Practical ReligionSelf-Exertion
J.C. Ryle
Luke 13:24
Three observations
1. A description of the way of salvation
2. A plain command
3. An awful prophecy
Description: The Strait GateDefinition of “strait” (Oxford): narrow, difficult to pass through
1. It is narrow to all who love sin, and are determined not to part with it.
2. It is narrow to all who set their affection on this world, and seek first its pleasures and rewards.
3. It is narrow to all who are unwilling to take pains and make sacrifices for their souls.
4. It is narrow to all who want to keep in with the crowd.
5. It is narrow to all who are self-righteous, and think they are good people, and deserve to be saved.
Description: The Strait GateThough narrow, it is the only way to heaven
1. All that are ever saved will be saved only by Christ, and only by simple faith in him.
2. Not one will be saved by repentance alone.
Today’s sorrow does not wipe off yesterday’s score.
3. Not one will be saved by his own works. The best works that any man can do are little better than splendid sins.
4. Not one will be saved by outward display of the means of grace.
5. When we have done all, we are poor ‘unprofitable servants.’
Description: The Strait GateThough narrow, the gate is always ready to open
1. No sinners of any kind are forbidden to draw near: whosoever desires may enter in and be saved.
2. There is only one condition of admission:
You must really feel your sins and desire to be saved by Christ in his own way.
Description: The Strait Gate Strait as it is, no sinner who has faith in Christ has ever been turned back.
Think what a privilege it is to have a gate, at all
The unreached would give much to hear of this gate
Better not to know of the gate, than to know, and tarry outside
Description: The Strait GateHow thankful should you be if you have gone in through the gate?
Does our daily walk reflect that thankfulness?
Command: Strive to EnterMan must use means diligently
What is meant by “use means”?
Public Worship
reading the Bible
hearing the gospel preached
Doubtless no one can change his own heart, or wipe away one of his sins, or make himself in the least degree acceptable to God
Command: Strive to Enter “Strive” teaches that man will be dealt with as a responsible being
The Lord Jesus does not bid us to wait, and wish, and feel, and hope, and desire. He says, ‘Strive.’
Our salvation, from first to last, is entirely of God; but our ruin, if lost, is wholly and entirely of ourselves.
Command: Strive to Enter“Strive” teaches that there will be adversaries, and a hard battle
That roaring lion, the devil, will never let a soul escape from him without a struggle.
The heart is naturally sensual and earthly. It will never be turned to spiritual things without a daily fight.
Command: Strive to Enter“Strive” teaches that it is worthwhile to seek salvation
The objects for which most men strive are comparatively poor and trifling things. Riches, and greatness, and rank, and learning, are ‘a corruptible crown.’
The incorruptible things are all within the strait gate.
Command: Strive to Enter“Strive” teaches us that laziness in religion is a great sin
The one who makes no effort to enter the strait gate has violated this duty to Strive
Strive teaches that all outside the gate are in grave danger
There is but a step between them and death
Many are “good people” and active about good things; but they do not strive, at all
Attending public worship irregularly, or as a matter of form
Seldom or never reading the Bible
Prophecy: Many Will Not Be Able to EnterThis will happen when the Lord returns to judge the world
All fulfilled prophecies have been fulfilled to the letter
This prophecy will be fulfilled in the same manner
knowledge will come too late
repentance will come too late
faith will come too late
a desire of salvation will come too late
They shall long after pardon, and peace, and the favour of God, when they can no more be had. They will wish they might have one more Sunday over again, have one more offer of forgiveness, have one more call to prayer. But it will matter nothing what they think, or feel, or desire then: the day of grace will be over; the gate of salvation will be bolted and barred. It will be too late!
Prophecy: Many Will Not Be Able to EnterThe value of things will change
Now gold, silver, gems, land, homes, etc., are valued
Now knowledge of God, free salvation of the Bible, the favor of Christ and the grace of the Holy Spirit are considered of little value
On the Lord's return, these will be reversed, and people will have no interest in the things of earth, but will desire the things of God
Words of ApplicationHave you entered in at the strait gate?
Enter in without delay!
If you have entered in, then tell others!
Be aware of your responsibility to others
For next week:
Chapter 3: Reality
Please read:
Rev. 3:1
1 John 3:18
James 2:19
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