The Pearl
Audio:
https://www.youtube.com/embed/WYR9w8Plws4?list=PL4ByrircmXL5UosnbsJhG1f_BnZUXmR6P
There are some who seem to be always seeking for the heavenly pearl. But they do not make an entire surrender of their wrong habits. Almost Christians, yet not fully Christians, they seem near the kingdom of heaven, but they cannot enter there. Almost but not wholly saved, means to be not almost but wholly lost.
In the parable the pearl is not represented as a gift. The merchantman bought it at the price of all that he had. Many question the meaning of this, since Christ is represented in the Scriptures as a gift. He is a gift, but only to those who give themselves, soul, body, and spirit, to Him without reserve.
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.
Matthew 13:45,46