How can we ensure we are among those who are saved? The Urgent Question Luke 13:23: “Lord,” someone asked Him, “will only a few be saved?” A timeless concern: “How can I be sure I’m in that saved number?” The Narrow Door: Jesus’ Immediate Answer Luke 13:24: “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, for many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able.” Key observations • “Make every effort” – intentional, wholehearted pursuit • “Narrow door” – one exclusive entrance, not many options (cf. John 10:7-9) • “Many…will try” – casual association with Jesus is not enough Responding with Repentance and Faith • Luke 13:3: “Unless you repent, you too will all perish.” • Acts 3:19 – repentance turns us from sin to God. • John 3:16 – faith embraces the Son who was given for us. • Romans 10:9-10 – confessing Jesus as Lord and believing He is risen brings salvation. Grace, Not Works—Yet Works Confirm • Ephesians 2:8-9 – saved by grace through faith, not our merit. • Ephesians 2:10 – created for good works prepared beforehand. • James 2:17 – living faith shows itself; fruit does not save but proves life is present (cf. Luke 6:43-45). Guarding against False Security Jesus’ warning continues (Luke 13:25-27): many will claim familiarity—“We ate and drank with You”—but He will say, “I do not know where you are from.” Signals of false security – Relying on heritage, church attendance, or past experiences – Excusing sin instead of confessing and forsaking it (1 John 1:6-10) – Hearing without doing (Matthew 7:21-23) Living the Assured Life • 1 John 5:11-13 – Scripture was written “so that you may know that you have eternal life.” • Ongoing marks of assurance: – Growing love for Christ and His people (1 John 3:14) – Obedience to His commands (John 14:15) – Witness of the Spirit within (Romans 8:16) – Perseverance in faith to the end (Hebrews 3:14) Practical Steps for Daily Confidence 1. Examine yourself in light of Scripture (2 Corinthians 13:5). 2. Confess and turn from known sin immediately. 3. Trust Christ’s finished work, not fluctuating feelings. 4. Stay close to Jesus through Bible reading, prayer, fellowship, and the Lord’s Supper. 5. Serve others with the gifts He supplies, proving your calling and election sure (2 Peter 1:10-11). Summary: Enter, Abide, Persevere • Enter through the narrow door—Jesus alone. • Abide in Him daily through faith, obedience, and love. • Persevere to the end by His sustaining grace, and the promise stands: “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13). |
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