What is the narrow gate that leads to life
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If one looks at the context of Mathew 7, Jesus follows up the narrow gate analogy with a warning against false prophets, and a pretty good description of those one would expect to enter at the narrow gate. They are ones who can be recognized by their "good fruits", and who obey and follow the will of God.
Matthew 7: 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. 21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them , I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
It would certainly appear that Jesus is warning that many who think that they will be saved, might be disappointed.
Matthew 3: 7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come ? 8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: 9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. 10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down , and cast into the fire.
The Sadducees and Pharisees thought they were saved because they had Abraham as an ancestor. John the baptist set them straight on this issue. Just as many today will take John 3:16, (while ignoring Mat. 7:21), and think that all you have to do is call on Jesus to be saved, with no thought to repentence, or an obedient faith, which is mentioned elsewhere in the Word of God. I would not take Jesus' warning very lightly.
Matthew 7: 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. 21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them , I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
It would certainly appear that Jesus is warning that many who think that they will be saved, might be disappointed.
Matthew 3: 7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come ? 8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: 9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. 10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down , and cast into the fire.
The Sadducees and Pharisees thought they were saved because they had Abraham as an ancestor. John the baptist set them straight on this issue. Just as many today will take John 3:16, (while ignoring Mat. 7:21), and think that all you have to do is call on Jesus to be saved, with no thought to repentence, or an obedient faith, which is mentioned elsewhere in the Word of God. I would not take Jesus' warning very lightly.
Thanks for your comments
I don't believe the Pharisees main hope of Heaven can be explained by the fact they were children of Abraham. There were many Israleiltes they were happy to condemn. Their hopes of Heaven was on obediance to Moses(the law).
But do not think I will accuse you before the Father. Your accuser is Moses on whom your hopes are set. John5:45
I believe we today often do not see the people the Pharisees portrayed themselves as. They would I am sure have appeared kindly people, ready to listen and give apparent Godly advice to those who came to them, and deferred to them. And I am sure they could do all this with an appearance of a loving smile.
They did good works too(albeit publically) They certainly would have believed in God, but I believe that belief and trust in a merciful God was not their main hopes of Heaven, it was in being 'good enough' and in their works of righteousness. This is why they could not accept Jesus, they were jealous of him, and of the true message he came to preach. If Jesus message of salvation was built around good works and our ability to strive to be good and Holy they surely would have accepted him.
It is strange but in many churches today, if someone joins a church and doesn't smoke, drink, swear, have extra marital affairs, tithes, and is well dressed and spoken, more often than not they are accepted on that basis. And I am sure many in the church would quote verses on how a Christian must live, and Jesus words in the beatitudes to prove they are following scripture.
The sad thing is the leaders of the Pharisees and Saducees would have passed those tests with flying colours. I would assume if smoking had then been invented in their day they would not have smoked.
But Jesus said. 'Unless your goodness is greater than that of the Pharisees and Saducees you cannot get into the kingdom of Heaven.' So the above things are not the basis for anyone getting into Heaven.
The Pharisees were a proud people, it was because of this they could not accept Christ. They had to feel they had earned there way to Heaven. That is what they based Heaven on. And I believe many do today.
Many preach that we are saved if we ask Jesus into our lives and sincerely repent of our sin, but then the emphasis is immediately on the good lives we must live. Personally I doubt the Pharisees and Saducees would have disagreed with that in the OT. Ask God to forgive your sins in sincere repentance and then the emphasis would have been on proving your salvation is true by obediance to God by works of righteousness and obediance to the law proving your holiness. Would they not have called this an obediant faith?
Paul was not one of the original disciples but he was chosen and given his message as a revelation by Christ Himself. Paul's emphasis was salvation through faith in Christ alone. Time and time again he explained where the Jews had gone wrong.
What then shall we say? That the Gentiles who who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; but Israel who pursued a law of righteousness, has not obtained it. Why not? Because they pursued it noit by faith but as it were by works. Rom9:30&31
Even today some are offended when we speak of a salvation by faith alone as our righteousness, but Paul is categoric, he knew he could not be saved any other way.
Jesus words in John3:16 have to be understood in the context of what is written elsewhere in the NT. If salvation and eternal life depended on more than faith in Jesus, would Jesus himself not have had to have been in error?
Jesus said. 'In regards to sin, because men do not believe in me. John16:9
Could it not be true that the stumbling block is today what it was two thousand years ago? Paul was persecuted because he believed in salvation through faith alone.
Belief, trust in Jesus is the cornerstone to me of salvation. Atrust in Jesus who alone can change us, sanctify us through the Spirit and make us the people the Father would have us be. It is the power of the Holy Spirit in us that performs the works in us if we submit to Christ.
And so I believe Jesus words of John3:16 stand as the truth of salvation.
