The little sailboat had hoped to cruise further down the coast to its home in the big harbor. But it wasn’t going to happen. No one expected this sudden storm with its hurricane strength winds. The little craft was making no headway against the wind, despite using every possible sail. Its only escape from certain destruction involved negotiating a rarely used, narrow strait between two imposing headlands, into the tiny safe haven laying behind them. The captain had no alternative; he had to take immediate action, risking everything to enter a harbor he’d never visited before. It took all the sailors’ skills and effort, but they squeezed through the tiny channel, and everyone was saved.
That wasn’t an illustration the Lord Jesus ever used, but I hope to think that He might have.
In our scripture Christ and His disciples were on their way to Jerusalem once again. We aren’t told exactly where this took place, but I would guess that it was a community near the big city. It was not in Samaria, and it probably wasn’t any other non-Israelite town. As usual, He was teaching as He walked along, asking questions and hearing the queries of others. In Luke 13:23, a man, whom I would guess was not one of the disciples, asked another question.
Let’s consider the question, the answer, and notice that there is a serious problem laying between them.
The question was: “Lord, ARE there few that be saved?”
Have you ever asked that question? I confess that I have, but it hasn’t been directed to the Lord. It grew, and was answered, in my own head. Usually, I’ve told myself that there are not as many people saved, who claim, or think, they are saved. We all know people who believed they were Christians. They joined one of God’s churches, and then the Lord saved them later. How many people are there like that? Thousands with millions never being saved? I’ve often looked at people flocking into churches and thought that they didn’t look like they were children of God. Is there a Christian “look?” Shouldn’t saints look different from the world when they attend the Lord’s House; even on Wednesday? I’ve often asked: “Are there many that be saved?” and I’ve answered “Not nearly as many as think they are.” This is one of the purposes of Christ’s lesson in this scripture.
Earlier, we read a couple few verses from the Lord’s Sermon on the Mount, and they color my answer. “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” Even the Lord Jesus says, “Few there be that find it” – few find the strait gate and the eternal life behind it. But then what do we do with Revelation 7:9: where John looks into heaven. “After this I beheld, and, lo, a GREAT MULTITUDE, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.” In comparing these two scriptures, maybe we need to ask, “How does God define few?” What percentage of today’s “Christian” population are saved? Honesty demands that I say, “I don’t know.” Besides, that is not my department, and that is one of Jesus’ lessons here.
There is the question, but what about the man doing the asking? What was he thinking? As I have said, I don’t believe he was one of the disciples. Christ usually answers disciples’ questions differently than this. When the apostles asked, “Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? He said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.” As far as how many are saved or shall be saved, “It is not for you to know the numbers or percentages which the father hath put in his own power.” It is for you to keep preaching my death, burial and resurrection. It is your commission to keep demanding repentance and faith in my finished work.” Despite what some Baptists think, God has not given us the job of evangelistic accountants and statisticians. Furthermore, the Lord is under no obligation to gratify our curiosity about His great plan.
As I said, I think this question came from someone outside Jesus’ circle of disciples. But even if he was from Christ’s enemies, this man could have had one of several different objectives. This could have been a Jewish doctor debating with friend or maybe writing a book on the subject, and he wanted the perspective of several prominent rabbis. This could have been an academic question. Or he might have been trying to flatter the Lord, going back to what Jesus said on the mount, trying to ingratiate himself with the Lord. “Hey, Jesus, unlike all those other people, I think I agree with you.” Or the questioner may have been under conviction for his sin, and he was trying to deflect things away from his personal relationship to the Lord. Lost people often ask silly questions so they don’t have to deal with the guilt of their sin: “Where did Cain get his wife;” “Who is the Antichrist?” The question ought to be “Lord, what must I do to be saved?”
As on other occasions, this might have been a lawyer trying to trick Jesus into saying something he thought was stupid. Good luck with that, fella. Christ Jesus was never caught in a trap of any kind. The Jews believed that everyone who had received circumcision would enjoy the Messiah’s kingdom. The question was asked in such a way that “few” would have been the preferred number. If Christ had said, “Yes, only a few,” He would have been discredited in the sight of the people. But, as we see, He didn’t directly answer. The Son of God knows every heart and what things lay behind every question. He knows whether or not a question is even worthy of any kind of answer. Ask your questions of the Lord, but be honest about them. As I said, the man may have been led by simple curiosity, “Lord, are there few that be saved?” Really?
Or it could be something asked to avoid the more important question: “Lord, am I one of the saved?” So often, we are more concerned about the perceived needs or the sins of others, when we should be looking at our own needs and sins. “Lord, are there few that be saved?” On a different occasion, after Jesus told Peter how his life would end, Peter replied, “What about John? What’s going to happen to him?” What he heard was, “That’s none of your business, Peter. You need to take care of yourself.” “If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? Follow THOU me.” We shouldn’t worry about the numbers of people entering the strait gate. Of course, we should want – and encourage – and lead as many as we can to the gate. But Christ tells us we need to be concerned about our own spiritual condition. Because, as He implies, there are a lot fewer people being saved than many people imagine.
It was one man who was speaking, but Jesus said unto them ALL (verse 23), “Strive to enter in at the strait gate; for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.” Why should we strive to enter that strait gate? Because there are millions who mistakenly think they will slip through with little more than giving a nod to the Lord Jesus.
Brother Austin reminded us last week of the importance and impact of the word the man used – “saved.” “Salvation” summarizes all that is spiritually and eternally good, flowing out of God’s grace to the sinner. Salvation is the Saviour’s love expressed in redemption, justification, propitiation and reconciliation. It stands in contrast to the Second Death; it encompasses eternal life. Heaven, our safe haven, is but a part of salvation; its highlight is joyful fellowship with Jehovah, wherever. Of course, to understand what it is to be saved, someone must understand what he is saved from. To be saved is to be delivered from sin, legal condemnation, divine wrath and eternal damnation.
I have to wonder if the man with the question had any idea what it was he was asking.
Before we return to the Lord’s answer, lets consider Jesus’ SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
Verse 25: there is a day coming when the master of the house is going to close and lock the door to salvation. And outside that gate there will be a storm of epic proportions, making Euroclydon look like a shower. And in the midst of that hurricane, outside, shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. People will be pounding on the gate to get in, just as some probably did beating on the door of Noah’s ark. In contrast to the eternal light of God’s presence, outside will become utter darkness – Matthew 25:30. Revelation 22:14 – “Blessed are they that do his commandments (that is: repent and believe on Christ) that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.”
People will plead for entry through the gate, implying that they know the Master, calling out “Lord, Lord.” They will say, “Lord, you planted a gospel preaching church just down form our house,” and “Thou has taught in our streets.” But the Master will say, “I know you no whence ye are.” They will say, “Lord, Lord, we have eaten and drunk in thy presence.” “Lord, you know how many pot lucks we attended; even some Baptist church camps and picnics. We have eaten the holy flesh of the mass, and tasted the blood of the sacrament.” And He will still say, “I know you not whence ye are. Depart from me ye cursed; I never knew you.”
Like the man asking the question, there will be millions of religious people who either think they are worthy of last minute entry through the gate, or who think they already have a foot in the door. But, for example, no one’s dietary habits make them worthy of eternal life. Tithing is not the key to this gate; and even preaching the gospel doesn’t open the door. Struggling to attain and keep righteousness is not the strife to which the Lord refers. There will be church members; there will be Bible readers… Some will have memorized a hundred verses in Sunday School, filling their heads with great quantities of Bible doctrine. But their hearts will be as empty as trash barrels after the garbage truck has come by. They will beg for entry through the strait gate, but it will not be granted. While being ultra-religious, they never took the salvation of their souls seriously. They ate their picnic lunches on the lawn in front of the gate. They played their games of horse shoes and corn hole on the grounds outside of the garden. But they never strove to enter the gate. Don’t be like them.
As Jesus says, “Strive to enter in at the strait gate.”
I’ve titled this message: “Go Straight to the Strait Gate.” I wanted to compare the two words “straight” and “strait.” One with a GHT and one with only IT. “Straight” with a GHT, means “to move forward, without turning or deviating from the path.” It can also mean “get there quickly,” “do not pass go, do not collect $200.00″ for you Monopoly players. But Jesus’ use of “strait” refers to something which is “narrow,” “restricted,” or “pinched.” “Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall NOT be ABLE.” They will NOT be able. This gate is so narrow that sinners will not be able to enter due to all their baggage.
I wonder how many of the people listening to the Lord that day took the illustration at simple face value, and how many instantly started reaching for background reference material? Were there any Jews who heard Jesus and instantly pictured the gate or doorway to the Garden of Eden? Adam and Eve were pushed out the gate, and if they considered returning, they found it too strait. They had become different people after their sin. The sin they were then carrying couldn’t be squeezed back through the door. Besides that there were angelic Cherubims with flaming swords to keep the sinners from the tree of life. The gate to the Garden had become exceedingly strait. Maybe another Jew, perhaps one of the priests, pictured the gates to the temple. They were wide enough to let crowds enter all at the same time. But without changing dimensions, they were too narrow to let even one of the uncircumcised gentile dogs inside. The Lord Jesus said to them all, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”
Let’s remember that the Jewish men considered themselves shoe-ins for the kingdom of heaven. Because their fathers had performed the proper ceremony on them when they were eight days old they were considered to be “saved.” For many of their mind-set, the safe harbor was guaranteed; their ship was destined to safely anchor. They were not unlike those “Christian” denominations which teach their baptized and confirmed children that heaven has been secured on their behalf. They are going to be carried on their floaty toys right through the gate into the glorious haven. They can be as passive as fluffy white clouds, or they might even be as wicked as tornados and hurricanes. They think they are going to go in. But Christ says, “Think again, partner.”
