Luke 13:24
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The *strait* or narrow gate is Christ Himself and His finished work of redemption (His death, burial, and resurrection). Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and no man can come to the Father except through Him.
The *many* here were the majority of Jews, but primarily the Pharisees, who desired to enter the Kingdom of God through their strict Torah observance + the traditions of men (now incorporated in the Talmud). But the Bible says that sinners are justified by grace through faith in Christ and His finished work of redemption, and that salvation is not of works lest any man should boast. The illustration of the Pharisee and the Publican in the Bible makes this clear.
But there is also a broader application. In every religion in the world, the ultimate goal is salvation of one kind or another. But all religions are based upon the idea that human beings can somehow merit salvation by their good deeds (which will outweigh their evil deeds). And then these same religions include the worship of idols and false gods.
So all people want to enter the Kingdom of God, but not according to Christ and God. Jesus said that in order to enter the Kingdom of God one must be born again. And that happens only AFTER sinners obey the Gospel (repentance toward God and faith outward our Lord Jesus Christ).
The *many* here were the majority of Jews, but primarily the Pharisees, who desired to enter the Kingdom of God through their strict Torah observance + the traditions of men (now incorporated in the Talmud). But the Bible says that sinners are justified by grace through faith in Christ and His finished work of redemption, and that salvation is not of works lest any man should boast. The illustration of the Pharisee and the Publican in the Bible makes this clear.
But there is also a broader application. In every religion in the world, the ultimate goal is salvation of one kind or another. But all religions are based upon the idea that human beings can somehow merit salvation by their good deeds (which will outweigh their evil deeds). And then these same religions include the worship of idols and false gods.
So all people want to enter the Kingdom of God, but not according to Christ and God. Jesus said that in order to enter the Kingdom of God one must be born again. And that happens only AFTER sinners obey the Gospel (repentance toward God and faith outward our Lord Jesus Christ).
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This was taught to me last night in bible study. Basically saying how many people will say they believe in Jesus and fell like they are leading a life to Jesus but really aren’t. My pastor looked around the room and said many of you will fall into this category. And he spoke of how he does funeral services and the families always need to hear that they are in a better place, but my pastor knows that to not be true. He said focus on the first part. My bible is not ESV it is King James Version,but the first part says focus on the narrow of the gate, it is much more attainable then the broad of the gate. I hope I helped. 😀
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So..how do I go about my life after accepting Christ and if I don't need to do good works then who will do those for me because I know that God is love and therefore I have to love others and that doesn't come easy to me. Am I not working hard to seek Christ, am I not doing my best..? But again ..here I come into the picture, but i must not be boasting about anything at all.
My point to summarise it up is - what is the will of God - that I believe in Christ? And if I did, what's next? - a relationship with Him right...but I am a veteran sinner and so my faith life falls apart because i don't want to face a holy God with an unholy self...u may then say - repent! but ...how? to give promises to God that I won't do it again, or to ask Him to give me strength to turn away from it...but what if i still fall, so does that mean that I am ..purposefully sinning? or that I didn't have faith that God would help me not to sin...
what is happening to me
My point to summarise it up is - what is the will of God - that I believe in Christ? And if I did, what's next? - a relationship with Him right...but I am a veteran sinner and so my faith life falls apart because i don't want to face a holy God with an unholy self...u may then say - repent! but ...how? to give promises to God that I won't do it again, or to ask Him to give me strength to turn away from it...but what if i still fall, so does that mean that I am ..purposefully sinning? or that I didn't have faith that God would help me not to sin...
