(a) Procrastination.
(b) Lingering love of the world.
III. Such men cannot continue near.
The state is necessarily transitional. It must pass over into—(a) Either going on and into the Kingdom, or (b) going further away from it.
Christ warns here, and would stimulate to action, for—(a) Convictions not acted on die; (b) truths not followed out fade; (c) impressions resisted are harder to be made again; (d) obstacles increase with time; (e) the habit of lingering becomes strengthened.
IV. Unless you are in, you are finally shut out.
'City of refuge.' It was of no avail to have been near. 'Strive to enter in.'
Appeal to all such as are in this transition stage.
THE CREDULITY OF UNBELIEF
'Many shall come in My name, saying, I am Christ, and shall deceive many.'—Mark xiii. 6.