How can 2 billion people fit on a narrow way?

Question

Mat 7:14 Because strait [is] the gate, and narrow [is] the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.


Doesn't the sheer number of Christians make that impossible?

Answer 1

Dear Sun,

It's a very good question. When Jesus told us the way is narrow- he was reminding us that salvation is not as "cheap" as we sometimes make it out to be. It isn't just saying i believe in God (2 billion people) but it's actually walking and following God (much less than 2 billion).

Ultimately where somebody stands with God is between them and God. But the Bible does tell us that in the day of Judgment many who thought they knew God don't know Him. Raising your hand or saying you believe isn't the same thing as believing by having your life follow.

Hope that helps. Kindly,

Nickster

Answer 2

There are many that call themselves Christians. The Bible says that on the day of Judgment that God will Judge you according to His law's, the Ten Commandments, and that many Priests, Preachers, Believers and Non-believers will be turned away. He will look upon them and say Why do you call me Lord, lord? 'Turn away from me you worker of iniquity, for I never knew you." This is not just for sinners, realize that it also says that names can be BLOTTED OUT of the book of life. You may say the prayer, get your fire insurance and think you are safe, heck , you may lead 5000 people through salvation, but if you are sinning in your SECRET PLACE, then you are no better than a murder, and you have not truly repented and asked for forgiveness. You are not truly saved.
We are to die to our flesh daily.

So, Long answer to say this.... Not ALL that claim Christianity are getting in!

Answer 3

This is a figure of speech. A basic course in Biblical interpretation would help immensely for questions like this, since, contrary to an already expressed opinion, this is not a stupid question. There are passages in the scripture which ought to be taken literally, and then there are plainly figurative passages?

How do you tell the difference? I would suggest a trip to your local Christian bookstore or to the library and get a basic book on hermeneutics.

Blessings!
Tom

Answer 4

currently 1-2% make into Heaven so thats alot of people that miss the straight gate and should be a sobering thought to the rest of us to strive for holiness and rightiousness. The coming tribulation will be a refining fire to purerify alot of us that have become lukewarm and make us ready and worthy to enter that straight gate. We have all of eternity to fit in .Personally i wont mind if i have to wait for 2 billion others to go in before me.

Answer 5

Many are called, but few will be chosen.

As you can see from the above, faith affects the whole of a person's nature. Even the demons *believe*. Belief is not enough. Many may claim to be Christians, but we know from the scriptures that many are called, but few are chosen:

Mat 7:16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?
Mat 7:17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit.
Mat 7:18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit.
Mat 7:19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
Mat 7:20 Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.
Mat 7:21 "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
Mat 7:22 On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?'
Mat 7:23 And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.' (ESV Translation)

Faith without works is dead, just as the fig tree cursed by Christ when it did not bear fruit (Mt. 21:19). By a Christian's fruit you will know their true nature.

Answer 6

that doesnt mean there is an actual narrow road that you have to find and journey upon...the wide gate is where all the sin and evrything of the world is located....the narrow way is the path which christians are supposed to go on that seperates us from the world...for example, we dont smoke, drink or do anything sinful that is in the world....

Answer 7

Sounds like Zoroaster's concept of a very narrow way.

Answer 8

it's like information coming to your computer through the cable or wireless
as you saw, the posibility is huge, there would enter 10 to 10 to 10 and so on more souls , in fact i certainly think it must be the entire universe coming to god
few find the way, but for the rest the way finds them

Answer 9

It isn't meant to be taken literal, but in a spiritual level. Think about it a bit harder...more in depth, maybe regarding the way your live life?

Answer 10

Out of 2 billion "Christians", only about 4 or 5 stand a chance to get in to heaven.

In other words, they're Christians without the quotes. The rest of them will be seated in hell with us atheists.