WHY ARE FEW SAVED?

On one occasion during His travels through Palestine, Jesus was asked by one, "Are there few saved?" (Luke 13: 23). At least two other times the Lord affirms as much, in those specific words or in words their equivalent (Matthew 7:13,14; 22:14). Many Bible readers have made much of the fact that Christ said "few" would be saved. Some have perhaps narrowed the "few" to many "fewer" than even Christ intended! Some general observation will help us gain our perspective before asking the important question, "Why are few saved?"

   1. In relation to the world's population, living and dead, "few" will be saved. If millions upon millions are saved, the number will still be "few" in relation to all who have lived. An "innumerable" host may still be called a "few" (Revelation 7:9, 13-17).

   2. However many are saved, the number will still be too "few" in terms of God's desire that all men be saved (II Peter 3:9; I Timothy 2:4). This is especially true if some are not saved because of our failure to faithfully preach the gospel to every creature!

   3. We do not need to figure ways of reducing the number of the saved, therefore, as if to protect the honor of Christ's word! At best, "few" of all men will be saved. (I am grateful to my friend Gordon Wilson for the thoughts suggested above, which stimulated me in turn to study the material which follows.)

Body

Why Are "Few" Saved?

I. "FEW" ARE SAVED BECAUSE "MANY" DO NOT EVEN SEEK.

   A. This was Jesus' point in Matthew 7:13,14.

   B. "Many" take the easiest path of least resistance (see verses 7, 8).

II. "FEW" ARE SAVED BECAUSE "MANY" DO NOT REALLY CARE.

   A. This was Jesus' point in Matthew 22:14.

   B. "Many" spurn opportunities genuinely theirs (see verses 1-13).

III. "FEW" ARE SAVED BECAUSE "MANY" DO NOT GET EXCITED TILL TOO LATE.

   A. This was Jesus' point in Luke 13:23.

   B. "Many" confuse a mere acquaintance with Jesus with a saving relationship (see verses 22-28).

Conclusion

At best, "few" will be saved, in relation to all who have lived. If all persons of all time were saved except one, the number would still be too "few" in relation to God's desire. We have seen from the teaching of Jesus why "few" are saved. It is urgent, therefore, that each of us does decide now that he will "seek" salvation, that he will deeply "care" and diligently "prepare," and that he will do the will of God each moment - for each moment is a new "now" demanding decision. Make the choice for God - now!

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