So who's out and who's in? Few topics have been as hotly debated as who will be in the coming kingdom of God. Are Catholics excluded? Will the Baptists make it? What about the Lutherans? The Pentecostals?
My opinion on the subject is of little value, but Jesus' words are monumentally important:
"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." (Luke 13:23-24)
It is interesting that Jesus shifts the focus from "them" to "you". "Don't get hung up on how many others will or won't be in the Kingdom; focus on making sure that you enter", He says. The difficulty for the majority to enter through the narrow door is statement enough regarding the challenges: entering the kingdom of God is no simple matter. Stating that we need to "strive to enter" means that it requires intense focus and unswerving dedication and commitment. Seeking the kingdom must be more than a casual walk in the park.
The pathway to the Kingdom is ultimately a personal one. No one enters on the coattails of great people of faith or biblically-correct churches. Followers of the crowd will likely be headed for the wrong destination. It is only through a personal response to the message and man, Jesus, that we are set on the path to the Kingdom. The life of the Kingdom is then nourished within us through disciplines such as Bible study, prayer, Christian fellowship, and stewardship of time and possessions.
Striving to enter the kingdom involves DOING, but primarily it involves BEING. The good works and deeds of our lives will never make us fit for the kingdom, but they will be tangible evidence of our citizenship and the character of Christ and the kingdom formed within us. Our most compelling witness is kingdom character expressed through consistent words and actions.
May the indwelling Spirit of God build Kingdom character within each of us which overflows in words and deeds that will positively impact others around us for the King and His Kingdom.
Steve
My opinion on the subject is of little value, but Jesus' words are monumentally important:
"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." (Luke 13:23-24)
It is interesting that Jesus shifts the focus from "them" to "you". "Don't get hung up on how many others will or won't be in the Kingdom; focus on making sure that you enter", He says. The difficulty for the majority to enter through the narrow door is statement enough regarding the challenges: entering the kingdom of God is no simple matter. Stating that we need to "strive to enter" means that it requires intense focus and unswerving dedication and commitment. Seeking the kingdom must be more than a casual walk in the park.
The pathway to the Kingdom is ultimately a personal one. No one enters on the coattails of great people of faith or biblically-correct churches. Followers of the crowd will likely be headed for the wrong destination. It is only through a personal response to the message and man, Jesus, that we are set on the path to the Kingdom. The life of the Kingdom is then nourished within us through disciplines such as Bible study, prayer, Christian fellowship, and stewardship of time and possessions.
Striving to enter the kingdom involves DOING, but primarily it involves BEING. The good works and deeds of our lives will never make us fit for the kingdom, but they will be tangible evidence of our citizenship and the character of Christ and the kingdom formed within us. Our most compelling witness is kingdom character expressed through consistent words and actions.
May the indwelling Spirit of God build Kingdom character within each of us which overflows in words and deeds that will positively impact others around us for the King and His Kingdom.
Steve
posted by steve @ 7:43 AM
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