Deceived by Religion, Shut Out by Christ

[bdavidc]

As Jesus made His way to Jerusalem, a profound question was posed to Him: Jesus Christ was questioned as He journeyed to Jerusalem with "Lord, will only a few be saved?" (Luke 13:23). Instead of providing a numerical answer, He issued a compelling directive, urgent, significant, and deeply personal: “Strive to enter through the narrow door. The statement reveals that many people will attempt to enter yet they will fail.  Striping away misleading beliefs about eternal life and expose the reality that many who think they will achieve it ultimately will not.

The belief that only a select portion of people will achieve salvation causes unrest. The statement questions our safe beliefs while opposing the simple religious standards that many people have embraced. Jesus teaches that the path to salvation is restricted and selective rather than open and inviting. It calls for effort, not complacency. The verb "strive" implies an intense battle similar to what an athlete experiences when competing for an award. Salvation is not purchased by deeds but is received through authentic and committed faith that submits to Christ and takes His direction. The narrow door only allows entry to those who reject their sins and dead rituals and understand Christ as He is described in Scripture, not as they wish Him to be.

Jesus paints a chilling picture: People stand at the entryway while knocking and requesting entry but falsely assert they know Him. Our interactions with you included shared meals and teachings on your streets but you say that you do not recognize us. These individuals addressed by Jesus believed they belonged to His group. They believed in their own importance and achieved recognition among religious circles. However, they were misled. Their confidence depended not on Christ's finished work and His transformative grace but on their closeness to Him along with their personal experiences and distorted teachings from those who misled them.

Today's world presents comforting words alongside open gates to people everywhere. Countless individuals have become entangled with teachings from numerous false religious figures who promoted easy faith and self-centered versions of Christianity that require no real effort. Their message provides salvation without repentance requirements and grace without consequences while promoting a faith that lacks genuine dedication.

Edited April 10 by bdavidc

[Michael37]

1 hour ago, bdavidc said:

“Strive to enter through the narrow door.

Speaking of Himself.

Joh 10:7-9  Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.  (8)  All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.  (9)  I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

[timf]

Here is a short article from a blog archive at christianpioneer.com that bears on how one can "enter the narrow gate".

 

How to be “Of The Truth”

Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. - John 18:37b

There is a distinctive condition that a person can have that makes him able to “hear” the words of Jesus. Like a radio tuned to the right frequency can pick up a station, those who are “of the truth” can receive what Jesus says. Those who are unable to “tune in” to the right frequency are deaf to the words of Jesus. We are told that the gospel is foolishness to those that are perishing (1Cor 1:18).

There is a principle of physics called resonance that describes the transfer of energy from a source to a target that has been configured to just the right condition. For example, a note played on a piano can cause the string of a guitar to vibrate if it has been tuned to the same note. Since Jesus is truth (John 14:6), those who are “of the truth” are able to tune in.

Most people today value feeling good over truth. The reason is that truth often exposes what we are ashamed of, our comfortable delusions, and our inadequacies (John 3:19). To be “of the truth” requires us to elevate truth in our lives even over our own comfort. When we allow the cold light of truth to wash over us, we are all brought to a place of humility. This alignment with truth is critical for our relationship with God.

Jesus told those who had believed in him that if they continued in his word, they would know the truth and the truth would set them free (John 8:31-32). This points to a progressive process of growing in truth. Truth not only brings us to Jesus, but also continues to work and grow in us so that we can be truly free (John 8:36).

We are told in Romans chapter one that the wrath of God is revealed against those who hold the truth in unrighteousness. Since we would like not to find God’s wrath, but rather his mercy, it behooves us to consider how we might hold the truth in righteousness. An example of unrighteousness might be the scribes in attempting to answer a question from Jesus that they never even asked themselves what was true (Mark 11:29-33). By using this as a negative example, we can consider that always asking what is true might be a way to hold the truth in righteousness.

The Bereans (Acts 17:11) demonstrate being “of the truth” in that they used the source of truth (the bible) to measure what they were being told. Asking and seeking truth combined with comparing what we hear to what the bible says begins to build a condition of “being of the truth”.

There can be a sadness to “being of the truth”. Like for a combat veteran or a cop who have seen what humans are capable of, the comfort of delusion is not available. However, transcending the gloom that arises from seeing the human condition in truth is the radiance of the mercy and love of God that is greater than all of our evil. Truth reveals man for what he really is, however, it also revels God for what he is and that is our basis for rejoicing.

[bdavidc]

While acknowledging that truth can be hard and even painful, exposing our sin, breaking our pride, and revealing the darkness of the human heart, there is also great joy in seeing the mercy and goodness of God more clearly. As Psalm 85:10 says, “Mercy and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed.” God’s truth is never cold or hopeless. It always leads us back to the love, grace, and redemption that He offers through Jesus Christ. And that is a reason to rejoice.

