The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum How Narrow Is The Way?

When considering these verses......

Matthew 7:14, Matthew 7:21-23, Matthew 22:14, Mark 13:20, Luke 18:7, John 17:9, Romans 9:27, Romans 11:7, I Corinthians 1:27-29

......I'm wondering how narrow is the narrow way? I'm thinking not just of all whom are relying on their own faith or have not faith whatsoever and are seemingly outwardly traveling upon the broad way but also those whom consider and are proponents of the whole counsel of GOd but remain hypocrites and pretenders to the faith, nonetheless, becasue Jesus has never become needful to the soul unto salvation.

WHat does everyone think?, how extreme is the transformation in which we become a new creature born in the spirit?, how deep is the longing to be home with the Father?

Is it more than random notions, fleeting desires, inclinations or considerations.

How drastic, humbling and radical is the change. How is our personality effected? and how visible and outward is the change? How much are our sinful tendancies affected?

thanks!

AC

AC,

I am rather disturbed that YOU would ask this question and I think you know why.

The questions you ask are illegitimate questions especially if they are in regard to justification. They are also illegitimate in regard to sanctification for no other reason than each sinner that God saves is unique. Secondly, Scripture never quantifies sanctification since it is never complete in this life and thus ALL who are united with Christ and indwelt by the Spirit "press on to the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." There will always be remaining sin in a true believer. The believer is always changing. The new man is constantly growing in grace as the old man is put off. And, there are times when the old man gets the upper hand and there is a digression in holiness. In other words, sanctification varies since it is kinetic; an ongoing transformation from grace to glory.

The bottom line is that our salvation does NOT and CANNOT depend upon anything in us or done by us since all that we do is imperfect. It is Christ ALONE and His imputed righteousness which is the acceptable sacrifice to God. And it is by the Spirit's work in us that assures us that we are adopted sons and daughters of God. Assurance is the apprehension of what has already been given and taken place for us and in us: 1) The immutable promises of God to all who believe. (Acts 2:39; 2Tim 1:9) 2) The fruit of the Spirit which are the good works we walk in which justify our justification (Eph 2:10; Jam 2:22-24; 1Jh 2:5) and 3) The testimony of the Spirit Himself to our spirits that we are sons of God. (Rom 8:16; 2Cor 1:21, 22; 5:4, 5; Eph 1:13; 1Jh 4:13)

The danger in entertaining such questions can be a morbid introspection resulting in Pharisaism. Brother, there is never, ever enough to qualify, to commend oneself to God, to assure oneself of God. Our hope, comfort and assurance rests in our Lord Jesus Christ. So, the legitimate questions are, Do you know yourself to be a sinner? Have you been given conviction of sin? Have you a holy hatred of sin? Do you yearn to be holy? Is Christ precious to you? Have you cast yourself upon Him as your only hope of being reconciled to God both for time and eternity? Are you trusting God to supply you with all your needs for this life and the next by faith? The big question is decidedly NOT, How much of these things must I possess? but rather, Are these things true of you?

Thanks for posting!

In His grace,