One Way Entrance

Scripture: 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. 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.’" Luke 13:23-25

Observation: Jesus doesn't answer the question. The question is about how many people will be saved. Jesus instead says that there is a 'narrow door' to enter through, and many will try to enter but will not be able to, because they will show up after the door is closed and locked and won't be acknowledged.

Application: What are all the different ways people try to gain some form of eternal life? Through purely good works ... or being in tune with the world ... or Buddhism or Hinduism ... or some other monotheistic belief system.

But what is the 'narrow door'? It is belief in Jesus as God's son, our lord and savior.

This isn't about atheistic/agnostic non-believers - those who have no belief in God and thus believe that life is a meaningless accident - it's about those who try to find another option for reconciling themselves to God the Creator (in whatever form they believe in him). They are wasting their time looking for some other entry to heaven, and the longer they fail to enter through the door, the more likely it will be too late when they finally figure it out.

Personally, I believe it is JUST as important to see that Jesus refuses to answer the question about raw numbers. Instead, he simply says the entry is limited - it is through faith in him alone. And while the door is open, we can all get inside. This isn't about some people getting crowded out, it's about some people just not walking through the open door.

Prayer: Lord, as I interact with others, I pray for the wisdom to be able to express the idea that there is one way into eternal life, without being off-putting about others' thoughts. It is a difficult balance, but I will speak truth. May your Spirit always be part of that conversation.