you to harm you; it will be their aim and their delight to entrap and corrupt one of God's covenant servants, casting disgrace upon his household. Likely, the initial attempt will be to lure you into minor sins; to distance your heart from communion with God and diminish your zeal for devotion; and so, by imperceptible degrees, you might be drawn backward until you fall into sins which the adversary is currently too cunning to even plant in your mind.

Yet, remember the solemnity of your commitments. Having pledged your word to the Lord, recall that to retreat would be a grievous sin; nor should you look back once you have put your hand to his plow. Beware of grieving the Holy Spirit of God, and provoking him to withdraw his influence, for if it is removed, you will find yourself as Samson when his strength was taken away. Therefore, guard your heart with utmost diligence, and commit it each day to the safekeeping of God and the protection of his grace.

7. Earnestly seek advancement in your spiritual life, and be cautious against imposing any limits on yourselves in this regard. To press forward is the only certain method to prevent backsliding; for in religion, we advance like a heavy object thrown skyward, which begins to descend the very moment it stops climbing. Therefore, strive continuously to understand more of God, to love him more deeply, and to make divine matters increasingly intimate to your thoughts. Ascend as high as possible in Divine favor, and accumulate for yourselves a treasure in heaven, as vast as you can possibly amass; indeed, let any exceptional progress already achieved, or which will be achieved, spur rather than diminish your future endeavors.

8. Perform your actions swiftly, with a serious awareness of life's uncertainty, and the even greater unpredictability of the day of grace. Your own existence hinges upon a fragile breath that might cease before the end of this sermon. Therefore, do not rest until the supreme matter, the purpose of life, is assured; for, should that not be secured, it would have been better for you never to have been born. This is a solemn call, and to disregard it might particularly provoke God; he might either swiftly end your life or abandon you to the corruption of your own heart.

Just as there is a final breath in the lungs, and a last beat of the heart, after which the blood ceases to flow and death follows; so too there exists a final stirring of the Spirit of God in the soul, beyond which there is no hope for future conversion or salvation. And how do you know but that the stir you now feel within your heart, and about which you are pondering whether to heed or ignore, might be that very last stirring? I present this matter to you with utmost seriousness; and now, I turn from you to conclude,

IV. With a few words of counsel to individuals of a different character.

This application is intended for those who have advanced past the threshold we have been describing and who have indeed entered into the kingdom of God. And to such,

1. Let me stir your gratitude towards the grace that has ushered you into such a secure and joyous state. You were once subjects of the kingdom of Satan; you were predisposed to remain there; but the power and grace of God have accomplished your blessed transition from one dominion to another. To rouse your thankfulness, ponder the privileges and blessings you may now claim as your own. Allow yourself the pleasure of considering, "Christ has established a small kingdom here on earth, and I am counted among the few who belong to it: when he surveys his loyal subjects, he includes me in their number, and he regards me with the affection of a gracious sovereign, my protector and guardian; indeed, such is his boundless condescension, that he is my friend as well."

2. Look with tender compassion upon those of whom it can at best be said that they are not far from the kingdom of God; indeed, perhaps even that much cannot be said of them. Are there not many such among your fellow citizens, your neighbors? Are there not such even within your own families? And is this not a pitiable condition? Have pity upon them; offer them counsel; intercede for them in prayer; and when you have prayed, continue your endeavors, even if they have previously been fruitless.

If you were to see upon them the telltale signs of a deadly illness beginning to take hold, you would speak to them candidly; you would repeatedly warn them of the consequences, and insist they seek assistance. Oh! Why then are your sympathies not more tender, not more active, when the death they face is eternal? And when your attempts bear no fruit, lift your eyes to heaven, and say, "O Lord, my words fall on deaf ears; but you have a voice, speak to them, and they shall hear; call them into your kingdom, and they shall obey."

3. Live as those who are in the kingdom of God in one sense, and near it in another, even more sublime and significant. Recall your privileges and your aspirations, and let them inspire you to conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of him who has summoned you to glory and virtue; who has begotten you anew to a living hope of an inheritance that is incorruptible, undefiled, and unfading.

You have salvation, complete salvation, in your sights: and it draws closer; it is nearer now than when you first believed; it approaches daily. We may look at every true Christian, especially one who has progressed far in the journey of life, and say to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." A few more days, or at most a few more years, will usher you into its splendors and delights.

You will be there, truly within the kingdom, beholding the King in his majesty, partaking in the bread and wine, living and reigning with him. Keep this always in your thoughts, and strive to shape your soul more and more to that hymn in which, I trust, through Divine grace, so many of us will partake:

"Salvation be to him who sits upon the throne, and to the Lamb, who has redeemed us to God by his blood, and made us kings and priests; that we might reign and worship forever. To him be glory, world without end. Amen."