Will all people of all religions be saved? Will all who call themselves Christians be in the Kingdom? These are challenging questions that we have either asked or had asked of us. Our answers and the answers of others may be interesting, but the words of Jesus on the subject are vital.
"And someone said to Him, "Lord, are there just a few who are being saved?" And He said to them, "Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. "Once the head of the house gets up and shuts the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock on the door, saying, `Lord, open up to us!' then He will answer and say to you, `I do not know where you are from.' "Then you will begin to say, `We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets'; and He will say, `I tell you, I do not know where you are from; DEPART FROM ME, ALL YOU EVILDOERS.' "In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but yourselves being thrown out. "And they will come from east and west and from north and south, and will recline at the table in the kingdom of God. "And behold, some are last who will be first and some are first who will be last." (Luke 13:23-30)
There are several things to notice from Jesus' words: (1) His answer is an appeal for personal pursuit of salvation; (2) there will be a time when the opportunity is ended; (3) no appeal will be effective once the opportunity is past; (4) indescribable anguish will result from missing the opportunity of salvation, and; (5) the kingdom will be an "upside down" kingdom.
In general, Jesus' words make very clear the personal priority to "seek first the kingdom of God" (Matthew 6:33). The generous salvation offer of God has time limitations and there is the danger of personal delusion concerning the basis of salvation. We are saved by faith based upon truth, and love for truth and appreciation of faith motivate us to earnestly pursue the kingdom on a daily basis.
Jesus' words indicate that "not all roads lead to the kingdom". Faith must be based upon solid truth, as revealed in the Bible and personified by Jesus, and this must be a passionate pursuit. Many will seek salvation but not all will find it. Familiarity with truth and with Jesus will not be sufficient; only passionate love for truth, the Truth-Giver and the Truth-Teller will do.
May His challenging words lead each of us to passionately pursue "the pearl of great price"; the hidden treasure in the field.
Steve
"And someone said to Him, "Lord, are there just a few who are being saved?" And He said to them, "Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. "Once the head of the house gets up and shuts the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock on the door, saying, `Lord, open up to us!' then He will answer and say to you, `I do not know where you are from.' "Then you will begin to say, `We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets'; and He will say, `I tell you, I do not know where you are from; DEPART FROM ME, ALL YOU EVILDOERS.' "In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but yourselves being thrown out. "And they will come from east and west and from north and south, and will recline at the table in the kingdom of God. "And behold, some are last who will be first and some are first who will be last." (Luke 13:23-30)
There are several things to notice from Jesus' words: (1) His answer is an appeal for personal pursuit of salvation; (2) there will be a time when the opportunity is ended; (3) no appeal will be effective once the opportunity is past; (4) indescribable anguish will result from missing the opportunity of salvation, and; (5) the kingdom will be an "upside down" kingdom.
In general, Jesus' words make very clear the personal priority to "seek first the kingdom of God" (Matthew 6:33). The generous salvation offer of God has time limitations and there is the danger of personal delusion concerning the basis of salvation. We are saved by faith based upon truth, and love for truth and appreciation of faith motivate us to earnestly pursue the kingdom on a daily basis.
Jesus' words indicate that "not all roads lead to the kingdom". Faith must be based upon solid truth, as revealed in the Bible and personified by Jesus, and this must be a passionate pursuit. Many will seek salvation but not all will find it. Familiarity with truth and with Jesus will not be sufficient; only passionate love for truth, the Truth-Giver and the Truth-Teller will do.
May His challenging words lead each of us to passionately pursue "the pearl of great price"; the hidden treasure in the field.
Steve
posted by steve @ 9:56 AM
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