We have heard a certain group of people saying that salvation is unconditional so long as one accepts Jesus as Lord. The thing, however, is that when the phrase "so long" is added, salvation is no longer "unconditional" as supposed. More, there are certain texts in the New Testament which makes us think twice about the statement "salvation is unconditional". One such text is Luke 12:22-30. It begins with a question about salvation. Jesus answers, not only the question, but other unexpressed questions as well.
Read the relevant article here and use the following as guides for reflection
1. Try to remember passages that you know to be Jesus' teachings on discipleship (two or three is enough). If you can't remember any, try going through Luke 12.
Try to label any of those teachings as "difficult" or "easy". How many did you mark "easy?"
Reread those passages and ask yourself this question: "At this stage of my Christian life, can I say I have been following the Lord?"
2. The privilege of the Christian is such that more than any member of other religious groups, he/she can be considered "first". Read the following passages where that privilege is spelled out:
How have you valued this privilege?
In the light of these passages, how do you understand Luke's use of the phrase "Thus, the first will be last, and the last first" in Luke 13:28-30?
3. "Christian life is a struggle". This is an oft-repeated phrase; anyone who does not experience Christian life as a struggle is not yet living the Christian life. How do you describe your own struggle? With what forces do you struggle?
Jesus tells us to strive to enter through the narrow gate, "for many will try to enter but will not be strong enough." St. Paul in similar vein would write: "work out your salvation with fear and trembling." (Phil. 2:12) But it is St. Paul who reports to us what the Lord told him in the midst of his difficulties: "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Cor. 12:9) That is why he can say: "In my weakness, I am strong" (2 Cor. 12:10)
Seen in this light, what does it mean "to be strong enough" to enter into the narrow gate?
Cerezo Barredo has an interesting illustration on the narrow gate. Click on the thumbnail at the beginning of this article and find Jesus. What is he holding up?
