Posted: 5/10/2009 9:01:45 PM EDT
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I am going through Genesis with my Bible study group at church. I was struck by how few people were apparently saved before the flood. In about 1600 years it doesn't look like
many people sought God, since only eight entered the Ark. And even through the old testament the Jews were constantly turning from God and very few Gentiles were converted. Here is a good article about how many were saved apologeticspress.org So when Jesus said this in the book of Matthew- Mat 7:13- Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. Mat 7:14- But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Just how Narrow do you think the gate is? I think we are truly blessed to be living in the present church age. |
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Quoted:
I am going through Genesis with my Bible study group at church. I was struck by how few people were apparently saved before the flood. In about 1600 years it doesn't look like many people sought God, since only eight entered the Ark. And even through the old testament the Jews were constantly turning from God and very few Gentiles were converted. Here is a good article about how many were saved apologeticspress.org So when Jesus said this in the book of Matthew- Mat 7:13- Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. Mat 7:14- But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Just how Narrow do you think the gate is? I think we are truly blessed to be living in the present church age. Huh? 
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Sorry, I probably didn't explain myself well. It just seems like a lot of people don't think it is important to seek God. They
get too wrapped up in this world. These verses have always worried me. Mat 7:21- "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Mat 7:22- Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Mat 7:23- Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' |
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Just how Narrow do you think the gate is? I think we are truly blessed to be living in the present church age. In one sense the gate has always been the same "width" - no wider than and no narrower than faith. In another sense, the gate has gotten wider, with the full revelation of the word of God, and the inclusion of the Gentiles. Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Ga 3:6 ΒΆ Even so Abraham BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS. 7 Therefore, be sure that it is those who are of faith who are sons of Abraham. 8 The Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, "ALL THE NATIONS WILL BE BLESSED IN YOU." 9 So then those who are of faith are blessed with Abraham, the believer. Ga 3:29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. Ro 11:17 But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them and became partaker with them of the rich root of the olive tree, 18 do not be arrogant toward the branches; but if you are arrogant, remember that it is not you who supports the root, but the root supports you. 19 You will say then, "Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in." 20 Quite right, they were broken off for their unbelief, but you stand by your faith. Do not be conceited, but fear; 21 for if God did not spare the natural branches, He will not spare you, either. Salvation has always been by faith, in whatever God had revealed to that point in time. God's revelation has been progessiively wider and more detailed as history has elapsed. We, today, have the full revleation of Jesus Christ. The OT saints did not have that full revelation. God's salvation was largely only extended to Jews it the OT. Today, it is extended to all men. God is buidling His kingdom, and will one day return to make "every knee bow before Him." If anything, the gate is wider, and His victory is more sure than ever. Christians should NOT act like they neeed to tuck tail and run. Christ is coming back, and His kingdom cannot be slowed or thwarted. And we will reign with Him, if we have suffered with Him. (II Tim. 2:2) |
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Quoted: I am going through Genesis with my Bible study group at church. I was struck by how few people were apparently saved before the flood. In about 1600 years it doesn't look like many people sought God, since only eight entered the Ark. And even through the old testament the Jews were constantly turning from God and very few Gentiles were converted. Here is a good article about how many were saved apologeticspress.org So when Jesus said this in the book of Matthew- Mat 7:13- Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. Mat 7:14- But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Just how Narrow do you think the gate is? I think we are truly blessed to be living in the present church age. Read Revelation 3:14-22 (The letter to the church at Laodicea). We are materially blessed living in this age. However spiritually, we are in a hell hole. Secondly, to whom much is given much is expected. And we have much. Each of us probably has multiple copies and translations of the bible in our home and enormous resources over the internet to gain understanding. This is a recent phenomena. I think the gate is alot narrower than the church would let you believe and is also in a different location. |