We are not only saved by faith, but kept by faith, sanctified by faith, and grow by a faith and trust in Jesus to work in us through the Spirit.
But there is an offence to simple faith as our salvation
Not having a righteousness of my own(self righteousness) that comes from the law(works, being good enoughetc) but that which is by faith in Christ. The righteousness that comes from God and is by faith)
When we know that our one and only righteousness for Heaven is a belief(given us by the grace of God) in Christ who died for our sins, and that our work is to trust him to change us and for him through the Spirit to do the works in us. Once we know we have nothing to boast of in ourselves, because we are all sinners saved by Grace, once we know we are completely dependant on trusting Jesus all of our lives because we are weak human beings, once we are prepared to give God all the glory and seek none for ourselves, then I believe we see far greater and truer works in our lives than we ever could otherwise see. The works and obediance of the Pharisees could never gain them Heaven, because that is what they counted on to get to Heaven, let us not do the same today.
I don't believe the Pharisees main hope of Heaven can be explained by the fact they were children of Abraham. There were many Israleiltes they were happy to condemn. Their hopes of Heaven was on obediance to Moses(the law).
But do not think I will accuse you before the Father. Your accuser is Moses on whom your hopes are set. John5:45
I believe we today often do not see the people the Pharisees portrayed themselves as. They would I am sure have appeared kindly people, ready to listen and give apparent Godly advice to those who came to them, and deferred to them. And I am sure they could do all this with an appearance of a loving smile.
They did good works too(albeit publically) They certainly would have believed in God, but I believe that belief and trust in a merciful God was not their main hopes of Heaven, it was in being 'good enough' and in their works of righteousness. This is why they could not accept Jesus, they were jealous of him, and of the true message he came to preach. If Jesus message of salvation was built around good works and our ability to strive to be good and Holy they surely would have accepted him.
It is strange but in many churches today, if someone joins a church and doesn't smoke, drink, swear, have extra marital affairs, tithes, and is well dressed and spoken, more often than not they are accepted on that basis. And I am sure many in the church would quote verses on how a Christian must live, and Jesus words in the beatitudes to prove they are following scripture.
The sad thing is the leaders of the Pharisees and Saducees would have passed those tests with flying colours. I would assume if smoking had then been invented in their day they would not have smoked.
But Jesus said. 'Unless your goodness is greater than that of the Pharisees and Saducees you cannot get into the kingdom of Heaven.' So the above things are not the basis for anyone getting into Heaven.
The Pharisees were a proud people, it was because of this they could not accept Christ. They had to feel they had earned there way to Heaven. That is what they based Heaven on. And I believe many do today.
Many preach that we are saved if we ask Jesus into our lives and sincerely repent of our sin, but then the emphasis is immediately on the good lives we must live. Personally I doubt the Pharisees and Saducees would have disagreed with that in the OT. Ask God to forgive your sins in sincere repentance and then the emphasis would have been on proving your salvation is true by obediance to God by works of righteousness and obediance to the law proving your holiness. Would they not have called this an obediant faith?
Paul was not one of the original disciples but he was chosen and given his message as a revelation by Christ Himself. Paul's emphasis was salvation through faith in Christ alone. Time and time again he explained where the Jews had gone wrong.
What then shall we say? That the Gentiles who who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; but Israel who pursued a law of righteousness, has not obtained it. Why not? Because they pursued it noit by faith but as it were by works. Rom9:30&31
Even today some are offended when we speak of a salvation by faith alone as our righteousness, but Paul is categoric, he knew he could not be saved any other way.
Jesus words in John3:16 have to be understood in the context of what is written elsewhere in the NT. If salvation and eternal life depended on more than faith in Jesus, would Jesus himself not have had to have been in error?
Jesus said. 'In regards to sin, because men do not believe in me. John16:9
Could it not be true that the stumbling block is today what it was two thousand years ago? Paul was persecuted because he believed in salvation through faith alone.
Belief, trust in Jesus is the cornerstone to me of salvation. Atrust in Jesus who alone can change us, sanctify us through the Spirit and make us the people the Father would have us be. It is the power of the Holy Spirit in us that performs the works in us if we submit to Christ.
And so I believe Jesus words of John3:16 stand as the truth of salvation.
We are not only saved by faith, but kept by faith, sanctified by faith, and grow by a faith and trust in Jesus to work in us through the Spirit.
But there is an offence to simple faith as our salvation
Not having a righteousness of my own(self righteousness) that comes from the law(works, being good enoughetc) but that which is by faith in Christ. The righteousness that comes from God and is by faith)
When we know that our one and only righteousness for Heaven is a belief(given us by the grace of God) in Christ who died for our sins, and that our work is to trust him to change us and for him through the Spirit to do the works in us. Once we know we have nothing to boast of in ourselves, because we are all sinners saved by Grace, once we know we are completely dependant on trusting Jesus all of our lives because we are weak human beings, once we are prepared to give God all the glory and seek none for ourselves, then I believe we see far greater and truer works in our lives than we ever could otherwise see. The works and obediance of the Pharisees could never gain them Heaven, because that is what they counted on to get to Heaven, let us not do the same today.
