Matthew 7:14, Who Shall Be Saved?
Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
//Who will be saved? Just how strait is this gate? This is far too great a topic for a simple answer, but it’s a question that lends itself well to the spirit of my blog: that is, raising questions for contemplation. Consider these two contradictory verses:
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. –Romans 10:13
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. –Matthew 7:21
Paul seems to indicate that salvation is available to all who “call upon the name of the Lord”–believe and you’re saved–but Matthew, repeating the words of Jesus, insists this is not so. Matthew warns strenuously about “false prophets” in the world. No, it’s not enough to just call on Jesus. One must actually do something. One must do what God commands. The kingdom of heaven is reserved for “whosoever heareth these sayings of mine and doeth them.”
And what must we do, according to Matthew? It turns out that this verse concludes the Sermon on the Mount–Matthew 5, 6 and 7–with its instruction for mercy, for carrying a light, for loving your enemy, and much more. Few there be who enter into this gate.
Fantasy Football, Anyone?
Put on the whole uniform of the Team, that ye may be able to stand against the blitz of oncoming linebackers. Don the hip pads of truth, the shoulder pads of righteousness, the cleats of preparation. Don’t forget the facemask of faith and the helmet of salvation. Then clutch the pigskin with much Spirit, for that is what the Play Book of your Coach in Heaven demands.The River of Life
Twice before Lee Harmon has written about Christian topics, once on the gospel of John and once on the book of Revelation. But the question people keep asking him is this: As a liberal Christian, why do you care so much about the Bible? Others wonder whether he is truly a Christian at all.
The Way It Happened
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| Revelation: A love story gone awry. | The Gospel: A love story set aright. |
What really happened 2,000 years ago? How did a persecuted minority of end-time believers known as Christians, with their dreams of Armageddon and a conquering Messiah named Jesus, evolve into the largest religion in the world? Author Lee Harmon explores the period in which the New Testament was written in his books about John's Gospel and Revelation.
(Bloggers: you may be eligible for a free review copy! Just contact us.)
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The God Show
Lee Harmon interviewed on The God Show about the History Channel's miniseries The Bible and Lee's latest book, John's Gospel: The Way It Happened.
About Lee
Hello! I'm an author, historical Jesus scholar, book reviewer, and liberal Christian, which means I appreciate and attempt to exercise the humanitarian teachings of Jesus without getting hung up on any particular supernatural or religious beliefs.
The Bible is a magnificent book that has inspired and spiritually fed generations for thousands of years, and each new century seems to bring a deeper understanding of life’s purpose. This is true of not only Christianity; through the years, our age-old religions are slowly transforming from superstitious rituals into humanitarian philosophies. In short, we are growing up, and I am thrilled to be riding the wave.
I avidly read all thought-provoking religion titles. New authors: I'd love to read and review your book!
Contact me here.
About Leslie
Hi! While Lee writes the articles and reviews the books, I edit, organize, and maintain the blog. The views expressed here are Lee's but I'm his biggest supporter! :-)
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