A Wide
Gate and A Narrow Gate
Jesus said there would many who would call Him “Lord,
Lord” at the last judgment, only to hear the dreadful words, “I never
knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!” (Matthew 7:23).
Many of these people undoubtedly sit in the pews of even
“conservative” evangelical churches, having a “salvation testimony”
that has never given them a personal relationship with God, power to
live a holy Christian life, love for godly Christian brethren, or a
love for God’s Word. They called Him
“Lord” but never recognized Him as such. In
Luke 13:24, Jesus had said: "Strive to enter through the narrow gate ,
for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able.”
My
dear reader, remember that you cannot enter heaven without regeneration
(John 3:3). If you are unsure that you
have experienced a genuine New Birth, I beg of you to ask God not to
give you rest until you are sure.
The
Bible’s message has never been revealed to those who simply pick out
what they want it to say, for those who do so “twist” the Bible “to
their own destruction” (II Peter 3:16). God’s
truth has always been for those who are willing to seek God diligently:
My son, if you receive my words, And treasure my
commands within you,
So that you incline your ear to wisdom, And apply
your heart to understanding;
Yes, if you cry out for discernment, And lift up
your voice for understanding,
If you seek her as silver, And search for her as
for hidden treasures;
Then you will understand the
fear of the LORD, And find the knowledge of God.
