4. They shall not be able to enter in that have not gospel-holiness. Holiness that is the effect of faith is that which admits into the presence of God, and into his kingdom too. "Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection, on such the second death," that is, hell and eternal damnation, "hath no power." (Rev 20:6,14) Blessed and holy, with the holiness that flows from faith which is in Christ; for to these the inheritance belongs. "That they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified, by faith," saith Christ, "that is in me." (Acts 26:18) This holiness, which is the natural effect of faith in the Son of God, Christ Jesus the Lord will, at this day of judgment, distinguish from all other shows of holiness and sanctity, be they what they will, and will admit the soul that hath this holiness into his kingdom, when the rest will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.
5. They shall not be able to enter in that do not persevere in this blessed faith and holiness; not that they that have them indeed can finally fall away, and everlastingly perish; but it hath pleased Jesus Christ to bid them that have the right to hold fast that they have: to endure to the end; and then tells them they shall be saved—though it is as true that none is of power to keep himself; but God worketh together with his children, and they are "kept by the power of God, through faith unto salvation," which is also laid up in heaven for them. (1 Peter 1:3-5)
"The foolish shall not stand in thy sight; thou hatest all workers of iniquity." (Psa 5:5) The foolish are the unholy ones, that neither have faith, nor holiness, nor perseverance in godliness, and yet lay claim to the kingdom of heaven; but "better is a little with righteousness, than great revenues without right." (Prov 16:8) What is it for me to claim a house, or a farm, without right? or to say, all this is mine, but have nothing to show for it? This is but like the revenues of the foolish; his estate lieth in his conceit. He hath nothing by birthright and law, and therefore shall not be able to inherit the possession. "For many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able."
Thus you see, that the non-elect shall not be able to enter, that he that is not born again shall not be able to enter, that he that hath not saving faith, with holiness and perseverance flowing therefrom, shall not be able to enter; wherefore consider of what I have said.
[SECOND. THE WORDS BY WAY OF OBSERVATION.]
I come now to give you some observations from the words, and they may be three.
FIRST. When men have put in all the claim they can for heaven, but few will have it for their inheritance. "For many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able." SECOND. Great, therefore, will be the disappointment that many will meet with at the day of judgment: "For many will seek to enter in, and shall not be able." THIRD. Going to heaven, therefore, will be no trivial business; salvation is not got by a dream; they that would then have that kingdom must now strive lawfully to enter: "For many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able."
FIRST. I shall speak chiefly, and yet but briefly, to the first of these observations; to wit, That when men have put in all the claim they can to the kingdom of heaven, but few will have it for their inheritance. The observation standeth of two parts. First. That the time is coming, when every man will put in whatever claim they can to the kingdom of heaven. Second. There will be but few of them that put in claim thereto, that shall enjoy it for their inheritance.
[First. ALL WILL PUT IN WHAT CLAIM THEY CAN TO THE KINGDOM OF
HEAVEN.]
I shall speak but a word or two to the first part of the observation, because I have prevented my enlargement thereon by my explication upon the words; but you find in the 25th of Matthew, that all they on the left hand of the Judge did put in all the claim they could for this blessed kingdom of heaven. If you should take them on the left hand as most do, for all the sinners that shall be damned, then that completely proveth the first part of the observation; for it is expressly said, "Then shall they," all of them jointly, and every one apart, "also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thus and thus, and did not minister unto thee?" (Matt 25:44) I could here bring you in the plea of the slothful servant, the cry of the foolish virgins; I could also here enlarge upon that passage, "Lord, Lord, have we not eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets?" But these things are handled already in the handling of which this first part of the observation is proved; wherefore, without more words, I will, God assisting by his grace, descend to the second part thereof, to wit,