[tatwo]

On 4/10/2025 at 3:44 PM, bdavidc said:

Their message provides salvation without repentance requirements and grace without consequences while promoting a faith that lacks genuine dedication.

The few...the many...Truth...deception...the narrow gate...the wide gate...true religion...false religion...committed faith...easy faith...striving to enter in...misled thinking they will enter in...

Yes...I get your picture @bdavidc...clearly you are referencing false religion here and I agree...what do you do about these things? How do you reveal “Truth” to those who are misled?

Here you have correctly discerned the situation...it seems to me however that to merely discern a situation absent any remediation (unless it is forthcoming) is really only addressing a "part of the challenge"...right? Is knowing a "thing" all there is to it? It is the first step to be sure friend...what's the prophetic vision for both the demonically inspired misled...and...the Spirit led? Can you see it in the scriptures?

For the misled...the next step is likely the apostasy...for those mature in Christ the next step is what? True spiritual discernment reveals both the "good and the evil" and the subsequent exercising of the appropriate "response." 

Tatwo...:)

Edited April 15 by tatwo

[AnOrangeCat]

On 4/10/2025 at 3:44 PM, bdavidc said:

Today's world presents comforting words alongside open gates to people everywhere. Countless individuals have become entangled with teachings from numerous false religious figures who promoted easy faith and self-centered versions of Christianity that require no real effort. Their message provides salvation without repentance requirements and grace without consequences while promoting a faith that lacks genuine dedication.

I appreciate your post a lot. With things Jesus said like the parable of the talents and that if we love Him we'll keep His commandments, the famous "faith without works is dead", and other statements made in the NT I've often had the impression that many on the modern age have erred on the side of "all you need is to believe". What I get from reading the Bible is that believing is the first step, and from there God wants us to grow and be productive. The lack of genuine dedication is the sort of thing that leads to Christianity becoming easily hijacked by false teachers and those with ulterior motives.

The way I see it, keeping His commandments meshes with showing our faith by our works. It amounts to evidence of our love for Him. Consequently we should work to build up that evidence so as to not end up in the "Lord, Lord" crowd that Jesus denies ever knowing.

[bdavidc]

4 hours ago, tatwo said:

The few...the many...Truth...deception...the narrow gate...the wide gate...true religion...false religion...committed faith...easy faith...striving to enter in...misled thinking they will enter in...

Yes...I get your picture @bdavidc...clearly you are referencing false religion here and I agree...what do you do about these things? How do you reveal “Truth” to those who are misled?

Here you have correctly discerned the situation...it seems to me however that to merely discern a situation absent any remediation (unless it is forthcoming) is really only addressing a "part of the challenge"...right? Is knowing a "thing" all there is to it? It is the first step to be sure friend...what's the prophetic vision for both the demonically inspired misled...and...the Spirit led? Can you see it in the scriptures?

For the misled...the next step is likely the apostasy...for those mature in Christ the next step is what? True spiritual discernment reveals both the "good and the evil" and the subsequent exercising of the appropriate "response." 

Tatwo...:)

You're absolutely right that discernment is only the beginning. Recognizing false religion or easy-believism without taking action allows deception to thrive unchecked. Scripture doesn’t just call us to be aware of error, it commands us to expose it and replace it with the truth (Ephesians 5:11). In these last days, the Bible warns that many will fall away from the faith, following deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons (1 Timothy 4:1). That’s why we must lovingly but boldly confront falsehood and call people to the full gospel message, repentance, saving faith, and a transformed life (Luke 24:47, Acts 26:20). True discernment leads to action. Those who are led by the Spirit are called to walk in truth, pursue holiness, and warn others with clarity and conviction (Jude 3, 23). If we see deception but stay silent, we fail in our responsibility as watchmen (Ezekiel 33:6).

So I’d ask you, what are you doing to help solve the problem? If you see that false teaching is everywhere, and that many are being led down the broad road to destruction, why wouldn’t we speak out? Why would exposing false doctrine be viewed as wrong, when Jesus, Paul, and the prophets all openly rebuked error (Matthew 23, Galatians 1:6–9, 2 Peter 2)? This isn’t just about having spiritual insight, it’s about being faithful to act on what we know. Scripture tells us to reprove, rebuke, and exhort with sound doctrine (2 Timothy 4:2–4). Silence in the face of error is not wisdom, it’s neglect.

Since you directed this personally, let me share how I’m working to fulfill this biblical calling. My mission is clear, to proclaim the truth of God’s Word without compromise, expose false teaching, defend sound doctrine, and point people to the narrow way that leads to life. If something isn’t grounded in Scripture, I won’t teach it. The world doesn’t need another feel-good message, it needs the truth, spoken in love and built on the solid foundation of God’s Word.

