Will Those Who Are Saved Be Few? • Luke 13:22-30 • Sunday, August 25, 2025

The Narrow Door: Striving for True Faith

Have you ever pondered the question, "Will only a few be saved?" It's a thought that has likely crossed many minds, but as we delve deeper into this concept, we realize it's not the right question to ask. Instead, we should be focusing on our own spiritual journey and relationship with God.

The idea of a "narrow door" to salvation is a powerful metaphor that challenges us to examine our faith. This door isn't about physical attributes or worldly accomplishments – it's about having a genuine, personal relationship with Jesus Christ. But what does it mean to enter through this narrow door, and why is it so crucial?

Imagine for a moment the difference between knowing of someone and truly knowing them. You might recognize a neighbor's face or know their name, but do you really know them? The same principle applies to our relationship with Jesus. Many people claim to know Him, saying things like, "We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets." But Jesus responds with a chilling statement: "I don't know where you come from."

This exchange reveals a sobering truth: a surface-level acquaintance with Jesus is not enough. It's not about simply being in His presence or hearing His teachings. It's about truly knowing Him, believing in Him, and living out that faith in our daily lives.

The concept of "striving" to enter through the narrow door is particularly striking. Faith isn't a passive thing – it requires effort, dedication, and perseverance. Think of an athlete pushing themselves to improve their performance, giving every ounce of effort and will. That's the kind of dedication we're called to in our spiritual lives.

But here's the crucial point: while we're called to strive, we must remember that our salvation isn't earned through our own efforts. The narrow door is Jesus Himself – He is the way, the truth, and the life. Our striving is about holding onto the gift of faith that God has given us, not trying to earn our way into heaven through good works.

This brings us to the urgency of the message. The door is open now, but it won't remain open forever. As long as we're alive, we have the opportunity to enter through that narrow door. But a day will come – whether it's the day of our death or the day of Christ's return – when that door will be shut.

The consequences of finding oneself on the wrong side of that closed door are sobering. Jesus speaks of "weeping and gnashing of teeth" – a vivid description of the anguish and regret of those who realize they've missed their chance. Perhaps the most haunting aspect is the ability to see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets in the kingdom of God while being cast out.

This imagery reminds us that the worst part of hell isn't just the suffering, but the eternal separation from God and the knowledge of what's been lost. It's a stark reminder of the importance of nurturing a genuine relationship with Jesus now, while we have the chance.

The call to repentance is a key part of this journey. As Martin Luther famously stated in the first of his 95 theses, "When our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ said repent, he meant that the whole life of the Christian be one of repentance." This ongoing process of turning away from sin and towards God is part of what it means to strive to enter through the narrow door.

But let's be honest – resisting sin isn't easy. In fact, sin can often be fun or appealing in the moment. That's why we're reminded that in our "struggle against sin," we must be willing to resist "to the point of shedding blood." This vivid language emphasizes the seriousness of our spiritual battle and the dedication required to stay on the right path.

However, we must always remember that we can't overcome sin or enter the narrow door through our own strength or abilities. Jesus is the only way. Our salvation comes through Him alone, not through what we do or don't do, what we have or don't have.

The parable ends with a paradoxical statement: "Some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last." This reminds us that God's kingdom often operates in ways that confound human expectations. Those who seem to have it all together spiritually may fall away, like Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus' chosen disciples who ultimately betrayed Him. On the other hand, those who come to faith late in life, like the example of Bill Patton who found his relationship with Christ in his 80s, may be welcomed with open arms.

This truth should humble us and prevent us from making judgments about others' spiritual states. The only ones who truly know the state of our relationship with God are ourselves and God Himself.

As we reflect on these profound truths, we're left with a crucial question: How is your relationship with Jesus? Is it a surface-level acquaintance, or a deep, personal connection? Are you striving to enter through the narrow door, holding onto the gift of faith with all your might?

Remember, the door is open now. Don't wait for it to close. Embrace the opportunity to deepen your relationship with Christ, to live a life of ongoing repentance, and to resist sin with all your strength. For in the end, it's not about how many will be saved, but whether you yourself have entered through the narrow door into the loving embrace of your Savior.

In Christ's Love,

Pastor Paul Pett

(Content generated by PulpitAI from sermon transcript)