The Narrow Gate

[OneAccord]

Luke 13:24 Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able.

If salvation is by grace through faith, a gift from God, not of works, lest anyone should boast (Eph 2:8,9) why then must we strive to enter the narrow gate? Would striving be considered a works?

[O'Dannyboy]

Luke 13:23

[larryt]

Hi OA,

There are many paradoxes in the bible, yet they are all true. Yes we are saved by faith and faith alone. James says though that faith without works is dead. From this we can conclude that faith is not just a state of passivity but a state of action. Faith will express itself in diligently seeking God and His will.

Heb 11:6  But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Another way to look at it is when we are chastened by the Lord. If it has the effect of correcting our behavior then we will be diligent to make the corrections sure. If it results in bitterness it shows us that we are illegitimate.

Heb 12:11  Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

12  Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;

13  And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.

14  Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord

15  Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble [you], and thereby many be defiled;

LT

[OneAccord]

Thanks Larry, I agree that there are many paradoxes in the Bible in which both are true.

There are just so many example of people in the gospels that don't make it in because they failed in some way, which defies the idea of grace as a free gift. The rich man who would not sell everything he owned, although he was 'righteous' in every other way.

The foolish virgins must not have been saved in the first place if the OSAS doctrine is true, otherwise if they were saved then they failed to gain entrance because they slacked in their works.

I'm afraid this boils down to that infernal OSAS question, of which there have been plenty of debates on this board and thorughout Christiandom. Sigh.

[wordsower]

I think it goes along with Luke 21:29 Then He spoke to them a parable: "Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. 30 When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near. 31 So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all things take place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. 34 "But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. 35 For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy F138 to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man."

I don't think a lot of people are going to be worthy to be raptured. Only one church out of 7 in Revelation is worthy, the rest have to endure, be tested by fire, etc.

[OneAccord]

But Wordsower, it sounds like you're saying that they just weren't worthy of making the 'rapture', but after a little tribulation they'll get to the kingdom. Jesus seems to saying that the ones who don't enter in, who have the door shut to them, aren't making it into the kingdom at all.

[ted]

I think it all leads to making the decision to accept Christ. In other words, mankind will always set up systems designed to appear to be the way, but the narrow way is Christ.

The parable is another example of how Christ is the only way but few will accept it. (comparatively, that is.)

The use of the various works, are versions and examples of the fruits a Christian will bear, and be known by.

I know this might be the simplified way to express this, but I am a simple man.

t.

[Guest shiloh357]

The foolish virgins must not have been saved in the first place if the OSAS doctrine is true, otherwise if they were saved then they failed to gain entrance because they slacked in their works.

I'm afraid this boils down to that infernal OSAS question, of which there have been plenty of debates on this board and thorughout Christiandom. Sigh.

No, not really. The parable of the virgins is not about wise and foolish Christians, as seems to be the assumption.

It is about Christians and those who refused to make a decision for Christ and sought to live according to their own way. The foolish virgins are like those who want to wait until they are death's door to make a decision. By that time it is too late. Their faith and "conversion" are not genuine, and now the door is shut.

Therefore, the parable of the wise and foolish virgins does not contribute to the OSAS debates.

[OneAccord]

I guess it's the word STRIVE that is tripping me up here. According to a Greek lexicon STRIVE means:

1. to enter a contest: contend in the gymnastic games

2. to contend with adversaries, fight

3. metaph. to contend, struggle, with difficulties and dangers

4. to endeavour with strenuous zeal, strive: to obtain something

The act of being saved is not a striving and contending as this word suggests. It is a simple act of faith on our part and grace on God's part. It would seem that this idea of striving and struggling and contending must refer to something other than our salvation.

[Guest shiloh357]

I guess it's the word STRIVE that is tripping me up here.  According to a Greek lexicon STRIVE means:

1. to enter a contest: contend in the gymnastic games

2. to contend with adversaries, fight

3. metaph. to contend, struggle, with difficulties and dangers

4. to endeavour with strenuous zeal, strive: to obtain something

The act of being saved is not a striving and contending as this word suggests.  It is a simple act of faith on our part and grace on God's part.  It would seem that this idea of striving and struggling and contending must refer to something other than our salvation.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Paul talked about "pressing on towards the mark for the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

He also said that he kept his body under submission in order that after preaching to others he would not be disqualified.

Paul means that he keeps his fleshly desires in check so that his witness is not soiled and Christ be reproached in the eyes of the word. If we live contrary to what we profess, our witness is disqualified in the eyes of those around us.

Our striving applies to the earnestness with which we contend for the faith. We are to "strive" to live for the Lord. Salvation is by grace, but there are rewards that we do work for. It should not be enough to just barely make across the finish line. We should strive to finish strong.