Strive to enter through the narrow gate

Luke 13:22~24 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.

Who asked the question we do not know; he may have been just a curious one in the crowd, he may have heard all that Jesus saud and wondered then who could be saved.

It was said in a previous verse, "Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able." Strive here is 'agonizo', from which we get our English word, “agonize.”

To enter through the narrow gate, one must strive to enter, it is not a work (salvation is all God’s work, entirely apart from our works), but with a heart to desire to know the truth. Neglect to strive is a choice, and as with all decisions in life, there are consequences.

To enter through the narrow gate, one must seek to enter, where seeking comes from a heart that is longing to fellowship with the Lord.

Many will seek to enter when it is too late because you did not strive to enter. and they do not strive, therefore they do not seek to find the true path.

In John 3:18 it says, "He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

You see sinners are already under a sentence of condemnation; but many do not see they are already in the danger of condemnation, and how many sit in congregations all over the place, who feel completely at ease.

Few are saved because of..

-Satan (the prince of this world)
2 Cor. 4:4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.

-Riches
Mark 10:24~25 But Jesus answered again and said to them, "Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God! "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.
The rich are drawn in the world of materialism, wealth, wants and desires.
The rich sets his heart upon his riches, to get to heaven.
Nothing less than the grace of God will enable a rich man to get over this difficulty.

-Tradition
Col. 2:8 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.
Traditions you were raised to believe can have a powerful influence on how you view the basics of life.
Matt. 15:3 He answered and said to them, "Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your traditions"

-Sensual and Worldly pleasures
1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world––the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life––is not of the Father but is of the world.
Many fill their lives with ‘the world’ and feel they need no more.

-Works
Eph. 2:8,9 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.
By works no one receives salvation
Titus 3:5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,

-Denominational beliefs
What is taught or suggested by an given “Church” as a way to God
Many are deceived by human viewpoints, opinions and assumptions that they will make it to heaven but sadly will never make it there.

What must I do to be saved?

Acts 16:25~31 But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed. And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself. But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, "Do yourself no harm, for we are all here." Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. And he brought them out and said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" So they said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household."

Trust in Jesus Christ today, He who died and rose again, He who paid the penalty for your sin, He who gave His life for you. Ask Jesus to forgive you for sinning against Him, ask Him into your heart today and you will have eternal life.