Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
John 5:28-29 KJV
You may have heard this illustration used in an evangelical sermon. You are standing before God, and He asks you this question, "Why should I let you into My heaven?" The correct answer of course is to say something to the effect that you are trusting in nothing but the merits of Christ, or that you have accepted Jesus as your Savior. At this reply, God now allows you entrance into the kingdom.
I understand that this illustration is used to show that apart from Christ there is no salvation, and I agree with this. Only those who have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, and have been born again by the Spirit of God will enter into the presence of God in His kingdom. However, nowhere in the scriptures do we find God asking us why He should allow us into heaven. It is not there. This is not how it will be on the day of judgment. A well meaning pastor or evangelist may use this illustration to present the gospel, but it is not an accurate description of what the judgment of God will be based on.
According to the words of Jesus in John 5:28-29, we see that those who have done good will be resurrected unto life, and those who have done evil, will be resurrected unto damnation. Jesus also states that not everyone who claims Him as Lord will enter heaven; only those who do the will of the Father (Matt 7:21). What about the sheep and goats judgment found in Matthew 25:31-46. Here again, Jesus is basing His judgment upon deeds. In this case they are deeds of love and mercy. Those who have shown compassion and love are bid entrance into God's kingdom. Those who have not, are cast out. Was Jesus teaching legalism here? Is He saying that we earn our salvation by doing good deeds, and keeping the commandments? Absolutely not!
Read what Paul writes in Romans. This sounds similar to what Jesus states in John 5.
But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; who will render to every man according to his deeds. To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life; but to them who are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath. Tribulation and anguish upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; but glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile; for there is no respect of persons with God. For as many have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; (for not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these having not the law, are a law unto themselves: which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;) in the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
Romans 2:5-16 KJV
Many of us may read this and think that Paul is preaching works. We may think to ourselves that this cannot mean what it seems to be saying. After all, isn't Paul the "Apostle of Faith?" Doesn't he teach us elsewhere in Romans, as well in his epistles, that salvation is of grace by faith, and not of works? Yet we have just read that those who persist in doing good will receive eternal life, while the disobedient, and workers of unrighteousness will face wrath, tribulation, and anguish. Again, we read Paul's words, as inspired by the Holy Spirit, For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.
Again in 2 Corinthians 5, The Apostle Paul states that we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, where we will be recompensed for the things which we have done in our bodies, whether good or bad (2 Cor 5:10). This follows what we have already seen, God's judgment will be based upon our deeds, whether good or bad. We will receive from Him accordingly.
In the book of Revelation, we read the account of the great white throne of judgment,
And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life, was cast into the lake of fire.
Revelation 20:13-15 KJV
The books, containing the record of their deeds, were opened, and men were judged according to these deeds. You can be certain that no one judged as guilty in this way, might still be found in the book of life. Their deeds are the final proof that they have no spiritual life within them. God's judgment will be a righteous judgment (Acts 17:31). He will show no partiality, He has no favorites. His standard is absolute. We can be assured of this fact.
The point is this: God demands obedience. Simply put, an individual who obeys the traffic laws does not need to fear the Highway Patrol car that is approaching. But if he has been speeding, he can expect to be pulled over. He has been caught and the officer has the evidence. When Paul states that those who obey the law are justified (Romans 2:13), he is stating the fact that God desires obedience, and if we are obedient, we are pleasing to Him. Of course if we are disobedient, we are guilty before Him, and must face the penalty.
Jesus tells us plainly that those who love Him will obey Him.If we are disobedient to His commands, we do not love Him. It is that simple (John 14:21-24). What really counts in the eyes of God is a faith that works by love (Gal 5:6). True faith in Christ will work itself out in a loving obedience to the commands of God. If it does not, it is not faith (James 2:14-26).
