The “I’m Coming Back” Series: Only a Few

The “I’m Coming Back” Series: Only a Few

Jesus made four statements we want to be sure not to miss:

1. I am coming back
2. Only a few
3. You must be born again
4. Here matters there

Today: Only a Few

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that
leads to destruction, and many enter through it.  14  But small is the gate and
narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14
Bold added)

“Only a few.”

Last week, we saw Jesus’ warnings to those who plan to present their resumes of good activities on Judgment Day. We call them “Churchian Doers,” because they are busy doing good things, especially religious things, but they never actually get to know Jesus. His stark warning is chilling:

23  Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’
(Matthew 7:21-23 Bold added)

Here is another vivid example of Jesus’ warning, with yet the same chilling result. Jesus addresses those who are “at church every time the doors open.” We call them “Churchian Goers.”

Someone asked him, “Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?”

He said to them,  24  “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because
many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to.  25  Once the owner of the
house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading,
‘Sir, open the door for us.’

“But he will answer, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.’
26  “Then you will say, ‘We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.’

27  “But he will reply, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from. Away from me,
all you evildoers!’ (Luke 13:23-30 Bold added)

I think we can all agree Jesus is crystal clear about his answer: “Only a few.”

I am guessing this offends some of you. I know and I agree. I wish Jesus had not said these things. But he did.

How to be in the few? Get to church! Get your resume filled with impressive Christian activities!!! Uh, no. Those are fine, but not enough.

If you are uncertain, say something like this: “Jesus, I may have missed it. I have this haunting feeling I have missed it – salvation, that is. Yes, I confess I may have wanted to miss it in the past, because I didn’t want you interfering with my life, but not now.”

Surrender your Self to Jesus. Ask him to be your Savior and your King.

If you are certain, then say something like this:

“Jesus, I want to know you better. I want a deeper relationship, and I want the “Life to the full” you said you wanted for me. Help me to surrender whatever is getting in the way.”

He is real. He will respond.

Next Week: You Must be Born Again