Again, the 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, and bought it. Mt. 13:45, 46
The motto of many today is "try Jesus" as though the Lord of glory can be offered on the basis of a no obligation demonstration of some kind. The Pearl of great price cannot be obtained in such a way, nor would such an offer interest a true "merchant man seeking goodly pearls." He would say, "I don't want to try the pearl, I must own it at all cost!"
One of the many evidences of fleshly religion such as is so prevalent in the 90's is an absence of genuine commitment to Christ. People will readily accept Him as their personal Saviour without bowing to Him as Lord and pledging absolute allegiance to Him as their Sovereign King. He, of course, will say to such in that day, "I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."
Being religious is perfectly consistent with human nature, but selling out entirely to Christ and resting all hope for time and eternity upon His Person and bloody work cannot be performed nor imitated by the natural man. No man can come to me, except the. Father which hath sent me draw him. Jn. 6:44.
I wonder if many realize what is required? If any man will follow me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. Mt. 16:24. How incapable we are of doing this without Him drawing us with cords of everlasting love. With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. Mt. 19:26.
Thank God for His irresistible grace which came where I was, having purposed to have me at infinite cost, and causing me to come to Him with the purpose of having Him at all cost.