The Bible tells us that those who have their minds set on the flesh are in opposition to God. They will not subject themselves to the law of God (Romans 8:5-8). In Galatians we read of the works of the flesh,
Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Galatians 5:19-21 NASB
To mind the flesh is to live for yourself. It is selfishness; not caring how your actions affect others, or God. When we live in disregard of God's law, the above mentioned sins become rampant in our lives. Jesus tells us that it is out of the heart of man that evil actions come,
And He said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness; all of these evil things come from within, and defile the man.
Mark 7:20-23 KJV
To sum it up, our actions are a direct reflection of what is in our hearts. We are what we do! If we tell lies we are a liar. If we commit sexual immorality we are a fornicator. One who commits adultery is an adulterer. An alcoholic is a drunkard, and a covetous person is an idolater (Eph 5:5). What we do is who we are. Our deeds flow out of our heart. This is how God can fairly, and with complete impartiality, judge us according to our works.
This is why we need a Savior, not only to forgive us our past life of sin, but to change our hearts and life as well. The Bible also tells us that if any man is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old way of life is gone, and the new has come (2 Cor 5:17). We also read that Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil, and the one born of God no longer sins (1 John 3:5-8). This is not to say that the possibility of sin does not exist, but a true child of God will live a radically transformed life free from the power and dominion of sin. If one should sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous one (1 John 2:1). If we walk by the Spirit we will not fulfill the desires of the flesh (Gal 5:16). I once read a quote that went something like this, "The Spirit of God will never lead you where the grace of God cannot keep you." You see, as born again, obedient, followers of Jesus Christ, we can stand before Him on the day of judgment with confidence instead of shame. Instead of our works condemning us, they will justify us; that is prove that we are true children of God, living our lives for Him.
Friday, October 23, 2015
Sunday, October 11, 2015
Contending for the Faith: The Law and the Conscience.
Here is a post that shows the work of the law upon the heart and conscience of an individual who is lost in sin. A self righteous individual, as well as an unrepentant sinner, needs to be awakened, and the law will do that work in accompaniment with the Holy Spirit's convicting power.
Contending for the Faith: The Law and the Conscience.: In John 8:1-11 we read of the scribes and Pharisees bringing a woman whom they caught in adultery before Jesus. Hoping to catch Him in ...
Contending for the Faith: The Law and the Conscience.: In John 8:1-11 we read of the scribes and Pharisees bringing a woman whom they caught in adultery before Jesus. Hoping to catch Him in ...
Saturday, October 10, 2015
Disobedience and Unbelief.
He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. John 3:36 KJV
We have here in this verse two contrasting ideas. That of belief, and that of unbelief. It is very helpful to our understanding of the biblical concept of faith or belief, if we understand what is meant by unbelief.
The Greek word translated "believeth not" is apeitheo. The meaning of this word is to disbelieve (wilfully and perversely): not believe, disobedient, obey not, unbelieving. (Strong's definition)
Thayer defines it as, not to allow oneself to be persuaded. to refuse or withhold belief. to refuse belief and obedience. Not to comply with.
We can see from these definitions, that unbelief carries the idea of refusal to submit and obey. Therefore, to not believe in Christ is to refuse to obey Him.
The NASB puts it this way,
He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him. John 3:36 NASB.
By this we can see that to believe in Jesus is much more than a mere head knowledge. It means far more than agreeing with the fact that Jesus exists, that He died and rose again. To believe in Jesus means that we commit ourselves to Him; that we surrender ourselves to His lordship over our lives, submitting to Him with a willingness to serve and obey Him.
It is a mistake to think that one only needs to believe in Jesus, but not obey Him. Yes, we believe He died and rose on our behalf, that He took our sins upon Himself, and is our only means of salvation. This is core to our faith. But if our faith does not submit to Him in obedience to His word, it is not faith at all.
For another article on unbelief and disobedience click here.
We have here in this verse two contrasting ideas. That of belief, and that of unbelief. It is very helpful to our understanding of the biblical concept of faith or belief, if we understand what is meant by unbelief.
The Greek word translated "believeth not" is apeitheo. The meaning of this word is to disbelieve (wilfully and perversely): not believe, disobedient, obey not, unbelieving. (Strong's definition)
Thayer defines it as, not to allow oneself to be persuaded. to refuse or withhold belief. to refuse belief and obedience. Not to comply with.
