The Narrow And True Faith

The Narrow Gate And True Faith

The Bible warns us in Matthew 7:13-14: 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.

This passage underscores a stark reality: the path to salvation is narrow, and few find it. The church, while called to unity and agreement, finds itself in a state of division, doctrine debates, and moral corruption.

God's Desired State for the Church

God's vision for His Church is one of profound unity and holiness:

Ephesians 4:13

Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

1 Corinthians 1:10

Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

Ephesians 2:10

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

It is absurd to believe the Church will remain perpetually divided. God's plan is for His people to come into "the unity of the faith" through His divine work. He will not be defeated by false doctrines or the ideologies of men. He will ultimately exalt the truth and bring forth a Church that will walk in perfection and the fullness of Christ.

The Current State of the Church: A Departure from God's Design

Sadly, reality often contradicts this divine intention. The present condition of many segments of the Church reflects a profound departure from God's heart and mind.

A significant lack of unity and agreement plagues the church, with many failing to embrace one true faith and doctrine. The souls of God's people have become preoccupied with earthly things, elevating themselves above the knowledge of God and straying from the right path.

Wantonness, lust, malice, and pride replace holiness and righteousness, leaving the Church vulnerable to compromise with the world. With its spiritual identity compromised, it fails to maintain its uniquely holy calling.

The misuse of spiritual gifts, sexual immorality, and spiritual perversions are prevalent. The precious souls who escaped the corruption of the world have become entwined with worldly values and have defiled their new, created selves. This is a grave state of affairs that demands immediate attention and repentance.

A Season of Serious Self-Examination

The complacency evident in much of the Church today is alarming. The notion that differing beliefs and practices are acceptable, that diversity in faith somehow equates to unity, is a dangerous illusion. God's Word calls for a unified faith and righteous living, not a tolerant coexistence of conflicting doctrines.

This season demands a serious examination of our souls. Let us not be among those who have been saved, yet perished eternally; their names blotted out from the Book of Life.

The narrow gate is a reality, as Jesus states in Matthew 7:13-14:

Matthew 7:13-14

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.

This isn't merely a call for introspection, but a demand for radical transformation. We must critically assess our faith, our actions, and our motivations.

Three Critical Questions

• Examine Yourself: Are you truly in the faith? Is there a fundamental difference between simple belief and genuine faith? Belief is necessary, but demons believe and tremble. It's the manifestation of faith that counts.
• Examine your actions: Is the Holy Spirit truly leading you in all that you say and do? We need to be careful of quick responses, unforgiveness, and offenses spoken in anger. Repentance is vital.
• Examine Your Soul: Can you truly say all is well with your soul? Does your faith assure you of this reality?

Understanding Faith Through God's Foreknowledge

Our understanding of faith must begin with acknowledging God's foreknowledge.

1 Peter 1:1-2 reveals this truth:

1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,

2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

God’s foreknowledge is not arbitrary. He knew before the foundation of the world whom He would choose for salvation. This predestination does not negate free will; it demonstrates God’s sovereign grace.

Those chosen for salvation have a divine invitation to wholeheartedly embrace Him. The unchosen are those whose free-will path would never lead them to Christ. Even Judas, despite being among the disciples, was predestined for hell.

This foreknowledge extended to Judas; God permitted him to be near Jesus, knowing his ultimate betrayal. Even Judas had been given an opportunity to repent. God is just, but we need to continually examine ourselves.

The New Birth and the Resurrection

1 Peter 1:3 speaks of our regeneration through God's mercy:

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

This "new birth" is essential for salvation. It’s our being “begotten again” by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This concept is crucial to understanding our identity as believers. We were “fashioned,” even in the time Jesus spent in hell, to be His sons and daughters, part of His body – the Church.

Psalm 139:14-16 illuminates this divine craftsmanship:

14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

15 My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.

16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.

Jesus, the second Adam, was made in secret, in the lowest part of the earth (hell). His substance, which encompasses the entire Church, was variegated – diverse and multifaceted – reflecting the human race itself. Our names were written in God's book before our creation. Thus, we were fashioned as God's children; even during Jesus' time in hell, through the Resurrection, he fashioned this new creation.

The Faith of Christ: A Manifestation of Knowing

Faith is not mere optimism; It’s grounded in our identity as believers. Our confidence in our salvation stems from knowing – not just believing – the truth of God's Word. We were created with divine purpose, uniquely designed to be sons and daughters of God.

Galatians 2:20 demonstrates this reality:

Galatians 2:20: I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

We were crucified with Christ, and our spirits were made alive through the Holy Spirit, not merely our soul. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of life that sustains us. The life we live is through Christ's faith in us. We are in Him and He is in us; our lives inseparable from his.

This is the true faith: an unwavering knowledge of our identity in Christ, a certainty that supersedes doubt. It is a faith that empowers us to walk uprightly and brings unity to a divided Church.