Enter Through The Gate
9-24-04

In the message "A Life of Discipleship" we considered our need to be continually discipled and the vital importance of discipling others before and after Salvation. The message stated: "Receiving the Word, or even its initial growth, is not Salvation." Many people are led to pray for Salvation without an understanding of the gospel message and are therefore never "born again" as a new creation in Christ. Teaching the truth of the gospel is the first priority of discipleship.

Many of us have become over-zealous in our desire to pull people into the Kingdom of God. We should all have a passion to see those around us saved from a path of destruction. But our intense desire must never cause us to pull people "inside" without presenting the absolute truth about sin and forgiveness, or without ever challenging one another to examine what we really believe.

We in the Church have done well with creating a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere which makes people feel part of the family. But in the process, we often create the disastrous environment in which many will one day hear: "I never knew you. Away from Me, you evildoers!" (Matthew 7:23). We should all attend a local fellowship, serve one another in love, and live a life characterized by high morals; but we must never even give the appearance that these activities provide an entrance to Heaven.

John 10:1, 9
"I {Jesus} tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. I am the gate; whoever enters through Me will be saved."

If we attempt to enter the Kingdom through any other means than the gate of Jesus, we completely miss the eternal glory of God. We may believe we are His sheep - we may even look and sound like His sheep - but in truth, any path other than repentance and submission to Jesus makes us a thief and a robber. "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6).

We never help by "pulling" someone in or allowing them to remain comfortable while on the path to destruction. We must speak the truth and point the way to Jesus as the only gate through which we may pass - the ONLY way unto Salvation.

Everyone who walks this earth must make a decision about Jesus Christ. Let's make sure we never inadvertently pull someone over the top rail of the fence without presenting the real decision. Let's minister in a loving and welcoming manner; but let's provide proper discipleship by clearly sharing the need to enter through the gate.

Have A Great Day!