We can see from these definitions, that unbelief carries the idea of refusal to submit and obey. Therefore, to not believe in Christ is to refuse to obey Him.
The NASB puts it this way,
He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him. John 3:36 NASB.
By this we can see that to believe in Jesus is much more than a mere head knowledge. It means far more than agreeing with the fact that Jesus exists, that He died and rose again. To believe in Jesus means that we commit ourselves to Him; that we surrender ourselves to His lordship over our lives, submitting to Him with a willingness to serve and obey Him.
It is a mistake to think that one only needs to believe in Jesus, but not obey Him. Yes, we believe He died and rose on our behalf, that He took our sins upon Himself, and is our only means of salvation. This is core to our faith. But if our faith does not submit to Him in obedience to His word, it is not faith at all.
For another article on unbelief and disobedience click here.
Thursday, October 8, 2015
Obedience is Essential!
Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered; and being made perfect, He became the author of eternal salvation unto all that obey Him.
Hebrews 5:8-9 KJV
You may be surprised to read that obedience is an essential part of salvation, even a requirement. This does not sound like the gospel so many people are taught today, but yet it is found in the scripture, which is the standard given us by God. We would do well to heed these words, as our very salvation depends on this.
Sin is what has caused our spiritual ruin. At its core, sin is rebellion, or disobedience to God. A sinner, is one who walks contrary to the commands of God; one who does what he or she wishes, who will not submit to the will of God (Romans 8:7). This is the mind set on the flesh that leads to death.
Many people stop here, and look no further than the need for forgiveness. Their main concept of grace is little more than our sin being forgiven by God. We sin over and over, so we need grace over and over. It is a truth, that without God's forgiveness, we would remain eternally lost. There is no question about that. However, salvation is much more than forgiveness, it is about a changed life.
We read in Peter's epistle that in God's foreknowledge, He chose a people who would obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood (1 Peter 1:1-2). We often think of foreknowledge and predestination as God choosing some people for heaven, and the others for hell. Paul tells us that those He foreknew, He predestined to be conformed to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29). Look at what God desires! He wants obedience! His desire is to have a people who are yielded to Him, who are submissive and obedient, rather than stubborn and rebellious.
Remember, it is our stubborn, rebellious hearts that keep us from God. His desire is to bring us to repentance and surrender, so that we will obey Him, and be sprinkled with His blood. Without repentance there can be no true submission, and true repentance and surrender will always lead to obedience. It can work no other way.
Hebrews 5:8-9 KJV
You may be surprised to read that obedience is an essential part of salvation, even a requirement. This does not sound like the gospel so many people are taught today, but yet it is found in the scripture, which is the standard given us by God. We would do well to heed these words, as our very salvation depends on this.
Sin is what has caused our spiritual ruin. At its core, sin is rebellion, or disobedience to God. A sinner, is one who walks contrary to the commands of God; one who does what he or she wishes, who will not submit to the will of God (Romans 8:7). This is the mind set on the flesh that leads to death.
Many people stop here, and look no further than the need for forgiveness. Their main concept of grace is little more than our sin being forgiven by God. We sin over and over, so we need grace over and over. It is a truth, that without God's forgiveness, we would remain eternally lost. There is no question about that. However, salvation is much more than forgiveness, it is about a changed life.
We read in Peter's epistle that in God's foreknowledge, He chose a people who would obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood (1 Peter 1:1-2). We often think of foreknowledge and predestination as God choosing some people for heaven, and the others for hell. Paul tells us that those He foreknew, He predestined to be conformed to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29). Look at what God desires! He wants obedience! His desire is to have a people who are yielded to Him, who are submissive and obedient, rather than stubborn and rebellious.
Remember, it is our stubborn, rebellious hearts that keep us from God. His desire is to bring us to repentance and surrender, so that we will obey Him, and be sprinkled with His blood. Without repentance there can be no true submission, and true repentance and surrender will always lead to obedience. It can work no other way.
