Ephesians 6:1-9; Psalm 145; Luke 13:22-30
SALVATION THROUGH THE NARROW DOOR
Today’s message is centered on salvation through the Narrow Door. In Matt. 7:13-14 Jesus says; the “narrow door” leads to salvation while the “broad road” leads to destruction.
Again, the door is narrow because Christ is the only way. Acts 4:12 says “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved.”
“Is there salvation outside the Church?” The Church says; in a way mysterious to us, this salvation is offered to all, and God, who judges the hearts of all, will determine their destiny.
“Lord, will those who are saved be few?” (Luke 13:23). What is the total number of those that will be saved? One of the christian groups says 144,000. Jesus says “anyone who enters by the door shall be saved” (John10:9). “Anyone” is not a restricted number. Rev.7:9-10 says “… behold, a great multitude that no one could number…”
Jesus says; “Strive to enter by the narrow door…” (Luke 13:24). To strive to enter is to hear his word and keep it. It is also an exhortation to work. Phil2:12, Paul says …continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. If we make sincere effort, God’s grace will be there for us.
Lastly, Jesus says “many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first” (Luke 13:30). Therefore, let us put God first in all we do and we shall not come last. In the first reading, Paul exhorts us to love and respect one another. Through love and respect we fulfill God’s laws. And anyone who keeps his laws shall be saved.
LET US PRAY
Father, have mercy and forgive us. Holy Spirit, give us grace to do your will and grant us your salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
