13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it – Matthew 7:13-14
These words of Jesus are sobering in an ever-growing atheist society and world that accepts everything else but Christ alone. Even most of Christendom deny Christ’s finished work on the cross and instead believe man’s lie that we can actually save ourselves.
Jesus is the strait gate and the narrow way. He is the only path to God. He clearly explains this in the scriptures, and Timothy describes that there is one mediator between man and God.
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me – John 14:6
I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture – John 10:9
For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; – 1 Timothy 2:5
The sin of Adam brought the wages of sin upon everybody who is born into this world, and yet Christ’s work has the power to make every person righteous in the eyes of God, upon faith in Him.
For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous – Romans 5:19
Jesus became sin for us.
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him – 2 Corinthians 5:21
His finished work on the cross completed something so miraculous for humankind, as those who believe in Him receive remission of sins through his blood – everlasting life.
For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe – 1 Timothy 4:10
The Wages of Sin
God will accept nothing less of perfection, which is why God the Son came in the flesh to do that which we could not do for ourselves. This is the great love that God has for us. He rather died than to live without us. Satan had done a great job in turning most of humanity away from our creator through all these works based religions that cannot cover the wages of sin, which is death.
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord – Romans 6:23
We look for every way to deny that sin exists. All sin means is to fall short of God’s perfection, so it’s not that scary a word, but as a believer it is important to make it plain that sin exists in us all.
22 even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 23 for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: – Romans 3:22-24
Since we all have a debt of sin that cannot be paid for through human works, can you understand the role of Jesus Christ, the sinless lamb of God that took away the sin of the world.
The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world – John 1:29
We become born again into God’s kingdom through faith in Christ. Salvation is a gift of God through God’s amazing grace that none of us deserve, yet He loves us that much to save us.
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 not of works, lest any man should boast – Ephesians 2:8-9
Notice the above scriptural verses. Faith in necessary for salvation, because we stop trusting in human works and instead trust in God’s plan of salvation through Christ, who paid for all sin. Salvation is not of ourselves, so those who are saying that they have a part to play in their salvation are deceived. Salvation is a gift of God, a gift that we must receive through faith. Then in Ephesians 2:9, it clearly says that salvation is not of works, so that no one can boast. If you have stopped believing that works can somehow help you achieve heaven, and instead rested in Christ’s finished work, you have repented. Even the word repent has sadly been altered into a work that is forced onto people for salvation.
Ever heard the term “repent of your sin”? in a sinner’s prayer, for example, before receiving Christ. What about “give or surrender your life to Christ?” God has given us the free will to believe on His son, or reject Him upon hearing the good news – that Christ paid for our sin, he was buried, and resurrected, and offered His blood sacrifice to Father God as a one-time payment for sin. Sin is paid for through the finished work of Christ. There are many common accursed gospels taught today through ignorance, or genuine deception by those who know that what they speak is a lie.
11 And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: 12 but this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; – Hebrews 10:11-12
Sadly, I doubt most pastors and teachers of Christianity today even understand the seriousness of sin, and our old flesh nature remains in us when we are born into God’s Kingdom. Those who teach contrary to this are deceived, because no one has turned from all of their sin. It is impossible and why put an impossible yoke on the neck of believers? The epistles repeatedly encourage us grow in grace and to walk in the Spirit, but we will always fall short of God’s perfection. Even when we know to do good and ignore it, this is a sin. Can you understand why most people are so small-minded about sin?
Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin – James 4:17
As an example, to born again believers in Christ, have you ever gone shopping and not witnessed Christ to others? Our conscience tells us it is good to witness to others because souls are at stake, but we grow afraid because of possible persecution or ridicule. I know I fail every day in this area, but on other days, I do witness. Therefore I sin all of the time, and God knows I fail, but I have Christ’s imputed righteousness and His blood has washed away all of my sin. I am forgiven.
7 in whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;– Ephesians 1:7
14 in whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:– Colossians 1:14
Do you know of anyone who loves God with all of their heart, mind, and soul every single day of their lives? Only Jesus fulfilled the laws of God. The law is a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ.
Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith – Galatians 3:24
The only difference is that we receive God’s nature too through the gift of the Holy Spirit, which is the nature that cannot sin. This is why we go to heaven because we are imputed with Christ’s righteousness, and not our own. Ever noticed this scripture in 1 John 3:9 that is often interpreted incorrectly to mean that if anyone sins again that they are not saved.
9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God – 1 John 3:9
Those born of God have the imputed righteousness of Christ and the gift of the Holy Spirit, which cannot sin. This is the new nature that is born of God. Remember, that old nature flesh exists too, as this is evident in Paul’s confession of his war with his flesh in Romans 7.
13 Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful. 14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. 16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. 17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. 19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. 20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. 22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: 23 but I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? 25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin – Romans 7:13-25
God asks us to come as we are – in need of a saviour who saves us from the wages of sin, and returns us to Father God. Jesus’ righteousness, upon belief in Him, is imputed onto the believer.
The Words of Paul and Silas
and brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?– Acts 16:30
And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house – Acts 16:31
Did Paul and Silas say to the Philippean jailer, repent of your sin, give your life to Christ, confess Jesus as Lord, make Jesus the Lord of your life? No, they told him to simply believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. The jailer repented when he trusted in Christ. Belief on Christ has enough power to seal us with the gift of the Holy Spirit, because it is actually God’s will and commandment for us to believe on Christ.
