Jesus, during His earthly ministry, was constantly and continually giving forth divine ultimatums, demands and conditions that we members of the human family must meet in order to have a valid and sure relationship with both Himself and God the Father. Again and again He warned that there would be many who would fail to meet these qualifications and conditions and that the road that led to eternal life was narrow and FEW of earth’s inhabitants would find it. (See Matthew 7:33-34). He warned that those who merely HEARD what He said and taught and did not DO what He said and taught were fools and would find themselves on the outside looking in while thinking themselves to be members of the kingdom of God. “Not everyone that says unto me, ‘Lord, Lord’ shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father, which is in heaven” (See Matthew 7:21-27).
Today there are scores of radio and television evangelists who assure their listeners that if they believe Jesus died for them, as a sacrifice for their sins, then they have right then qualified for full membership in the kingdom of God. They are then thereby “locked in” to eternal life and have their ticket to heaven stamped “valid.” They are further assured that they can count themselves as full-fledged members of the bride of Christ and when the “rapture” occurs they will be caught up to heaven and find a smiling Jesus Christ waiting to enfold them in His arms while ministering angels will escort them to one of the thousands of tables where the marriage supper of the Lamb will be served.
Jesus Christ taught that the way to ultimate salvation and eternal life is hard, difficult, that it’s a constant battle, a struggle against self, the world and Satan. He taught that it is the DOERS of the word, not hearers only who shall be saved. There must be a constant striving against sin, but if one is diligent he will find himself consistently gaining ground. “Then said one unto him, ‘Lord are there few that be saved?’ And he said unto them, ‘Strive to enter in at the narrow gate, for many I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able'” (See Luke 13:23-24). Jesus taught that salvation is not a momentary decision, but a lifetime commitment! (See Mark 8:34-35). He put sinners on notice that they must turn from sin and obey Him, asking, “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not DO the things that I tell you to do?” (See Luke 6:46). Radio preachers and little “gospel” tracts tell you the way is easy. Jesus says the opposite. (See Acts 14:22). The way to eternal life takes one hundred percent commitment. Jesus cautioned His hearers to COUNT THE COST! (See Luke 14:25-33). He warned, “You shall seek me and find me when you shall search for me with all your heart,” (Jeremiah 29:13). How few baptismal candidates can say they did that??? How few realize they must “Fight the good fight of faith” and “Lay hold on eternal life” (I Timothy 6:12). We must “strive to enter at the narrow gate” (Luke 13:24). “Be sober, be vigilant, because YOUR ADVERSARY the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour!” (I Peter 5:8). Paul warns believers that though we are appointed by God “to obtain salvation” in order to do so we must “put on the whole armor of God” (See Ephesians 6:10-18).
Jesus Christ warned that someday He is going to have to inform great multitudes of believers, “I never knew you. Depart from me you who work iniquity.” Don’t say you know me. If you knew me you wouldn’t act the way you do. You wouldn’t talk the way you do. You wouldn’t think the way you think! (See Matthew 7:16-23).
Folks, we had better listen to our Creator. He speaks very plainly and means what He says. Only a fool will turn a deaf ear to His words and choose rather to listen to some fellow human being, steering them away from the teachings and warnings of the Lord and His apostles. The Father’s voice boomed from heaven saying, “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased. LISTEN TO HIM!” (See Matthew 17:5). I suggest that we all listen intently to our Lord. Failing to do so will be quite costly. The price we will have to pay will be incredible, I assure you.
Christ’s Faithful Servant (Galatians 1:10-12),
Donald Wiley