We have, in this series on the doctrine of eternal punishment, looked at these two verses several times, emphasizing the narrowness of the way to life in Christ contrasted with the wideness of that Broadway that leads to destruction. This morning, as we look at these scriptures again, our focus will be upon the few who enter through it, let alone who even find it.
Everyone expects to go to heaven, but few will ever do so. Sinners demand the gate to be opened to them and offer many reasons it should be.
Why is the doctrine of the ascension of Christ a vital truth for us? It has been largely ignored in the churches today and this is a very big mistake.
On that day when Christ returns in judgment, many will insist upon the right to enter heaven, but they will not be able. This multitude will include the majority of people who professed to be Christians.
The entrance to the kingdom of God is narrow, and it is made narrow because of Christ. Christ alone is the Way, but most people stumble at Him. Most insist that they are good enough to enter, but the Law of God without Christ condemns them.
We turn now to Luke 13:23-30 in which the Lord Jesus answers the question, 'Are there few who are being saved?' We are getting help here from our old friend John Bunyan as he wrote on this text, The Strait Gate - The Great Difficulty of Going to Heaven.'
We are once again reminded of the reality of hell, of the false doctrine called soul sleep, and carefully consider the finality of eternity, once we pass out of this life. We also introduce another look at the two ways, the broad and the narrow.
Christ is risen indeed, and yet man in his sin continues to demand more proof. But God's chosen means of saving sinners is hearing the Word of God and being brought to repentance and faith.
Jonathan Edwards wrote a sermon on the folly of looking back at Sodom when we are told to flee. This is a good sermon to include in this series on the doctrine of eternal punishment.