Monday, October 5, 2015
Contending for the Faith: The Most Terrifying Words You Will Ever Hear.
Contending for the Faith: The Most Terrifying Words You Will Ever Hear.: There are multitudes today who have their hopes set on heaven when they die. Indeed, many of them will spend eternity worshiping Christ...
Saturday, October 3, 2015
Living For Him (Ephesians 2 part 9).
And He died for all, that they who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf.
2 Corinthians 5:15 NASB
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:10 NASB
The apostle Paul urged the Corinthian Church to not receive the grace of God in vain (2 Cor 6:1). Salvation is not a get out of jail free card; it is not mere fire insurance for the day of judgment! Salvation is the restoration of a rebel to God! It involves giving up sin, and absolutely surrendering our lives to God to be lived for Him in obedience to His word!
We are warned throughout scripture that those who persist in sin, who continue to live as they always have, even though they claim to be Christians, will not inherit the kingdom of God. We are warned,
For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience (Ephesians 5:5-6 NASB).
Understand what Paul is saying here. If your life has not changed, if you are not walking in obedience to Christ, if you are still committing the same sins you have always committed, you are not in a saving relationship with Christ! You are lost, still dead in sin! These are harsh words that do not agree with many people's idea of what salvation should look like, but these are God's words, not mine, and He says to us, "Do not be deceived with empty words!"
We are called to give up living for ourselves, and to now live for Christ. To say you are a Christian, and yet live in sexual immorality, homosexuality, adultery, hatred and bitterness, alcohol and substance abuse, lying, theft, idolatry, covetousness, and so forth, is entirely incompatible with the new birth, and the life we are called to live as Christians. These are the very things which have alienated us from God, and yet many believe that since they have been forgiven, they can justify their actions and go on living in sin. This is entirely false, and this heresy has deceived countless souls.
We read in 1 John,
Little children, let no one deceive you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. The one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, that He might destroy the works of the devil.
1 John 3:7-8 NASB
Understand that the one who abides in Christ does not sin. Jesus came to take away sin, that is transform our lives (this is talking about our actions ). The test of our faith, and the reality of our salvation is based upon our lives and actions. Are we living for Jesus, obeying His commands, loving Him with all of our hearts, and our neighbor as ourselves, or are we living for the devil, in complete disobedience to the commands of Christ? Are we doing those selfish things that bring grief and sorrow to God, and hurt those around us? Do not let any man deceive you with an empty gospel that sounds good, quotes a bible verse or two, but in the end does not save you from the power of sin and totally transform your life!
2 Corinthians 5:15 NASB
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:10 NASB
The apostle Paul urged the Corinthian Church to not receive the grace of God in vain (2 Cor 6:1). Salvation is not a get out of jail free card; it is not mere fire insurance for the day of judgment! Salvation is the restoration of a rebel to God! It involves giving up sin, and absolutely surrendering our lives to God to be lived for Him in obedience to His word!
We are warned throughout scripture that those who persist in sin, who continue to live as they always have, even though they claim to be Christians, will not inherit the kingdom of God. We are warned,
For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience (Ephesians 5:5-6 NASB).
Understand what Paul is saying here. If your life has not changed, if you are not walking in obedience to Christ, if you are still committing the same sins you have always committed, you are not in a saving relationship with Christ! You are lost, still dead in sin! These are harsh words that do not agree with many people's idea of what salvation should look like, but these are God's words, not mine, and He says to us, "Do not be deceived with empty words!"
We are called to give up living for ourselves, and to now live for Christ. To say you are a Christian, and yet live in sexual immorality, homosexuality, adultery, hatred and bitterness, alcohol and substance abuse, lying, theft, idolatry, covetousness, and so forth, is entirely incompatible with the new birth, and the life we are called to live as Christians. These are the very things which have alienated us from God, and yet many believe that since they have been forgiven, they can justify their actions and go on living in sin. This is entirely false, and this heresy has deceived countless souls.
