St. Luke 13:22-30
Divine Service
Pentecost 13 (Proper 16)

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Shortly after I arrived in Pine Bluffs, the Roman Catholic priest had all of the pastors in town over to just sit and talk.  One of the questions that was asked in that meeting was ‘can a loving God condemn people to hell who have never heard of him.’  It’s a difficult question indeed, and phrased that way, it is a very modern question; yet it is not truly a new question as: “Someone said to [Jesus], ‘Lord, will those who are saved be few?’”

“Will those who are saved be few?”  A quick conclusion is, “No, of course not, there are many.”  On the other hand, looking at the condition of this world today, one might then wonder: “when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” (Luke 18:8).  Plenty of false teachings have erupted based upon this single question, from the most narrow-minded sectarianism to the most God-defying universalism.

Will those who are saved be few?  It is not my place to give an opinion – the Word ought have the final word.  Therefore, let us explore the Lord’s answer, for it comes in two parts: He first speaks of the narrow door as He answers according to the Law, then He speaks of the Doorman as He answers according to the Gospel.

“Lord, will those who are saved be few?”  To this Jesus answers, “Strive to enter through the narrow door.  For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.”  Jesus declares the Law: The door to the banquet feast of heaven is a narrow door, and many will not fit through.

The one who tries to bring in baggage will find the doorway too narrow.  It is tragic, indeed, how many refuse to part with that burdensome bag; and how ridiculous it would look if we witnessed someone who refused to drop a burlap sack of junk in exchange for rich treasure.  Yet this is the way of the world, for many burden themselves with all sorts of sins and transgressions that lead to death, and cling to them at the expense of faith and forgiveness and life.  But the Lord’s Word is clear:

“Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God?  Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”  (1 Corinthians 6:9-10) Do not be deceived: unrepentant sin, no matter how acceptable to this world, kills eternally.  The opinions of man do not widen God’s doors, and such sinners will not fit through.

The door is narrow, far too narrow for the self-righteous man.  No, I don’t just refer to the one who walks with upturned nose and believes that he’s better than everyone else.  Included here are all who subscribe to the world’s belief that life – for now and eternity – is all about doing your best, watching out for your friends, trying to make the most out of life – and who see little need for confession and absolution on Sunday morning.  For such, being good is all about being ‘not so bad.’  However, if we take seriously the doctrine of original sin, the one who says “I’ve done my best” is a liar, for the best is something we cannot do.  The door is narrow, far too narrow for broad shoulders and big heads.

“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” (Psalm 51:17)  Those who are self-righteous will not fit through.

The door is narrow, and many will be surprised.  Among fervent seekers of God, it is a common belief that heaven is attained by specific good works – pilgrimages to holy cities, large donations of money and time, large families, vegetarianism, artistic works, whatever.  It is taught that such acts demonstrate a sincere dedication to God, serving as badges of courage and medals of honor that gain the Lord’s approval.  But the door is narrow, and all such badges and medals will catch the doorframe and hold tight; the one who trusts in his meritorious works will not enter into the banquet feast.

The door is narrow – far too small for group admission.  Many will be terribly surprised that day, for entry is one-at-a-time – personal.  Those who blithely call themselves “Christian” but have no real faith in Christ will find their admittance denied.  Those who hold a certificate of membership in a congregation, but who have forsaken the Lord’s means of grace, will likewise find that piece of paper worthless in the end.  Those who believe they are saved by their ethnic heritage or ancestry will likewise be frustrated.  Christ died for all as individuals; the one who believes he is saved because he belongs to a group remains outside the door.

“Lord, will those who are saved be few?”  The answer from the Law of God is, “The door is narrow.”

Frighteningly so, for Jesus declares, “When once the master of the house has risen and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, open to us,’ then he will answer you, ‘I do not know where you come from,’ Then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.’ But he will say, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you come from.  Depart from me, all you workers of evil!’ In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God but you yourselves cast out.” 

We find many people these days who cheerfully admit their unrepentant sin, who are more than happy to brazenly share how they knowingly violate God’s commands.  But the Lord here declares that many who believe they are saved – even many who come to His Supper – will be told to depart on the Last Day.  We ought to react to this with godly fear, self-examination and repentance.  Too often, however, the reaction is far less holy.

One objection to this news of the Law is, “This can’t be true!  How can a God who loves everyone allow anyone to perish?”  The ill-conceived question leads to two worthless, faithless lines of reasoning.  One might conclude, “Apparently, God doesn’t love everyone; therefore, God is a liar and can’t be trusted.”  Such a conclusion declares faith useless, and the one is lost.  The other conclusion is just as bad, for it says, “God does love everyone, so He therefore doesn’t allow anyone to perish.  He saves everyone, no matter what they believe.”  Both conclusions are popular today, and both are wrong, because both misunderstand God’s love.

The world tries to make “love” equal to “permissiveness”: “If you love me, you’ll let me do what I want.”  Love then becomes a license to do anything, says the world; but God’s definition of love is far different.  God’s definition of love declares that He always does what is best for us, but will never force us to accept what He does.

