"And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward." (Matthew 10:42)

This little phrase "in no wise" is a translation of two single-syllable Greek words, which in effect become a double negative, stressing that the thing mentioned will absolutely never occur. The expression is also sometimes translated "in no case," "by no means," or "not at all." It is therefore very instructive to notice a few such items which can never ever happen.

For example, as our text says, any small kindness done in the name of Christ or one of his followers will never go unrewarded. Jesus even said, "Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God |like| a little child shall in no wise enter therein" (Luke 18:17). But He also said: "All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out" (John 6:37). Both His warnings and His assurances are pointedly positive! Mere outward righteousness will never suffice. "Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees," He said, "ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:20).

For those who do come to Him, however, He promises that "I will never |that is, "never in any case whatever"| leave thee, nor forsake thee" (Hebrews 13:5). And as far as the Scriptures are concerned, He has said that "one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled" (Matthew 5:18).

Finally, when the holy city comes down out of heaven, and the eternal ages begin, "there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, . . . but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life" (Revelation 21:27). HMM