We read in 1 John,
Little children, let no one deceive you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. The one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, that He might destroy the works of the devil.
1 John 3:7-8 NASB
Understand that the one who abides in Christ does not sin. Jesus came to take away sin, that is transform our lives (this is talking about our actions ). The test of our faith, and the reality of our salvation is based upon our lives and actions. Are we living for Jesus, obeying His commands, loving Him with all of our hearts, and our neighbor as ourselves, or are we living for the devil, in complete disobedience to the commands of Christ? Are we doing those selfish things that bring grief and sorrow to God, and hurt those around us? Do not let any man deceive you with an empty gospel that sounds good, quotes a bible verse or two, but in the end does not save you from the power of sin and totally transform your life!
Thursday, October 1, 2015
Are You One of the Many?
And someone said to Him, "Lord, are there just a few who are being saved?"
And He said unto them, "Strive to enter by the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able."
Luke 13:23-24 NASB
We see from this passage of scripture that many will seek to enter the kingdom of heaven, but not be able to. In fact only a few will be saved! Jesus tells us that many are on the broad way to destruction, while few find the narrow road that leads to life (Matt 7:13-14). This does not sound like the modern evangelical message we hear today. We are taught that it is very easy to "get saved." It sure seems like so many people call themselves Christians, and while we like to give people the benefit of the doubt in some matters, this one has eternal consequences, and we do well understand that what Jesus taught, is not the same as what we hear so many teach today.
There are many professing Christians, but Jesus tells us there are few who are being saved. Someone is wrong, and it is not Jesus! Are you one of the few travelling the narrow road to life, or one of the many on the broad road who will go lost in the end?
Let's take a look at the word strive. Jesus tells us to strive to enter by the narrow door. Now we aren't used to words like "strive", or "be diligent", or "make every effort." We are told that is is easy. "Just believe." All that is necessary is to quickly slip up a hand and quickly lower it. Then we all repeat a prayer so no one is singled out. It takes little effort, no real depth of commitment, and no embarrassment. Thousands of souls, perhaps millions, are swept through the wide gate in this manner. They have no real concept of their souls desperate need; they do not understand their true depravity, and thus they do not diligently seek to enter in by the narrow gate. But Jesus tells us to strive! What does He mean? The Amplified Bible uses the phrase "Force yourselves through it." This speaks of seriousness, going after something with a wholehearted commitment. There is only one way, and according to the words of Jesus, it is a way difficult to enter, requiring much effort on our part! You see, many people have a twinge of regret, a moment of conviction, a sleepless night, perhaps a dread of what awaits them in eternity, but they are content for the moment to say a quick prayer, maybe make some resolutions, and go back to the way they were. They are halfhearted, insincere, and do not really desire to make their peace with God. If they were sincere, they would make every effort to be reconciled to God, but they are more than willing to appease their consciences with a little fire insurance, a band aide instead of the radical heart surgery that the gospel demands. For many, church membership, or some tradition they uphold is good enough for them. They have been baptized as infants, or partake regularly of the sacraments, so they convince themselves that they are right with God. Others believe that they are basically good people. They look at their lives in an abstract manner, and hope that the good will be good enough when they stand before God. They are performing good works without the commitment to Christ that the gospel requires. Are you one of the many?
Jesus demands repentance (Mark 1:15), yet many are not willing to forsake their sin. They want to continue living as they always have, desiring some forgiveness perhaps, but unwilling to give up that which separates them from God and damns their souls to an eternal hell. Yet if we truly understood that sin has ruined us for eternity, it has separated us from God, and even worse, grieved the heart of God, would we not be more than willing to forsake it, to leave it all behind and give ourselves wholly to Christ?
