Points2Ponder: Why Should We Strive for Salvation?

If 'Salvation is Free', Why Should We Strive for It?

Philipose Vaidyar

Our spiritual journey starts with questioning and seeking clarity about salvation. It involves building a genuine, heartfelt relationship with God, going beyond mere rituals or beliefs. Salvation requires more than belief; it demands a mutual commitment to the Savior through our actions. Justification is by faith in Jesus Christ but it involves much more than mere belief. Our response to the gift of salvation involves repentance and life genuinely marked by righteous actions. The good news is, it is open to everyone, reaching people from all directions.

In Luke 13:22-30 Jesus teaches about the nature of God's kingdom and the requirements for entering it. He uses the metaphor of a narrow door to convey the idea that salvation is not easily attained, but it requires effort and a genuine relationship with God.

Will everybody be Saved?

Salvation is a transformative journey, marked by defining moments that mold our character and connect us to God through unwavering faith in Jesus.

"He went on his way through towns and villages, teaching and journeying toward Jerusalem. And someone said to him, 'Lord, will those who are saved be few?' And he said to them, 'Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. When once the master of the house has risen and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, "Lord, open to us," then he will answer you, "I do not know where you come from." Then you will begin to say, "We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets." But he will say, "I tell you, I do not know where you come from. Depart from me, all you workers of evil!" In that place, there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God but you yourselves cast out. And people will come from east and west, and from north and south, and recline at the table in the kingdom of God. And behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.'" Luke 13:22-30 (ESV):

In this passage, Jesus is journeying to Jerusalem, highlighting the urgency of his mission and the importance of understanding his message. Someone asks about the number of people saved, prompting Jesus to emphasize the need to strive diligently through the narrow door of salvation with the Grace of God, signifying the urgency and effort required.

1. Do not assume, but ask questions and seek understanding:

Just as the people in the crowd questioned Jesus about salvation, it's essential to seek understanding and clarification about spiritual matters. Don't hesitate to ask questions and engage in discussions about faith. Recognize the urgency of the gospel message. Jesus' journey to Jerusalem was a mission with a time limit, and our lives also have an expiration date. Don't postpone addressing matters of faith and salvation.

2. The Narrow Door:

Understand that salvation is not easily obtained through good works of what we think is right; it requires conscious effort and a genuine relationship with God, seeking His grace. It's not about mere superficial religious actions or acts of charity but a heart transformation through the grace of God in faith. Its path may not be of comfort, or convenience but can be costly.

Matthew 7:13-14 conveys this spiritual concept a bit more.

"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."The "narrow gate" is often understood to symbolize the path to eternal life with God, while the "wide gate" represents the easier, more common path that leads away from God. In essence, Jesus was emphasizing that following the righteous and faithful path might not be the most popular or straightforward choice, but it's the one that leads to salvation and a deeper relationship with God. It underscores the idea that a life of faith and righteousness may require sacrifice, dedication, and a departure from worldly or sinful ways.

Those who choose Wide Gate and Broad Road are workers of evil; they are many and they are heading to destruction.

3. "I do not know where you come from”

Exclusivity: Jesus' words suggest that not everyone who claims to know him will enter the kingdom of God. This emphasizes the importance of a personal and genuine relationship with God, rather than relying solely on religious rituals or cultural identity.

It's not about external actions but a change of heart and lifestyle. Strive to live in a way that aligns with God's teachings.

Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to me 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven” (Matthew 7:21-23).

Mere belief will not save us:

People with a solid theological understanding of Jesus or those who believe in Him after witnessing a miracle may be close to the Kingdom, but their proximity does not necessarily ensure their place in it. Salvation demands more than mere belief; it involves a mutual commitment with Jesus, rather than being a one-sided acceptance.

“Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did. But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men, and needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man” (John 2:23-24).

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4. “We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets"

Sitting and listening to the teachings of Jesus, such as attending a spiritual meeting or worship service, and partaking in communion, like eating and drinking in His presence, are not sufficient for experiencing the free gift of Salvation or entering the Kingdom of God.

In summary, Luke 13:22-30 teaches that salvation requires effort, understanding, and a genuine relationship with God. It emphasizes urgency, transformation, inclusivity, and humility in our faith journey.

Christ's work of salvation came at a price paid by Him, and while it is offered freely to us, we cannot perfect it or pay for it. However, our response to receiving this gift requires our repentance and a life marked by righteous actions and behavior that stem from our faith.

5. People will come from east and west, and from north and south

Good news involves all the directions- NEWS- North, East, West and South. It highlights the inclusivity of God's kingdom, where people from all corners of the world will be present. This encourages us to view others as potential recipients of God's grace and to share the gospel with all, regardless of their background.

Last Vs First Vs Last

Lastly, Jesus' statement that "some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last" reminds us of the importance of humility. It's not about social status or religious prestige; it's about our relationship with God and our willingness to follow his ways.

Furthermore, Jesus teaches that His followers/believers should love Him, obey His teachings, and live in Him, allowing the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit to dwell within them (John 14:15-16 and John 14:23). Justified believers should also progress toward sanctification. Scripture emphasizes that without holiness, no one will see God. While Apostle Paul stressed that justification is by faith, he also urged us to work out our salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12-13). (Stay tuned for a deeper exploration of these topics in future posts).