what is happening to me
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Yes, this perplexes many of us. I am not a scholar on the Bible as I have seen many very proficient followers of Christ with a very deep understanding of the word on this site, and will hope that they might chime in on this to give an answer. But this is my thought on this and I think this is where a lot of people loose it and might see themselves as being the person that the lord says I never knew you. We are saved by Christ and have to follow him and his teachings. Be born again. That means if you are on this site and fellowshipping with others, then go in your car later and are driving to the store and somebody cuts you off and in your car you start swearing and yelling at that person, I believe that is where we miss our mark. You are on the right track when the day comes that as you start swearing and cursing you stop yourself and ask for forgiveness from the lord. When you are conscious and repent from sinning. BUT NOT BECAUSE YOU WANT ENTERNAL LIFE, BUT BECAUSE THE THOUGHT OF HURTING GOD, HURTS YOU MORE. And this whole thing about works is a dangerous topic. Lets not get works confused with salvation. Basically, we follow Christ, because through him we are saved, but we still need to follow everyday the 10 commandments. And to follow them in a literal sense. I bet many people believe that they never break the commandments 1, or 2. But I think we break those everyday. How, If you choose to look at feeds on your Facebook and you do that consistently and faithfully, isn't that putting your Facebook ahead of God??? Would he say to you on Judgment day hey you are in the wrong line, your line is the line for Mark Zuckerberg. Or if you eat and love food so much that you think of it all the time and lust after it with your stomach. God knows your heart. We cant fool him. We are either in this world, or his world. Hey I hope I helped, there are a lot of great Christians on this site, God Bless You.
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It reminded me of the parable in Mathew 7. Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity. I never knew you. “
Not that they did not experienced tasting of the good things to come by doing wonderful works sharing in the things to come .Christ did not deny wonderful works where performed.
But in their deceitful heart they thought God was served by human hands. Which he is not in any way shape or form. Rather than walking by faith the unseen eternal . We can plant the seed and water it with the doctrines of God but he must cause the living born again growth.
Hebrews 6:4-6 After people have left the way of Christ, can you make them change their lives again? I am talking about people who once learned the truth, received God’s gift, and shared in the Holy Spirit. They were blessed to hear God’s good message and see the great power of his new world. But then they left it all behind, and it is not possible to make them change again.
Blaspheming the Son of God, the Holy Spirit not seen is not forgivable. It was only forgiven for that short period when the Son of man, Jesus walked on earth. He said if he departs not, the Holy Spirit not seen will not come .
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Hello Amorette 
The point concerning good works is that they do not save. Finding rest in the work of Jesus Christ allows us to be and do the works He has prepared in advance for us to do. Overthinking it can be to our detriment. I heard it said just recently: the paralysis of analysis. I just looked it up, and there is quite a bit written about analysis paralysis, so you are certainly not alone when it comes to this.
Ephesians 2:8-9
The point concerning good works is that they do not save. Finding rest in the work of Jesus Christ allows us to be and do the works He has prepared in advance for us to do. Overthinking it can be to our detriment. I heard it said just recently: the paralysis of analysis. I just looked it up, and there is quite a bit written about analysis paralysis, so you are certainly not alone when it comes to this.
Ephesians 2:8-9
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There is a huge difference in good works as a means of earning God's grace, and the good works of believers as an expression of the grace of God and the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit: For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (Eph 2:10)
As to loving others after you receive the Spirit it is Christ in you who loves others through you. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure (Phil 2:13).
As to loving others after you receive the Spirit it is Christ in you who loves others through you. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure (Phil 2:13).
Hello Amorette The point concerning good works is that they do not save. Finding rest in the work of Jesus Christ allows us to be and do the works He has prepared in advance for us to do. Overthinking it can be to our detriment. I heard it said just recently: the paralysis of analysis. I just looked it up, and there is quite a bit written about analysis paralysis, so you are certainly not alone when it comes to this.
The point concerning good works is that they do not save. Finding rest in the work of Jesus Christ allows us to be and do the works He has prepared in advance for us to do. Overthinking it can be to our detriment. I heard it said just recently: the paralysis of analysis. I just looked it up, and there is quite a bit written about analysis paralysis, so you are certainly not alone when it comes to this.
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Nobody is saved because of mere association with Christ and the church. But many will think their association with Christ and the church and it's teachings, beliefs, activities and programs is somehow indicative of salvation.