Many are unwilling to obey Jesus. He says that those who love Him will obey His commands (John 14:21-24). Their are multitudes of professed believers who will not submit to the Lordship of Jesus. They keep a "pet sin", they will not obey one of Jesus' commands. Jesus asks us "Why do you call me Lord, Lord, ad do not do what I say?" (Luke 6:46). Jesus has warned us that not everyone who claims Him as Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven (Matt 7:21-23). Only those who obey Him will enter. To refuse to obey is to refuse to submit; it is nothing more than rebellion. Rebellion will leave you outside of the kingdom, yet many believe that they are saved, all the while they are living in disobedience to the commands of Jesus.
What about following Jesus? It is a popular thing to "add" Jesus to your life. He can be your "life coach." If you just accept Him, he will help you make good decisions, perhaps straighten things up a bit in your life. This appeals to thousands of deceived people. What does Jesus say however? "If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life shall lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake shall find it." (Matt 16:24-25 NASB). According to Jesus, it is not about you at all! He calls us to follow Him at all costs. Deny yourself, take up your cross, losing your lives, are concepts that do not appeal to a carnal crowd, yet Jesus demands that we give up ourselves completely; to lose ourselves for His sake. Our lives are no longer our own if we have surrendered to Christ. We no longer have the option to live for ourselves, merely adding Jesus to our already crowded agendas. He calls us to forsake it all; to renounce ourselves, and live for Him. Just as a defeated army does not decide the terms of their surrender, so also the sinner seeking pardon does not decide on what terms he will come to God. Cross bearing and self denial require effort! It is a hard thing to humble yourself; to give up your plans, dreams, purposes, your all. Jesus says "Strive to enter."
Following Christ will bring trials and persecution into your life. Jesus warns us that if we are ashamed of Him in this wicked world, He will be ashamed of us (Mark 8:38). Yet how many so called Christians will compromise truth, or just keep quiet about their faith, so as not to upset people or ruffle feathers? The Anabaptist Christians of the 15th century believe that as they entered the narrow gate, they left their skin clinging to the posts as they squeezed through. Indeed, thousands of them suffered persecution and death for their faith. They were unwilling to keep silent. Their faith in Jesus compelled them to follow Him even unto the death. They knew full well that if they renounced the formal religion of the day, to follow Christ, they would end up paying for it with their lives. Painfully, through many tribulations, they entered into life (Acts 14:22).
The question is, "Are you one of the many?" Many have settled for an easy faith, a comfortable road, a spiritual journey with no cross, no convictions, at no cost. Jesus has called us to a hard road full of trials and tribulations, a road of self denial, a path of total surrender, of diligence and effort, and of wholehearted obedience. He says, "Strive to enter."
And He said unto them, "Strive to enter by the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able."
Luke 13:23-24 NASB
We see from this passage of scripture that many will seek to enter the kingdom of heaven, but not be able to. In fact only a few will be saved! Jesus tells us that many are on the broad way to destruction, while few find the narrow road that leads to life (Matt 7:13-14). This does not sound like the modern evangelical message we hear today. We are taught that it is very easy to "get saved." It sure seems like so many people call themselves Christians, and while we like to give people the benefit of the doubt in some matters, this one has eternal consequences, and we do well understand that what Jesus taught, is not the same as what we hear so many teach today.
There are many professing Christians, but Jesus tells us there are few who are being saved. Someone is wrong, and it is not Jesus! Are you one of the few travelling the narrow road to life, or one of the many on the broad road who will go lost in the end?
