The Narrow Gate

The New Testament brings a simple message but also heavy doctrine. There were several illustrations in today's reading about salvation. Jesus is the Good Shepherd whose sheep know His voice and come when He calls. Salvation is like a feast originally offered to the master's friends but extended to include anyone who would come. This is an obvious parallel to the chosen people (Jews) and Gentiles. And finally, the illustration of the Narrow gate. This one can make you squirm if you're really paying attention. The disciples asked, "Lord, will only a few be saved?" and His response was essentially that the way is NARROW. Matthew adds "wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction and many enter into it. But small is the gate and narrow is the road that leads to life, and only a few find it". He elaborates by saying that many will plead to get in through that narrow door and will believe that they are entitled..."we ate and drank with you and taught in your streets". And yet, He will reply to many who profess to know Him, "I don't know you or where you come from". Matthew 7:21-23 reads "not everyone who says to me 'Lord, Lord' will enter the kingdom of heaven. Many will say to me on that day 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles? then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, evildoers'".

There is a major doctrine unfolding here regarding salvation. The people at the banquet (heaven) will not necessarily be those we expect to see. Our churches are full of people who think themselves worthy of heaven because of their good works ("I go to church, I give money in the offering plate, I am a kind person, I do not swear or steal or cheat on my spouse, i believe in God and Jesus") but whom the Lord will not recognize ("I never knew you"). We are able to perform many good works on our own, even while claiming to do them in Jesus name. We can also "believe" without really knowing or loving Jesus. James 2:10 says "You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that and shudder". This indicates that it is possible to believe without being a follower of god. The demons believe but certainly do not follow. God wants our hearts, not empty works, and the narrow gate illustration is meant to show that even our best efforts (casting out demons, prophesying, working miracles) do not make us right with Him.

That said, Jesus does say "Work hard to enter the narrow gate...". And yet in Matthew's account, He clearly states that the best works are no substitute for knowing Him. How do we reconcile the two? How can we "work" to enter the narrow gate if salvation is based on faith alone? James expounds on this somewhat complicated doctrine. He states that there are two kinds of faith- one legitimate and one illegitimate. There is faith made complete (Jas. 2:22) and faith without deeds (Jas. 2:20). Legitimate faith (faith made complete) goes deeper than right thinking to right living. Illegitimate faith is intellectual alone, as even the demons demonstrate. Legitimate faith is proven by good works but not rooted in them. Illegitimate faith bears nothing deeper than the works themselves. As in all things, God is looking for true love. He is not interested in those who go through the motions. He does not want a fake relationship. Don't presume that you are "good soil" and stroll with complacency up to the gates of heaven looking for your VIP pass. Jesus tells us to work hard to enter the narrow gate. I believe he intends for us to really examine our hearts and take our relationships with him seriously. All good marriages require WORK. Ours with the Lord should be no different. Work cannot take the place of love, but is an outpouring of it.

2 Chronicles 16:9 "The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth looking to strengthen the hearts of those fully committed to Him".

Tomorrow's reading: Luke 14:25-17:10; John 11:1-37