40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day – John 6:40
23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment– 1 John 3:23
Repentance
Most of the instances of repent or repentance in the New Testament mean a change of mind – 3340 metanoeo (verb) and 3341 metanoia (noun). There are two other instances of repentance 278 ametameletos, which is defined as no change of mind will take place and is found in Romans 11:29and Corinthians 7:10. The other instance is 3338 metamelomai, which is defined as regret or a change of mind for the better, and is found in Matthew 21:29, Matthew 21:32, Matthew 27:3, 2 Corinthians 7:8and Hebrews 7:21.
Here we go to the verses in Matthew 7that are often used to scare people into performing works, and yet these scriptures are talking about those who trust in their works, because what are they saying to God?
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity– Matthew 7:21-23
Notice what these people were saying to our Lord Jesus? They were focusing on their wonderful works, and not what Christ had done for them? Therefore, they had not received the imputed righteousness of Christ and were still in their iniquities. They were trying to earn their way to heaven through human works believing that it would please God. The will of God is for us to believe on Jesus.
40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day – John 6:40
The strait gate and the narrow way is Jesus Christ and His obedience unto Father God, because He is the only sinless human man to have ever walked this earth. He paid for our sin on the cross. He was buried, and rose again three days later, according to the scriptures.
Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 by which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: – 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Believe Him, and not the philosophy of man like ardent atheists like Richard Dawkins and Stephen Fry, who do influence opinion and turn innocent humans against God. Believe Christ for eternal life.
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2 speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 3 forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. 4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: 5 for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer – 1 Timothy 4:1-5
How very relevant this scripture is in today’s society. Now if someone has ever trusted in Christ as saviour, they cannot be unborn from God’s Kingdom, because the gifts and callings of God are without repentance (Greek 278).
For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance – Romans 11:29
if we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself– 2 Timothy 2:13
Some couples refuse to marry and believe this is right because society says it is right, but sex outside of marriage is fornication and is not right in the eyes of God. Veganism is being pushed on us, and yet the scriptures say that meat was created to be received with thanksgiving. I know that there is animal cruelty, so it is up to us as humans to support local butchers, or buy organic meats, if we can afford it. Many movements today have a spirit of anger and rebellion inside of them, whether the speakers know this or not.
Man has complicated the gospel of Christ into a works-based salvation that steals all glory off Christ, and the person is then always looking to themselves and their work, but how much work do you have to do to merit eternal life? God demands perfection, and is any human perfect? No we are not and never will be, only Christ saves. Rest in Christ.
47 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life – John 6:47
Without Christ, our righteousness’s are as filthy rags.
But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away – Isaiah 64:6
The sooner we let down our pride and realise that denying Christ is foolish, the sooner we will finally enter into the peace that I believe we all seek, if we are honest with our nature.
The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good – Psalm 14:1
The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good – Psalm 53:1
Only God knows who has trusted in Christ and Christ alone, apart from human works. Even if we may never lead another soul to Christ, or grow in grace and remain carnal, God’s gift to us is salvation through faith in Christ, who paid for all sin. We must not look for evidence of salvation in others, or force works upon someone for proof of salvation, because then the glory is stolen from off Christ and His perfect work that saves us. Rest in Christ.
When we think of ourselves as something we are not in the eyes of God, this can turn us into self-righteous Pharisees who look down upon others. Humility is a sign of growth, nor vanity or a puffed up judgemental attitude toward fellow believers. We must examine ourselves whether we be in the faith – are we walking in the spirit or the flesh that always comes short of God’s perfection. Instead, we must encourage others to grow in grace by reading the milk of the Word, getting grounded in the gospel message that saves a sinner from hell, and serving God in charity (agape love) toward others.
As a born again believer, who has trusted Christ as saviour, I must share the gospel.
- Sin separates us from God (Genesis 3).
- The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23).
- To go to heaven, we must be perfect, and none of us are (Matthew 5:48).
- God loves us (John 3:16), but He hates our sin (Psalm 5:4).
- God came in the flesh as Jesus Christ (John 10:30), obeyed the law perfectly (Romans 5:19), and died that cruel death on the cross for the sins of every human being who will ever live on this earth (1 John 2:2).
- Jesus, who is God in the flesh, resurrected His body and ascended into Heaven offering his sacrifice for sin forever (Hebrews 10:12).
- The will of God is for us to believe on His son, Jesus Christ, who paid for all sin (John 6:40).
- Jesus’ shed blood gives us the remission of sin (Romans 3:25, Hebrews 10:18).
- Although God has died for all sin, God chooses to save only those who trust in His plan of salvation through Jesus Christ (John 6:47).
Do you believe that He paid for your sin debt? Will you trust Him today for eternal life? Contrary to popular belief by false teachers who teach that a believer can lose their salvation because of willful sin etc, this is incorrect. The gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance — Romans 11:29
Greek 278 ametamelétos: not repented of
Original Word: ἀμεταμέλητος, ον
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: ametamelétos
Phonetic Spelling: (am-et-am-el’-ay-tos)
Definition: not repented of
Usage: not to be repented of, about which no change of mind can take place, not affected by a change of mind.
God bless.
