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loss. In the parables at the close of Matthew it is the faithful servant that receives the
"well done" from the Saviour and enters into the joy of the Lord in resurrection at His
Second Coming, which is parallel to "entering the Kingdom".
The two senses of the word "life" come out in 100: B. Williams' translation. He has
added the words "higher" and "lower" to designate them:
"Then Jesus said to His disciples, If anyone wants to be My disciple he must say `no'
to self, put his cross on his shoulders and keep on following Me. For whoever wants to
save his higher life, will have to give up the lower life and whoever gives up the lower
life for My sake will find the higher life. For what benefit will it be to a man, if he gains
the whole world and loses his higher life? What price would a man pay to buy back his
life?" (16: 24, 26, 100: B. Williams).
The figure of cross bearing would be well known by reason of the crucifixion of
criminals in Palestine. It is clear that God does not force any disciple of His to take up
the cross. This is decided by the believer himself as to whether he chooses to do so or
not. There is always the easy way to take which avoids suffering and loss which is
typified by the cross.
Losing the life or soul means to forfeit voluntarily many of the pleasures and good
things of this life for the truth's sake, and looking forward in faith to a resurrection life
which is infinitely better and permanently satisfying. Abraham experienced this loss
when he left the pleasures and attractions of Ur of the Chaldees, giving up kith and kin to
become a dweller in tents in a far off undeveloped country. But Heb. 11: tells us that
this was done with the eye of faith, looking forward to that "better country", heavenly in
character, to be enjoyed in resurrection (Heb. 11: 13-16).
Moses likewise gave up much that was attractive and enjoyable in Egypt, for he had
been brought up in Pharaoh's palace, surrounded by tremendous wealth and power. Yet
he let it all go, and chose to suffer affliction with the people of God (Israel), esteeming the
reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt, for he had respect unto the
recompense of the reward (Heb. 11: 24-26).
Paul had the same experience when he voluntarily gave up the gains of this present
life with all their seeming advantages, for the far better spiritual treasures to be found
only in Christ (Phil. 3: 7-11).
Peter, in his first epistle, referred to the sufferings that those to whom he wrote were
undergoing. It was indeed "a fiery trial" of faith for them, but they were urged to looked
forward to receiving "the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls" (I Pet. 1: 7-9)
which would be experienced "at the appearing of Jesus Christ" (verse 7). The Hebrew
believers likewise had endured much suffering and loss (Heb. 10: 32, 33). They were
reminded that they belonged to those who have believed to "the saving (or gaining) of the
soul" and that the Rewarder would come in a "little while" and then they would have
"great recompense of reward" from Him (verses 35, 37).