The Narrow Path of Salvation

The fact is, not everyone who professes to be a Christian will receive eternal life. And, not everyone who calls Jesus their Lord will enter into His Kingdom. Jesus said,�"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. 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?' And then will I profess unto them, 'I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity'"�(Matthew 7:21-23). These people did many "good works" in Jesus' name and even called Him their Lord, but�Jesus did not�know�them. Jesus said that such people�"draweth nigh unto me

with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me"�(Matthew 15:8).

Why will Jesus reject some people who do "good works" in His name? Because He sees that the motivation behind their works is praise of men and self-justification, not love for Jesus or obedience to God.�"And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, 'I know him,' and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him."�(I John 2:3-5). The people Jesus rejected did what seemed to be good works in the world's eyes, but they were rejected because of their�disobedience. Paul said of such people:�"They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and�unto every good work reprobate�[rejected or disqualified]"

(Titus 1:16). Ultimately, those who enter into the�Kingdom of Heaven�are those who do the�will of the Father, which is to"love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength"

(Mark 12:30).

While it is true that many who profess to know God have never really been saved, it is also true that some who have a genuine salvation experience will later reject Christ, sear their conscience, and return to a worldly lifestyle. Such people have reason to fear the judgment of God, for they have forsaken His way of salvation. This is why the Bible's numerous warnings against falling away from the Lord Jesus are so stern.�"Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell [in unbelief], severity; but toward thee, goodness,�if thou continue�in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off"�(Romans 11:22).

The Word of God is clear:�salvation is a narrow path. The broad way of the world leads to death and destruction. The Bible says that�"there is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death"�(Proverbs 16:25). Jesus said,�"many are called, but few are chosen"�(Matthew 22:14), and to"enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and�few there be that find it"�(Matthew 7:13-14). Again, here we see the process of salvation. First, we enter in at the�strait gate�(Jesus is the gate according to John 10:9). We are told to�"Strive to enter in at the strait gate:

for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able"�(Luke 13:24). Second, we walk the�narrow way(the Greek word for "narrow" meanspressure, affliction, and tribulation). The walk of salvation is not trouble-free, for"we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God"�(Acts 14:22). It is on this path that we take up our cross daily (die to self) and learn from the Savior. Finally, after walking the path of faith from start to finish, we will reach our destination of�eternal life�in Jesus Christ.

There are only two paths in this world: thebroad way�which leads to destruction, and the�narrow way�which leads to eternal life.�If you will enter in at the strait gate, you must also walk a narrow path of obedience to the Savior.�Anyone who preaches a cheap and easy salvation is preaching another gospel (II Corinthians 11:4). The fact is, a believer must hold on to faith in Jesus and be faithful to Him unto death in order to receive�"the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls"

(I Peter 1:9). Faith in the Son of God is (and always has been) the key to a person's salvation.

Pastor Rolando Ramos
www.fghconline.com