Let's take a look at the word strive. Jesus tells us to strive to enter by the narrow door. Now we aren't used to words like "strive", or "be diligent", or "make every effort." We are told that is is easy. "Just believe." All that is necessary is to quickly slip up a hand and quickly lower it. Then we all repeat a prayer so no one is singled out. It takes little effort, no real depth of commitment, and no embarrassment. Thousands of souls, perhaps millions, are swept through the wide gate in this manner. They have no real concept of their souls desperate need; they do not understand their true depravity, and thus they do not diligently seek to enter in by the narrow gate. But Jesus tells us to strive! What does He mean? The Amplified Bible uses the phrase "Force yourselves through it." This speaks of seriousness, going after something with a wholehearted commitment. There is only one way, and according to the words of Jesus, it is a way difficult to enter, requiring much effort on our part! You see, many people have a twinge of regret, a moment of conviction, a sleepless night, perhaps a dread of what awaits them in eternity, but they are content for the moment to say a quick prayer, maybe make some resolutions, and go back to the way they were. They are halfhearted, insincere, and do not really desire to make their peace with God. If they were sincere, they would make every effort to be reconciled to God, but they are more than willing to appease their consciences with a little fire insurance, a band aide instead of the radical heart surgery that the gospel demands. For many, church membership, or some tradition they uphold is good enough for them. They have been baptized as infants, or partake regularly of the sacraments, so they convince themselves that they are right with God. Others believe that they are basically good people. They look at their lives in an abstract manner, and hope that the good will be good enough when they stand before God. They are performing good works without the commitment to Christ that the gospel requires. Are you one of the many?
Jesus demands repentance (Mark 1:15), yet many are not willing to forsake their sin. They want to continue living as they always have, desiring some forgiveness perhaps, but unwilling to give up that which separates them from God and damns their souls to an eternal hell. Yet if we truly understood that sin has ruined us for eternity, it has separated us from God, and even worse, grieved the heart of God, would we not be more than willing to forsake it, to leave it all behind and give ourselves wholly to Christ?
Many are unwilling to obey Jesus. He says that those who love Him will obey His commands (John 14:21-24). Their are multitudes of professed believers who will not submit to the Lordship of Jesus. They keep a "pet sin", they will not obey one of Jesus' commands. Jesus asks us "Why do you call me Lord, Lord, ad do not do what I say?" (Luke 6:46). Jesus has warned us that not everyone who claims Him as Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven (Matt 7:21-23). Only those who obey Him will enter. To refuse to obey is to refuse to submit; it is nothing more than rebellion. Rebellion will leave you outside of the kingdom, yet many believe that they are saved, all the while they are living in disobedience to the commands of Jesus.
What about following Jesus? It is a popular thing to "add" Jesus to your life. He can be your "life coach." If you just accept Him, he will help you make good decisions, perhaps straighten things up a bit in your life. This appeals to thousands of deceived people. What does Jesus say however? "If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life shall lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake shall find it." (Matt 16:24-25 NASB). According to Jesus, it is not about you at all! He calls us to follow Him at all costs. Deny yourself, take up your cross, losing your lives, are concepts that do not appeal to a carnal crowd, yet Jesus demands that we give up ourselves completely; to lose ourselves for His sake. Our lives are no longer our own if we have surrendered to Christ. We no longer have the option to live for ourselves, merely adding Jesus to our already crowded agendas. He calls us to forsake it all; to renounce ourselves, and live for Him. Just as a defeated army does not decide the terms of their surrender, so also the sinner seeking pardon does not decide on what terms he will come to God. Cross bearing and self denial require effort! It is a hard thing to humble yourself; to give up your plans, dreams, purposes, your all. Jesus says "Strive to enter."
Following Christ will bring trials and persecution into your life. Jesus warns us that if we are ashamed of Him in this wicked world, He will be ashamed of us (Mark 8:38). Yet how many so called Christians will compromise truth, or just keep quiet about their faith, so as not to upset people or ruffle feathers? The Anabaptist Christians of the 15th century believe that as they entered the narrow gate, they left their skin clinging to the posts as they squeezed through. Indeed, thousands of them suffered persecution and death for their faith. They were unwilling to keep silent. Their faith in Jesus compelled them to follow Him even unto the death. They knew full well that if they renounced the formal religion of the day, to follow Christ, they would end up paying for it with their lives. Painfully, through many tribulations, they entered into life (Acts 14:22).
The question is, "Are you one of the many?" Many have settled for an easy faith, a comfortable road, a spiritual journey with no cross, no convictions, at no cost. Jesus has called us to a hard road full of trials and tribulations, a road of self denial, a path of total surrender, of diligence and effort, and of wholehearted obedience. He says, "Strive to enter."
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