The Narrow Road

The Lord Jesus has revealed that the way to Salvation is narrow and the way to Destruction is wide (Matthew 7:13-14).  For a true Christian, regardless of the society he/she lives in, there is always a call to remain true to the precious teachings of the Bible, whether in good times or bad.  In good times, in places where Christianity is widespread, one danger is compromising with the world in complacency.  In such an environment, we can also find believers who darken the church doors occasionally but are not really converted.  Unconverted believers are those who intellectually assent to the teachings of the Bible but have not surrendered their hearts to Jesus Christ.

Many are quick to claim salvation by grace (Ephesian 2:8-9), but are at a loss when confronted with the teachings of repentance (Mark 1:15; Acts 2:38; etc).  It is very dangerous to make a theology out of one or two verses alone.  Letting scripture interpret scripture is a sound way to go about it, and a fuller definition of salvation by grace is given by the same Paul in Titus 2:11-14.  Upon careful examination of Paul's teachings we can easily conclude that repentance from sin and turning toward God in righteousness and holy living are clearly evident (Acts 20:21; 26:20; Romans 6:22-23... fruit to holiness).   Jesus died on the cross to take away our sins --- not to allow us to indulge in sins and claim salvation. 

One clear call, one clear will of God for all believers, is that we live holy lives  (1 Peter 1:15-16; Hebrews 12:14).  We can be made holy in Christ and live in holiness in the power of Christ.  Paul found his identity in being crucified with Christ, figuratively speaking (Galatians 2:20).  This is the narrow road.  Now that you have received salvation in Christ, walk the narrow road by putting "on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts" (Romans 13:14).  If you do, there is a mansion beyond your wildest dream waiting for you in heaven (John 14:1-3).  HalleluYAH!