All — Few — Do
For the grace of God hath appeared, bringing salvation to all men” (Tit. 2:11). In times past, God’s law was extended to a “nation” and not to “all men”; but now, we find all have an equal opportunity to salvation. The Gospel is God’s power to salvation (Rom. 1:16) and is extended to all the world (Matt. 28:19-20). John described this salvation as being to “whosoever will” (Rev. 22:17). If, this was the only passage read from the word of God, one might conclude all men would be saved — universal salvation! When, though, I observe the principle of “again it is written” (Matt. 4:7), I learn universal salvation is not the answer.
“For narrow is the gate, and straitened the way, that leadeth unto life, and few are they that find it” (Matt. 7:14). Now, I know that all men will not be saved and that there will be only a few to enter the gates of heaven. This was so in the days of Noah, Lot, and the destruction of Jerusalem. We here, are not talking of a physical salvation, though, we are thinking of a spiritual salvation — entrance into heaven. Jesus says that only few will be saved! We are anxious to ask the question: “Why?” The answer rings in our ears, loud and clear.
“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my father who is in heaven” (Matt. 7:21). Our salvation is conditioned upon doing the “will of God,” and if we do not conform to the will of God we shall most assuredly be lost. The reason for doing the will of the Father is — we shall be judged by the word of God (John 12:48). Thus, we must know the word of God and obey it to be permitted entrance into the joys of heaven (Rom. 6:17-18).
We now have passed from the “grace of God” being extended to “all” men, to the limitation that only a “few” will be saved. The reason for only a few being saved is; there will be few who will “do” the will of the Father.
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Truth
Magazine Vol. XLIV: 7 p15
April 6,
2000