Christ Jesus tells us that we need to STRIVE.
Jesus said to that man with the question: “STRIVE to enter in at the strait gate.” The word suggests a fight: here is some for which to contend; there is going to be a struggle. Do you know what it is to “agonize” for something? The athlete often puts his body through agony in order to become stronger; to become a champion. “Agonizomai” is the Greek word Christ used here. “Agonize to enter in at the strait gate.” There will be no entry through this gate without strife – without a fight. But the fight will not be with God the Father. It will not be a fight to make the Saviour open the gate. There will be no battle with the cherubim and their flaming swords. In a sense there is no unwillingness on the part of the Lord to open that gate. The strife is within our own hearts and wills.
Please understand that Christ is not teaching a theology class here. He is not discussing detailed information on the doctrine of Soteriology. Rather, this is a gospel message given to people who are spiritually dead. And as such the Lord is not plumbing the depths of the theology behind this subject. By that I don’t imply that there is any deception or slight of hand. There is no misdirection or trickery. There are no “lost leaders” being offered here, by religious salesmen. Its just that in other circumstances much more could be said, and would be said.
For example, much could be said about God’s call both general and specific – “Come enter this gate.” To be precise, only the invited elect will actually enter the gate. And yet our ears hear, “Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” It could be pointed out that the average Jew had no real desire to enter this gate. Apparently the man who asked the question didn’t go to the trouble to apply Christ’s answer. He was like the rich ruler who asked, “Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” When the Lord told him what he should have done, he walked away from the gate very sorrowful. The Lord suggested something for which he was not willing to put up a fight. And today’s average American wouldn’t go through this gate, even if he were offered property in Heaven with a view of the throne room of God. The reason? He hates that kind of haven. And as we have been recently reminded: he hates the God who rules and reigns behind that gate. Sinners must be given new hearts and a thirst for what’s on the inside before they’ll strive to enter. But these are truths to which the Lord doesn’t go on this occasion. He just lays before us and invitation – something which is extremely pertinent for today’s religious world.
A good friend sent me the testimony of his salvation this past week, and it sounded similar to our that of our visiting missionary. The reminded us that he had been a church member for six years before he actually entered the strait gate. At the age of 9, he agreed to some of the doctrines related to salvation from sin. At the time, when he was asked if he wanted to go to Heaven when he died, he knew that he did. And so he prayed a little prayer, asking the Lord to save him. He agreed to be baptized, and there was no struggle with his parents, the church or his own heart. He joined a doctrinally sound evangelical Baptist church. But without even realizing it, while inside the church, he was still outside the gate. Everything had been so easy. Everything necessary for his salvation had been done for him, so he did nothing at all. In effect he didn’t even trust the Saviour, just a few doctrines about the Saviour. And the Devil was delighted with yet another Baptist, who had no idea he was still Satan’s property.
But then one day, spiritually speaking, he saw God’s angel standing in his way with a drawn sword in his hand. The Lord revealed to him that he was a sinner outside the strait gate and under the law. He was made to see he was carrying spiritual baggage which made passing through the gate impossible. A conflict began between God’s holiness and his sinfulness. It was an agonizing battle which lasted for some time. There was strife between his pride and God’s demand for humility – for repentance. The battle ground was in his heart. There was pain, there was shame, there was a fight over control and authority.
Paul once wrote to his son in the faith, Timothy, a man who was a true Christian; a saint of God. Please turn to I Timothy 6:6 where Paul said, “Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.” At that point Paul made some comments about wealth and the love of money. Then in verse 11 he wrote: “But thou, O man of God” – Paul knew that his friend was a child of God. “But thou, O man of God flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. FIGHT the good fight of faith, LAY HOLD on eternal life…” Remember, Timothy is already a child of the King; a believer on Christ. And still Paul says, “Strive to lay hold on eternal life by fighting the good fight of faith.” “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou are also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ…”
Of course, there can be no doubt, that salvation is by God’s grace through faith. Redemption and forgiveness are a part of the gift of God, leaving us with no room to boast. But Christ teaches us that we must not think that faith and repentance are one time acts which pull up the anchor to our souls, and we are thereafter sucked into Heaven on a friendly tide. Jesus says, “Strive to enter in at the strait gate” because “many will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.” And Paul expresses it with “fight the good fight of faith,” and “lay hold on eternal life.”
So you have been circumcised, or you have been baptized. You’ve uttered a little simple prayer, expressing your desire for forgiveness and for a heavenly home. You have surrounded yourself with other believers, who you believe will soon enter heaven. But do you have – have you ever had – any consciousness of the depth of your sin and the divine cost of your salvation? Does your soul agonize for fellowship with God. Does your sin this morning or those sins yesterday stab your conscience taking you back to the Saviour once again? What makes you think you are a child of God, if you are not obeying the Lord Jesus and striving to enter in at the strait gate?
Will you turn to the Saviour this morning? If you will come to the Lord Jesus Christ in repentance and faith, He will open that gate and make you fit to pass through.