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S
I would like to know where the number 2 to 3 billion Christians came from. Even if that were true, don't forget the billions who are not and the multiple billions throughout history that were not.
We need to remember that just because someone claims to be a Christian doesn't mean that he is one. We must not include the cults... JWs or Mormons. Many would doubt the 7th Day Adventists. Most would discount the Roman Catholics. This reduces the number significantly.
We need to remember that just because someone claims to be a Christian doesn't mean that he is one. We must not include the cults... JWs or Mormons. Many would doubt the 7th Day Adventists. Most would discount the Roman Catholics. This reduces the number significantly.
The Narrow Gate = The Sabbath Rest Of God
Heb 4:
8For if Joshua had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.
9There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.
10For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
11Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
Quest
Heb 4:
8For if Joshua had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.
9There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.
10For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
11Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
Quest
The book of Revelation says that there is much people in heaven which would seem in contrast to the scripture that narrow is the gate to eternal life and few find it.
Since the book of Revelation says that there is much people in heaven it could mean that few people find it on their own without help or it could mean that there is much people in heaven but it is few compared to all the people that has ever been on earth which is many.
Matt
Since the book of Revelation says that there is much people in heaven it could mean that few people find it on their own without help or it could mean that there is much people in heaven but it is few compared to all the people that has ever been on earth which is many.
Matt
I think it means the number of people saved, compared to the number of people who aren't. Obviously many more people won't be saved. but few in contrast to the number who will die, will be. Few doesn't mean two here though haha.
Over the course of 6000 years. I'm sure their will be more than we can ever count, who will be saved. But over 6000 years. Think about how many people REJECTED god. waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay more then we could ever imagine to count.
In contrast, We are few that find the gate, to the MANY who took the wide path.
For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. - Matthew 16:25
translation: who ever lives for themselves dies. Whoever lives for Christ is made alive.
How many people in the world live for themselves?.... too "MANY"
Over the course of 6000 years. I'm sure their will be more than we can ever count, who will be saved. But over 6000 years. Think about how many people REJECTED god. waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay more then we could ever imagine to count.
In contrast, We are few that find the gate, to the MANY who took the wide path.
For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. - Matthew 16:25
translation: who ever lives for themselves dies. Whoever lives for Christ is made alive.
How many people in the world live for themselves?.... too "MANY"
True, but more specifically salvation in the correct manner of a living faith in Christ Jesus, not just a mental assent; typically termed: "Broadway Christians."
I remember we used to drive often by a church called "Broadway Christian Church." We used to laugh at that name. (The street is called Broadway).
Quest
I remember we used to drive often by a church called "Broadway Christian Church." We used to laugh at that name. (The street is called Broadway).
Quest
C
it was never implied that He chooses favourites, you are right to ascert that He does not choose anyone for who they are. Every knee will bow and confess Jesus is Lord, we as believers are those that have been graced by His revelation of His Son are held even more accountable for our walk in life for we have the truth, its how have we used it. Why God reveals to whom He chooses is a mystery itself to me, but it is written.
His ways are higher than ours, as are His thoughts. We only see dimly the whole plan of God but the central aspect of it is salvation.
with love
F
The wide gate and the strait are the two gates that all of God's children will go. The wide gate are those of God's children who are believing in false doctrines, such as believing they can gain eternal salvation by their good works. The strait gate are God's children that have been shown the truth of Christ's doctrine. The destruction that the broad way leads to is not refering to eternal damnation, but to the destruction of not having a close relationship with God. There is a way that seemeth right unto man but the end thereof are the ways of death(death is a seperation and in this scripture means a seperation from fellowship with God). The strait gate and the narrow way(Jesus said I am the way), The truth(by revealation of God), and the life(the abundant life we can live here in this world). The rest talked about in Hebrews 4 is not talking about eternal rest but the rest is the same as the life in the strait gate. The sheep in John 10 is also refering to the strait gate and the wide gate. John 10:10, The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and kill, and to destroy, I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
That is not true, Forest. Destruction means destruction.
People are saved when they act on Romans 10:9. That's what gets them through the narrow gate. The wide gate are those who do not choose to believe. They are not "God's children". They are the ones headed for destruction.
Forest, why do you dig up 18 month old threads?
People are saved when they act on Romans 10:9. That's what gets them through the narrow gate. The wide gate are those who do not choose to believe. They are not "God's children". They are the ones headed for destruction.
Forest, why do you dig up 18 month old threads?