He does what is best for us – even if we don’t like it.  Good parents know that love compels them to keep a child from danger, even though the child doesn’t like the restraint; likewise, God in love prevents things we hope for – even if we don’t like it – for our good.  Furthermore, God does what is best for us, even at great cost to Himself – even the cost of His Son’s death on the cross in our place.

God loves us so that He always does what is best for us; in His love He never compels us to receive His love.  He doesn’t force us to be His people.  An example here might help, so let us take a man who loves his wife.  He likes it that she is around so that he can enjoy her presence, look upon her beauty, speak with her, care for her and serve her.  We would call this love.  However, if he then chains her to a pillar in their home so that she has no choice but to be there, he is no longer a faithful husband but a psychopath.  That is not love, but compulsion.  She is forced to be there, and love does not force its way.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16); the cross destroys any argument that God does not love us.  Jesus has died for the sins of all so that all might be forgiven; but in love He will not force anyone to be forgiven and saved for eternity.  This is the best answer we can give to those who demand, “How can a God who loves everyone allow anyone to perish?”  God provides salvation for all, and this is all His doing; those who are lost refuse His gracious gifts, and that is their doing.

One other common objection, which we can quickly address, is one of universalistic indignation: “What about all those other well-meaning religious groups?  Are you saying that they aren’t saved?  How dare you!”  To this we must respond in truth: such groups seek after God, but they have elected to create a false god instead.  If they believe in a different god, they try to enter heaven through a different door.  But there is only one door: “I am the door,” says Jesus.  “If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.”  (John 10:9).

“Lord, will those who are saved be few?”  According to the Law, Jesus answers that the door is narrow.

Such news should fill us with Godly fear.  He declares that all who fail to repent will not fit through.  He proclaims that many who think that they are believers will be terribly surprised at a time when there is no time left to change.  He thereby warns us to watch our doctrine and practice carefully.  Meditating upon this truth, one might even ask, “From the sound of this, can anyone be sure of their salvation?”  According to God’s Law, the answer is no.  However, you can be sure of your salvation today – not because of Christ’s answer according to the Law, but His answer according to the Gospel.

While the Lord warns that the door is narrow, He also proclaims this joyous news: “people will come from east and west, and from north and south, and recline at table in the kingdom of God”

The door is narrow, but many will come in – from all over!  Why?  Because God so loved the world – Jesus Christ went to the cross and died for all people.  He commissions the apostles to make disciples of all nations.  Therefore, anyone who repents of their sin and believes in Him will be saved.  In other words, that narrow door is wide enough for all who believe in Christ and Him crucified.

It is true that no one will be saved because they believe they have done their best and avoided certain “bad” sins; but it is equally true that no one who repents will be lost because of their failures.  Christ has died for them so that they might trust in Him, repent of their sin and be forgiven.  What matters is not their attempts at holiness; what matters is Christ’s holiness given to them.  Many who enter the narrow door will never be recorded in history books as great men or women; but they are recorded in the book of life, because Christ has died for them.

Many will enter from north, south, east and west; not because man tries to widen the door by teaching that everyone is automatically saved, but because Christ’s sacrifice is all-sufficient.  He has died for the sins of the world, and all who trust in Him – by God-given faith – will be saved.  Of this you can be certain!  Remember, from the Law we heard that the door is narrow, that even many who believe they are saved will be terribly shocked to find they are not; and this led to the question, can anyone be sure of their salvation?  The answer in the Gospel is, most-decidedly, yes.

Those who will be terribly surprised, will be so because they have trusted in themselves.  While paying lip service to the Lord and His cross, they have still trusted in their own works or righteousness to save them.  But the Law of God shows us the absolute foolishness of trusting in ourselves; and the Gospel of God shows us the absolute certainty of trusting in Jesus.

While the Law rightly tells us that “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick” (Jeremiah 17:9); we can trust our Lord’s Promise that Baptism gives the forgiveness of sins.  By water and the Word, Jesus welcomes you through the door and into His kingdom.  Therefore, to ask “Have I done enough to be saved?” will only lead you to uncertainty and fear.  But to ask, “has Christ washed away my sins with water and the Word?” is to ask an objective question that is easily, marvelously, answered by the Word of God.

By His Word, the Lord warns you of your sinfulness and promises His salvation.  To trust in your own works is to contradict God’s Word – no wonder it leads to uncertainty and terror!  But to trust in God’s Word is to know this: Christ has died for all of your sins; and now He opens the door for you. Therefore, you can be certain of your salvation: Because Christ and the cross are certain, and He promises His forgiveness for you.  You have heard the Word preached among you.  You have been given faith by the Holy Spirit to believe it.

“Lord, will those who are saved be few?” asks the man in the Gospel lesson.  Jesus doesn’t answer the question – at least not with a yes, a no, or a number.  He does warn that the door is narrow, so we are to be faithful to His Word.  However, He also announces that His grace is sufficient and the door wide enough to gather people from all nations into His Kingdom.

And you, dear Christians, are among those gathered.  Of this you can be sure, for you are forgiven all of your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.  Amen.

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