Luke 13:23-24 Someone asked him, “Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?” He said to them, “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to.

At first glance, this really doesn’t seem like the Gospel as it is generally presented. When we cannot contribute to our own salvation, Jesus’ instructions to “try hard (make every effort) to enter the narrow gate” don’t seem to make much sense. If I read the rest of the Bible rightly, the problem is one of timing. Far too many people who have heard the Gospel put it off until “later,” thinking to enjoy the deceitful pleasures of sin until the last minute and then follow Christ. After death they will indeed regret that bitterly, as Jesus describes in the following verses. We need to be on our guard against the distractions and deceptions of the devil, who tries to keep us from following Christ. That indeed requires our full cooperation, and is something we need to work at as long as we are in this life. The gate to salvation is indeed narrow, because it is Jesus Christ alone, and many are offended by that. Some of the things that are said on the subject would be completely laughable if they weren’t so tragic.

I’m not to run around pointing fingers and trying to decide who, among those who claim Christ, is or isn’t saved. That would be high­ly counterproductive. However, I must be very clear in my own presentation of the Gospel, not erecting false barriers but in no way glossing over the need for repentance. I know without question that God wants people to be saved even more than I do, but I also know that He doesn’t violate our free will, forcing us to choose Christ. God is indeed sovereign, but free will is no illusion. That puts me somewhat at odds with both Calvinists and Arminians! I am reminded of C. S. Lewis’ famous statement that one thing we know for certain is that when we get to heaven, we will find that all of us were wrong somewhere! I am to be faithful in communicating the Gospel as effectively as possible to as many as possible, nurturing those who receive it in their faith, raising up disciples who will in turn raise up more disciples, for as long as the Lord leaves me here. I am not to be satisfied with my own salvation, but seek to take as many with me through that narrow gate as possible.

Father, You grace is indeed still amazing. Help me operate in that grace on every level, not trying to figure everything out on my own but listening carefully to You. When You don’t give me an immediate answer, help me rest quietly in trust. May I be fully active in my obedience, without trying to do anything simply in my own strength and wisdom. May I be a good steward of all You have placed in me, so that all of Your plans for me may be fulfilled, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!