ARE THERE FEW THAT BE SAVED?

ARE THERE FEW THAT BE SAVED?

Luke 13:22-27

22 And he went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem.

23 Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them,

24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.

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:

26 Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets.

27 But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.

          There are always those who like to discuss theological questions to no end. While journeying through the villages, and seeing the people going about their daily tasks, someone asked Jesus if there would be few saved. The question seems full of pathos and concern but Jesus immediately made His answer personal. The question is not how many will be saved but will YOU be saved?

          Jesus gives the picture of a great banquet. Verse 25 tells us that, eventually, the Master of the house will rise up and shut the door. All those who have been invited to the feast should have already come and taken their seats. Unfortunately, others will “begin” to mill around the closed door and finally knock too late.

          Why did they wait until the door was closed? The parable suggests several reasons. To begin with salvation is not easy! The sinner must enter by a narrow gate and walk a narrow way (Luke 13:24). They also felt a false sense of security. Religion was all around them and readily available. The comment: “We have eaten and drunk in thy presence” may be an allusion to the Passover meal or our own communion supper. The comment: “thou hast taught in our streets” tells us that the gospel message was common. They took it for granted but did not apply its truth.

          The door stands open today but there is coming a day when God will rise up and close the door of opportunity and invitation. No matter how close you may be to the door, once closed, you will not be able to enter in. Warren Wiersbe said: “These people were lost because they depended on their ancient religion to save them but Jesus saw them as "workers of iniquity," not doers of righteousness (Isa 64:4; Titus 1:16). It takes more than reverence for tradition to get into God's kingdom!”

Dear Lord, thank you for the open door. AMEN