Finding the door to Heaven

Luke 13:18-35
by Brian Knitter

So, who wants to go to heaven? I imagine most everyone.

In this passage of scripture Jesus talks a little about heaven, and notes that not everyone will get in! Will you be one of them?

Jesus describes The Kingdom of God as a mustard seed and as leaven (yeast). Both are tiny yet the mustard seed grows big enough for birds to roost on its branches, and the yeast works its way throughout the dough to make the dough rise. A small idea can have a big impact. Jesus knew what he was talking about too — look at Christianity. It started with Jesus and 12 guys. Now, one in four claim to be Christian throughout the world. And Jesus would like more! He wants His Kingdom to be huge!
Jesus also mentioned that this “membership” for entrance into heaven was fairly exclusive. In this passage, Jesus said that the door (to heaven) is narrow and not everyone who knocks on the door will be let in. There are some requirements to get through that door: First off, you must believe that Jesus died for your sins, and that He is the only way to heaven. If you believe that, then you should be baptized as an outward sign of your inward faith. Also, don’t forget to ask for forgiveness for all those bad things you have done. Beyond that, you are called to love God and love your neighbor.
It doesn’t sound so tough, yet it is for so many. We want to do what we want to do, and we don’t want anyone — God or otherwise — telling us what to do. It’s an obedience issue because God calls us to be obedient to Him (because He created us), yet we don’t want to (because He gave us free will). How demanding!
At the end of this passage, Jesus notes that some who think they will get in won’t, while others will. This is not based on some random choosing by God, but by our obedience to God’s requirements in the Bible (mentioned above). Many on this earth may have issues with the exclusivity of all this, but it is our sovereign God who makes the rules, not us. All roads do not lead to heaven. The Bible says so. Will you be on the right path?