Did Jesus preach it both ways? few Some of His words may imply few are saved 1. Lk.13: Lk.13:6-9 many Some of His words may imply many are saved 1. Lk.13: Lk.13:20-22 Jesus: perfect communicator Audiences: imperfect listeners Lk.13:22, Jerusalem

I. The Clarifying Question, 23

Lord Easy to say (6:46); only few obey RespectRight sourceRight time Calvinism: Few saved, unconditional Secularism: Few lost, ~unconditional~ Universalism: All saved, unconditional Rabbis: All Israel, unconditional

I. The Clarifying Question II. The Conclusive Answer

Strive and Strain! (24) You – personal, individual, Jn. 21; Ac.5 “You must struggle on to get in” (Wms.)  Jn.18:36; 1 Co.9:25 Strain every nerve to enter (BDAG) To endeavor with strenuous zeal, strive, to obtain something (Th.)

Entrance Not automatic or unconditional Through the narrow gate (keeps out) will not be able Many will seek to enter in and... will not be able What makes this gate so difficult? Not that it is narrow in itself, but that we want to take in our pride, our self-will, our darling sins – Augustine

Many don’t make it because they do not strive  Lk.16 Jesus bypasses “numbers” It’s not how many, but who? Knowing the “numbers” means nothing if I’m lost anyway

Act now! (25) Lk. 7 Lk.11:5-13 Where were they when door was open? I do not know you Mt.7:21-23Mt.25:11-12 Lk.13:25Lk.13:27

Pray or obey? 26, plead, pray, & eat... or obey  Mt.14  Mt.5:45  We heard you teach… (James 1)

27 = 25 with additions Depart from me – go away  Some choices are permanent Workers of lawlessness They did work

Surprises on Judgment Day 28, weeping, gnashing... 29, people will come from all directions (though not all people) 30, the great cosmic reversal

I. The Clarifying Question III. The Critical Response II. The Conclusive Answer

1. Saved from what? 2. What is salvation? Wrath of God My sins RescueRemissionForgiveness

3. What must I do to be saved? Baptized XX Acts 22 BaptizedRepent X Acts 2 Baptized X BelieveActs 16

4. Mass confusion on subject 1. Religious piety not enough (2:5) 2. Zealous fervor not enough (2:5-11) 3. Sincerity alone not enough. 2:37; 3:17 4. Faith and repentance not enough (37-38) 5. God’s plan, not ours (2:38, 42) Ac.2, what sad sinners saw thru tears: