Who Can Be Saved?

Who Can Be Saved?

The accessibility of the gospel is the greatest wonder of the world. Salvation is offered to those who believe (those who put their trust in Christ to save them) - it is by faith only. No strings attached.

The examples of Mary Magdalene, the Samaritan woman, Peter, and other Biblical writers show us our bankruptcy so that we would enter our relationship with God on honest ground. When we reach that point, God can begin to fashion us into something beautiful.

The faith required is no greater than the least faith we can muster - as a mustard seed, the smallest seed. . .

Jesus said, "I am the gate, whoever enters through me will be saved." (Jn. 10:9). The gate is always open!

Let's say one hundred people enter that gate in the next ten minutes.

One may come hopping on one foot, tired out and wondering if he can make it, but he hops through the gate at last into the arms of the Lord.

Another, his head up and shoulders straight, does a little march through the gate.

One comes with purpose and vision for a lifetime of serving Christ.

Another comes with the bare thought, "Just don't let me burn in hell."

One hears the invitation, and runs for the gate.

Another loiters around outside for years, and finally steps across the line, not entirely sure he made the best decision.

Still another starts for the gate, turns back, changes her mind, starts for the gate again, and repeats this process numerous times before realizing she needs help getting through the gate. "Lord, help me decide,", she prays. A compassionate, tender hand reaches through the gate and helps her through.

A mother won't go in without her children. She gets them ready and as they pray to receive Christ together they enter the faith-gate to eternal life.

Another stands restlessly outside the gate. "He doesn't want me like He wants the others," he bemoans. "Maybe if I stand here he'll notice me." "Come," Jesus cries out to him. "It was for you I died." With awe the fellow passes through the gate.

Still another, hurt by the years, stands at the gate, angry with the Master for the way her life has gone. "I don't want you," she thinks, "but I have no other place to go; so I must go through the gate."

Jesus takes them all, because that's how we come - as needy, blind, hungering, frightened, confused, Satan-dominated, lost human beings. Jesus is the only One who can save us. "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." (Matt. 11:28)