Are There Few Who Are Saved?

And He went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem. Then one said to Him, “Lord, are there few who are saved?” And He said to them, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able. When the Master of the house has risen up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open for us,’ and He will answer  and say to you, ‘I do not know you, where you are from, then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets.’ But He will say, ‘I tell you I do not know you, where you are from. Depart from Me, all you workers of iniquity.’ There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and yourselves thrust out. Luke 13:22-28

Before we ask ourselves why Jesus rejected those whom He declares would be indicating sincerity in being accepted, let’s look at what Jesus says we ought to do to enter in His kingdom. This question asked Him may have been prompted by many factors. The great multitudes that had once followed Christ were subsiding to a faithful few (John 6:66). Great crowds still came to hear, (just like today), but committed followers were increasingly scarce. Also Christ’s messages often discouraged the half-hearted followers. And now, here in our text, Jesus Himself states, that the way is so narrow that few find it (Matthew 7:14). This contradicted the Jewish belief that all Jews, except for tax collectors and other notorious sinners, would be saved. Strive— This word indicates a great struggle against conflict. And He is not suggesting that anyone could merit heaven by striving for it. No matter how rigorously a person labored, sin-laden man cannot save themselves (Ephesians 2:8-9). But entering in the narrow gate is nontheless difficult because of the cost in terms of human pride. Only those willing to count the cost and invest all they have or had in His kingdom were worthy to enter in. This speaks of something far more than mere abandonment of one’s material possessions; it is an absolute, unconditional surrender to Jesus Christ, as your Lord and Savior. His disciples were permitted to retain no privildges and make no demands to those who were in authority in the Roman government. They were to safeguard no cherished sins; treasure no earthly possessions; and cling to no secret self-indulgences. There committment to Him must be without reservation.

Beloved friend, I know this is more than enough Scripture and reference to think carefully of the cost to follow after Christ, but there can not be one reason why it shouldn’t cost us everything, when Jesus gave us His life in exchange for our forgiveness. Let us not be like those religious in name only who think they can merit their way into God’s kingdom. For this is about our relationship to the Father, through the sacrifice of His Son, whom God says He is well pleased with (Matthew 4:17).

May the Lord bless your walk!

Author: rontrujillo

Married 37 years We have six children. All of whom are adult. Three are married one of them blessed us with three beautiful grandchildren. Retired Firefighter @ Boeing Aircraft 37 years (Formally McDonnell Douglas) Born Again Summer of 1981 View all posts by rontrujillo