Paradise Returned: Part 6

Conclusion (1 of 2)

* Please read the Introduction through Part 5 first.

OK, so let’s reflect on what we have looked at here. Only those who are not clothed in flesh will dwell with the LORD. They will not hide from Him and will be obedient to His commands. There is a holy place where the LORD dwells with men. The path to there is narrow. The highway is the elevated road that is being built up and travelled upon by the remnant. Their banner will be the LORD. The foolish and the unclean will not travel on this road. Large masses enter in the wide gate and travel down the broad way. Few find the small gate and narrow way. Jesus, The Christ is the gate.

I pose to you, in light of the Scriptures I’ve used within this piece (and countless others not referenced) that the wide way has little to nothing to do with “the world”. I believe that it is more appropriately addressed to the religious church. One could argue that, other than the religious believe they are OK with God and the world cares not, there is little difference. The world declares, “just go this way and do whatever the masses say to do” and the majority of Christianity says the exact same thing. One might word it as “Don’t be like ‘the worldly masses’, be like the hordes of Christians all doing whatever is ‘Christian’”. After studying the Word and weighing It beside what the world and modern day Christianity promote, I am elated that I fit neither of their molds. More than anything in this world, I desire to walk the narrow path that is less traveled. I praise God that He has opened my eyes to see the grown over path that leads to Him!

With the narrow path, the remnant and the small gate in mind, please read over the following comparisons and make your own assumptions as to which road is which as we look at some mainstream Christian ideals.

Attend ”services” once or twice a week versus truly daily walking with the LORD.

Tithe 10% of your income versus live a lifestyle of giving in all circumstances.

Maintain many surface relationships versus a handful of “openness and vulnerability-level” ones.

Listen to an "ordained" pastor tell you what God is saying versus studying God’s Word for yourself.

Separating your “personal” life from your "spiritual" life versus your spiritual life is your personal life.

Allowing a “Jesus fish” to adequately declare that you’re a Christian versus allowing your life to emulate Christ to others.

Spiritual maturity is defined by organizational positions or status versus spiritual maturity defined by your production of Kingdom fruit.

Pretend to always have it all together versus be transparent and open about your struggles, failures and questions.

Church membership and denominational identity versus being a member of the body of Christ alone.
Holding out for the pre-tribulation rapture versus preparing for even the possibility of encountering adversity for the name and cause of Christ.

Following the latest “Christian” trends and fads versus clinging to what the Word defines as Truth, even if it is not accepted by men.

Backing down from confrontational issues that may sound too judgmental versus standing unwavering for holiness and righteousness.

Lifting up a banner of men’s positions, doctrines and works versus lifting up the banner of Christ alone with no need for man's approval.

Do you see a trend here? One way is relatively easy to accomplish on your own and is well travelled by the majority of Believers. The other requires ongoing activity and I know very few that walk this “little flock” path (Luke 12:32). You tell me, in all honesty which side is more common in Christianity today? Which is more acceptable and “right” in the eyes of Christian men and women today? Which is the wide way where most every self-professing Believer seems to be traveling and which is the narrow way where few seem to tread? People often tell me, “Well that’s great…. for you. It’s just not for me. I enjoy [insert common ‘Christian’ activity here] and I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that. You do what you want and deem right and I will do what I want and deem is right.” This is scary ground my friend for it is not about either of our opinions or preferences. Again, may I remind you, there is only One Gate. He makes the rules and He alone defines what those who are to enter must do and not do. He has told us in His Word what He deems as acceptable.

To reiterate what I cannot repeat enough times, I personally believe that a great majority of all who are convinced they are walking the narrow path because they’re not “worldly”, teaching in the streets and eating and drinking in His presence, will in fact be turned away.

One more part remains that entails a barrage of Scriptures to drive home this point. We must be found walking through the small gate and down the narrow path in order to adequately fulfill God's timeline. There is no other way to get into the most Holy Place than via Jesus, The Christ alone.