Effort is required to obtain the salvation we seek. We should expect opposition. Our obligation is to dispense with false doctrines to make room for the doctrine of Jesus Christ. The exercise of power [grace] that makes the Christian super-human in this world should not give us a false notion that we are righteous enough to receive such power, or even loved enough to receive the privilege, but we should see it as our duty to exercise it. Our obedience opens the communication of daily instruction. In this way, we work hand-in-hand with our God on His redemption plan.
***
Ch. 30 – Jesus Teaches the Kingdom in Parables
THE COSTLY PEARL (Matt. 13:45, 46)
Jesus told another parable to teach his listeners what the kingdom of Heaven is. He said:
“Again, he kingdom of Heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls—who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, as bought it.”
A NET (Matt 13:47-53)
Jesus likened the kingdom of Heaven to a net, saying:
“Again, the kingdom of Heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind—which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away.
So shall it be at the end of the world. The angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, and shall cast them into the furnace of fire. There shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.”
Then Jesus said:
“Have ye understood all these things?”
The people answered:
“Yes, Lord.”
Jesus said to them:
“Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of Heaven is like unto a man that is a householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.”