I use the following websites to carry out this work:

Know the Bible, tools and teaching to help believers grow in truth
👉 https://know-the-bible.com

E-Tacklebox, digital resources to equip Christians for online evangelism
👉 https://e-tacklebox.com

Video Tracts, shareable gospel-centered videos for reaching people online
👉 https://video-tracts.com

If you're seeking to know more about Jesus or have questions, I welcome you to explore these sites or reach out to me directly. I’m always glad to help however I can.

[farouk]

40 minutes ago, bdavidc said:

You're absolutely right that discernment is only the beginning. Recognizing false religion or easy-believism without taking action allows deception to thrive unchecked. Scripture doesn’t just call us to be aware of error, it commands us to expose it and replace it with the truth (Ephesians 5:11). In these last days, the Bible warns that many will fall away from the faith, following deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons (1 Timothy 4:1). That’s why we must lovingly but boldly confront falsehood and call people to the full gospel message, repentance, saving faith, and a transformed life (Luke 24:47, Acts 26:20). True discernment leads to action. Those who are led by the Spirit are called to walk in truth, pursue holiness, and warn others with clarity and conviction (Jude 3, 23). If we see deception but stay silent, we fail in our responsibility as watchmen (Ezekiel 33:6).

So I’d ask you, what are you doing to help solve the problem? If you see that false teaching is everywhere, and that many are being led down the broad road to destruction, why wouldn’t we speak out? Why would exposing false doctrine be viewed as wrong, when Jesus, Paul, and the prophets all openly rebuked error (Matthew 23, Galatians 1:6–9, 2 Peter 2)? This isn’t just about having spiritual insight, it’s about being faithful to act on what we know. Scripture tells us to reprove, rebuke, and exhort with sound doctrine (2 Timothy 4:2–4). Silence in the face of error is not wisdom, it’s neglect.

Since you directed this personally, let me share how I’m working to fulfill this biblical calling. My mission is clear, to proclaim the truth of God’s Word without compromise, expose false teaching, defend sound doctrine, and point people to the narrow way that leads to life. If something isn’t grounded in Scripture, I won’t teach it. The world doesn’t need another feel-good message, it needs the truth, spoken in love and built on the solid foundation of God’s Word.

I use the following websites to carry out this work:

Know the Bible, tools and teaching to help believers grow in truth
👉 https://know-the-bible.com

E-Tacklebox, digital resources to equip Christians for online evangelism
👉 https://e-tacklebox.com

Video Tracts, shareable gospel-centered videos for reaching people online
👉 https://video-tracts.com

If you're seeking to know more about Jesus or have questions, I welcome you to explore these sites or reach out to me directly. I’m always glad to help however I can.

Hi @bdavidc I am reminded of 1 Peter 123 which says that believers are themselves 'born again ... by the word of God which liveth and abideth for ever'.

[tatwo]

1 hour ago, bdavidc said:

You're absolutely right that discernment is only the beginning. Recognizing false religion or easy-believism without taking action allows deception to thrive unchecked. Scripture doesn’t just call us to be aware of error, it commands us to expose it and replace it with the truth (Ephesians 5:11). In these last days, the Bible warns that many will fall away from the faith, following deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons (1 Timothy 4:1). That’s why we must lovingly but boldly confront falsehood and call people to the full gospel message, repentance, saving faith, and a transformed life (Luke 24:47, Acts 26:20). True discernment leads to action. Those who are led by the Spirit are called to walk in truth, pursue holiness, and warn others with clarity and conviction (Jude 3, 23). If we see deception but stay silent, we fail in our responsibility as watchmen (Ezekiel 33:6).

Brother @bdavidc...nice response...it strengthens my faith and resolve thank you! Well worded...concise...straight forward presenting a clear understanding to my spirit.

I am going to respond to your second paragraph shortly.

Tatwo...:)

 

[tatwo]

2 hours ago, bdavidc said:

So I’d ask you, what are you doing to help solve the problem?

First off we [wife of nearly 40 years] have been pursuing that which God had prepared for and has freely given to us. We are His workmanship...created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that I/we would walk in them. I began to learn of my “high and holy” calling many years ago and I have been after my pre-creation place in the Body of Christ...to serve the Body of Christ as the Lord has so decreed.

I teach from the scriptures all the time as a way of life...I’ll use the bible if I need to. I can and do deconstruct many prophetic passages and types...I have prophesied many things that were not as though they were.

Presently I am on a deep dive into the Royal Priesthood and the administration of the governance of God on the earth today and unto the Lords final unveiling and the last [seventh] trumpet. I love and care for my spiritual family with whom I have lived for nearly 20 years now.

I/we were a prison chaplain in three different prisons for nearly 7 years and in that time we lead many souls to the King of kings and raised up countless leaders. We built a successful Small Group ministry mad up of nearly 100 leaders in a number of churches prior to leaving institutional religion.

We my family and I have established a number of households in Christ...in various parts of the country...three of them are operating and growing yet today. I have been working alongside the Holy Spirit to raise up brothers and sisters...and fathers of households as we prepare for the amazing times ahead. That’s a general overview.

Tatwo...:)