The evangelical church is big on works of service and proper belief systems and theologies, but not so big on works of obedience. Many, many in the church are not prepared for the coming of Christ. Christ does not know them, they just think He does.
The evangelical church is big on works of service and proper belief systems and theologies, but not so big on works of obedience. Many, many in the church are not prepared for the coming of Christ. Christ does not know them, they just think He does.
Many will seek to enter in, and and shall not be able.
Many are called but few are chosen.
So what hindered them from obtaining if all you need is faith.
Are these people that seeked to enter in to heaven of other religions, and beliefs, and were trying to get to heaven by those means.
Or are these people that had faith, and believed Jesus as Lord and Savior, but could not enter.
Luk 13:25 When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:
Luk 13:26 Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets.
Luk 13:27 But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.
I believe Jesus is speaking in this instance that it is the people that seek to enter in to heaven by confessing Jesus, and having faith, but could not for they knocked on the door saying Lord, Lord, open unto us when they missed the resurrection, which Jesus said they shall have their portion with the hypocrites.
So what hindered them from falling short of the mark.
2Ti 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
Mat 7:21 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.
Mat 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
2Ti 3:4 lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
2Ti 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
2Ti 3:6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
2Ti 3:7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
And there are millions of them that have a form of godliness, but deny the Spirit leading them for they want to enjoy sin, and believe they are right with God despite their sins, and it does not affect their salvation, which they are ever learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth for they do not depart from iniquity.
America has many of these people that are hypocritical for they do not want to get rid of the fleshy pleasures that they have enjoyed for so many years, for look at society of all the people that claim Christ and look at their lifestyle for they are enjoying worldly music, movies, television, spending money for their wants, and material things that is not a necessity neglecting the poor and needy.
Isa 59:1 Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:
Isa 59:2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.
This applies even when you confess Christ.
Rom 11:20 Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:
Rom 11:21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.
Rom 11:22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.
Heb 3:10 Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways.
Heb 3:11 So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.)
Heb 3:12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
Heb 3:13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
Heb 3:14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end.
Old Testament, New Testament, it is the same, stop sinning or you will be cut off, and do not depart from the living God by the deceitfulness of sins, so a person can depart from the truth if they hold unto sin.
Many are called but few are chosen.
So what hindered them from obtaining if all you need is faith.
Are these people that seeked to enter in to heaven of other religions, and beliefs, and were trying to get to heaven by those means.
Or are these people that had faith, and believed Jesus as Lord and Savior, but could not enter.
Luk 13:25 When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:
Luk 13:26 Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets.
Luk 13:27 But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.
I believe Jesus is speaking in this instance that it is the people that seek to enter in to heaven by confessing Jesus, and having faith, but could not for they knocked on the door saying Lord, Lord, open unto us when they missed the resurrection, which Jesus said they shall have their portion with the hypocrites.
So what hindered them from falling short of the mark.
2Ti 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
Mat 7:21 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.
Mat 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
2Ti 3:4 lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
2Ti 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
2Ti 3:6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
2Ti 3:7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
And there are millions of them that have a form of godliness, but deny the Spirit leading them for they want to enjoy sin, and believe they are right with God despite their sins, and it does not affect their salvation, which they are ever learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth for they do not depart from iniquity.
America has many of these people that are hypocritical for they do not want to get rid of the fleshy pleasures that they have enjoyed for so many years, for look at society of all the people that claim Christ and look at their lifestyle for they are enjoying worldly music, movies, television, spending money for their wants, and material things that is not a necessity neglecting the poor and needy.
Isa 59:1 Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:
Isa 59:2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.
This applies even when you confess Christ.
Rom 11:20 Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:
Rom 11:21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.
Rom 11:22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.
Heb 3:10 Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways.
Heb 3:11 So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.)
Heb 3:12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
Heb 3:13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
Heb 3:14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end.
Old Testament, New Testament, it is the same, stop sinning or you will be cut off, and do not depart from the living God by the deceitfulness of sins, so a person can depart from the truth if they hold unto sin.
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