Perilous Times

The Lord did not leave us in ignorance as to what would be going on in these latter days. In fact, He was very specific.

2 Timothy 3:1

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

The word perilous means dangerous, terrorizing or hazardous and unsafe. When the saints read these verses they immediately relate them to the world’s failing economies, rising crime rates, bank foreclosures and unemployment. You can often hear the saints speak of preparing for hard-times that are sure to come. These things have already come into the world and many hearts are failing because of them. But that is not the concern of the apostle here.

Consider this; God always speaks from the position of the Spirit. And He always speaks from the perspective that will affect His people. The latter days are a time when the souls of the sons will not be safe. There will be much temptation, persecutions and seducing spirits to contend with. Only those who press their way into it will enter in

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St. Luke 13:23-24 (KJV)

23 Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them,

24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.

It is deception to think that entering into the Kingdom of Heaven is going to be easy. We are warned to strive to enter in. This word ‘strive,’ means to press with all your strength, with all your powers, hence, make great efforts to achieve entrance. Wherefore we labor, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted by him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad (2 Cor. 5:9-10 KJV).

The strait gate refers to the entrance into the Kingdom. It is narrow and pent up or closely confined. It is a place of strict, rigorous and limited space. It is not a crowded place, therefore, it is not easy to find. Though many will seek it, there will be only a few who will find it. Peter is the one who gives us the specifics as to what it takes on our part to gain entrance to the Kingdom.

2 Peter 1:5-11 (KJV)

5 And beside this, giving all diligence, (careful and persistent effort and work) add to your faith (make your calling and election sure. Be sure you are born of the Spirit) virtue; (behavior that reveals your high moral standards) and to virtue knowledge; (facts, information and skills gained not only from theoretical understanding, but by experience. You must be a doer of the Word.)

6 And to knowledge temperance; (Self-Restraint) and to temperance patience; (wait with a joyful expectation for the return of the Master. Let nothing move you from the faith.) and to patience godliness; (do only those things that are acceptable to God.).

7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; (Discern the Body of Christ. We are of the same Body, therefore judge not one another; be generous and considerate.) and to brotherly kindness charity. (Love. Allow the love of Christ to flow through you. Let no iniquity enter your heart).

8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Some find this virtue easy to overlook. Many saints are slothful and very assuming when it comes to what they are to do after being born again. Many simply do nothing except attend church. But the scripture calls for fruit. Jesus was very adamant concerning this as well. He said, “I am the vine, ye are the branches. Every branch in me that bears no fruit, my Father will cut it off.” If you are born of God but do nothing with the great gift of salvation He gave you, then you too will have your part in the lake. The sons must fulfill their purpose on this earth. We are here to procure more sons.

9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. It is not wise for us to ignore the warnings given here. Peter is very clear. Those who lack or fail to do these things are blind, can’t see, and will move from the faith, living as if he was never saved from sin. This cannot be just another message. You must be given over to it; seeking and pressing your way into the Kingdom of God.

10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: The implication here is that if you do not obey the scriptures given here, you will fall from the grace of God. Salvation is an opportunity for you to work out your own walk with fear and trembling, being mindful every moment that you could become a castaway.

11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. If we truly take heed to this admonition, the way to the Kingdom will be opened unto us. It is as simple as that. If you do not believe it takes all of these things to make it in, then you are grossly deceived. Let the Word of God be the authority in your life; for if you try to enter in some other way then you will surely be lost. Jesus continues to reveal to us the consequences of disobedience.

St. Luke 13:25-28

25 When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:

26 Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets.

27 But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.

28 There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.

These are the typical church folk. Many of them are saved. But they go to church, hear the teachings, but do not abide in them. Beloved, determine this will not be your end. Let us strive to enter in at the strait gate.