[Seven_0]

He DID pay that price.. but that does not mean a price is not expected OF YOU..

I will agree here, but I cannot reconcile the diversity of our two interpretations. If the pearl has anything to do with our salvation, then it is a price we cannot afford. "To him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace but of debt."

[hosepipe]

[.. If the pearl has anything to do with our salvation, then it is a price we cannot afford. ..]

Thats whats thew metaphor is all about..
Can YOU afford salvation is the question?.. LoL..

What you sacrifice for is what you LOVE.. what you will NOT sacrifice for you DO NOT LOVE.. Always every-time in every iteration.. Salvation is an investment..

The corollary of "Love God with all your heart, mind, (and resources)" is the kicker... the wild card.. the punch line..

Jesus was/and IS indeed a genius...

[Dr. Eckleburg]

"To him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace but of debt."

Amen.

That assurance is the foundation for our justification by the faith of Jesus Christ alone.

"But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;

From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.

For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified." -- Hebrews 10:12-14