The Narrow Way: Understanding Why Few Are Saved
Introduction:
The question of salvation is of utmost importance. Jesus Himself spoke of a narrow way, a path that few find. This truth can be unsettling, but it is a loving warning, a call to examine our hearts and ensure we are on the right path. Today, we will explore the reasons why Jesus indicated that few will be saved, and what we can do to ensure our place in His kingdom.
I. Because Many Do Not Believe (Luke 8:11, 12; Hebrews 11:6):
A. The Seed and the Path (Luke 8:11, 12):
• Jesus explains that the seed is the word of God, and those along the path are those who hear but do not believe. The devil snatches the word away, preventing them from salvation.
• Many hear the gospel, but their hearts remain hardened, resistant to its truth.
B. Without Faith, It Is Impossible to Please God (Hebrews 11:6):
• “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is…”
• Faith is not merely intellectual assent; it is a deep, unwavering trust in God and His promises.
II. Because Many Do Not Diligently Seek Him (Hebrews 11:6; Luke 13:24; Jeremiah 29:13; 1 John 4:1):
A. Diligent Seeking (Hebrews 11:6):
• “…and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”
• Salvation is not passive; it requires active pursuit, a genuine hunger for God.
B. Striving to Enter (Luke 13:24):
• Jesus urges us to “strive to enter through the narrow gate.” This implies effort, persistence, and a willingness to overcome obstacles.
C. Seeking with the Whole Heart (Jeremiah 29:13):
• “And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.”
• Half-hearted seeking will not yield true salvation.
D. Testing the Spirits (1 John 4:1):
• “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
• Many are led astray by false teachings, failing to discern truth from error.
III. Because Many Do Not Remain Faithful (Revelation 2:10; Luke 8:13, 14; Galatians 4:15, 16; 2 Timothy 4:3, 4; Psalm 106:12-14):
A. Enduring Temptation and Trial (Revelation 2:10; Luke 8:13; Mark 4:16, 17; Psalm 106:12-14):
• Many initially embrace the gospel but fall away when faced with hardship.
• They lack the deep roots to withstand trials.
B. Enamored with Worldly Cares and Pleasures (Luke 8:14):
• The cares of this world, the deceitfulness of wealth, and the pleasures of life choke out the word, making it unfruitful.
C. Growing Opposed to Truth (Galatians 4:15, 16; 2 Timothy 4:3, 4):
• Some who once embraced the truth become resistant to it, preferring fables and false doctrines.
IV. Because Many Do Not Obey Him (Matthew 7:21; Acts 2:37, 38; Mark 16:16):
A. Not Everyone Who Says “Lord, Lord” (Matthew 7:21):
• “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.”
• True faith is demonstrated by obedience to God’s commands.
B. Repentance and Baptism (Acts 2:37, 38):
• When the people heard Peter’s message, they were cut to the heart and asked what they should do. Peter instructed them to repent and be baptized for the remission of sins.
• Obedience to God’s instructions is a vital step in salvation.
C. Belief and Baptism (Mark 16:16):
• “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.”
• Belief and obedience are intertwined.
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Conclusion:
The reality that few are saved is not meant to discourage us, but to awaken us. It is a call to examine our faith, to ensure we are truly believing, diligently seeking, remaining faithful, and obeying God’s word. Let us strive to enter through the narrow gate, seeking God with all our hearts, and living lives that reflect our devotion to Him. Let us not be among the many who fall away, but among the few who persevere to the end, receiving the crown of life. Amen.
