The phrase “You are not far from the Kingdom of God” in this context is used not so much as a literal indication of geographical or temporal closeness to salvation, but rather as a rhetorical device that reflects the subtle boundary between doubting one’s own spirituality and having confidence in one’s divine destiny.

Divine Proximity as a Rhetorical Test

The phrase “You are not far from the Kingdom of God” in this context is used not so much as a literal indication of geographical or temporal closeness to salvation, but rather as a rhetorical device that reflects the subtle boundary between doubting one’s own spirituality and having confidence in one’s divine destiny. In a conversation between a priest from the book “Unholy Saints” and a Buddhist, this phrase serves as a kind of test signal—capable of simultaneously exposing the spiritual struggle of the interlocutor and emphasizing the inevitability of divine judgment.

For example, one excerpt states: “Didn’t the former priest say at one of the gatherings, ‘You are not far from the Kingdom of God’?

It was precisely when he was arguing with the elders” (source: link 6241.txt).

Here, the phrase is used in the middle of a dispute, illustrating its dual meaning: on one hand, it may serve as a prelude to exposing misconceptions, while on the other, it stands as an acknowledgment that even a doubter remains under the influence of divine will.

Another episode reinforces the authoritative tone of the word when it is said:
“He steals and mocks, our brother, but let us not be afraid. You are not far from the Kingdom of God.” No one else dared to ask Him questions (source: link txt).

In this context, the use of the phrase silences the interlocutors, allowing the speaker to claim a position of spiritual superiority. It implies that even criticism or doubt cannot contradict the inevitable divine order. Thus, in the dialogue, the phrase simultaneously indicates that the person stands on the threshold of salvation and serves as a test—if one can comprehend this, then their spiritual closeness to the Divine is indisputable.

Such use underscores the tension and conflict between different worldviews: for the priest, the phrase becomes a kind of proof of the veracity of his faith, while for the Buddhist it prompts reflection on the applicability of such categories within his traditional understanding of spirituality. It is precisely this tension in the dialogue between representatives of different religious systems that renders the statement so multifaceted and provocative.