How narrow is the Christian path?

Todays Christianity presents a much broader road than the true and early apostolic path. As a Seventh Day Adventist Christian it saddens me to see just how wide the path has become. In fact, in some cases the path is totally disregarded and people are trying to simply jump over the fence!

You may be saying; "What are you talking about, Eric?" Well, let me tell you; Jesus said this; "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." [Matthew 8:13,14] Here Jesus tells us that the gate that leads to Truth may seem a bit conceited and big headed.

We also note that the "narrow way" involves commandment keeping. Jesus showed that obedience to the commandments is the sign of true Christianity and discipleship. Jesus stated; “…but if though will enter into life, keep the commandments.” He then proceeds to quote the Ten Commandments. [see Matthew 19:17]

I have heard other "christians" today get upset when an Adventist Christian preaches a "one way" gospel. They say things like; "What? You and your church believe that you are the only ones who will be saved?" You see, yes, we do believe that only true Christians will be saved. There is only one way!

You hear "christians" saying things like; "Well, as long as you believe in one God you are okay." or "I can't judge other peoples faith." Both of these statements are devilish. Why? Because no matter if you believe in just "one God" or not, you must have Jesus Christ as your saviour. Look what Jesus said; "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." [John 14:6] And as far as testing ones faith or doctrine look what the Bible says; "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try [test] the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world." [1 John 4:1]

One of the great apostate movements that Christian author Ellen G. White warned about and the Bible also warns us about is the Ecumenical Movement. This movement was started shortly after the Papal persecution which ended in 1798AD. This is the movement which is trying to unite all faiths...all religions into a false unity. In fact, most church denominations today are a part of, or are playing around with, the World Council of Churches. This organization seeks to unite all denominations into a sort of cunfusing [babylonian] "christianity".

Christian author Ellen White warned about this future movement. Let's look at some of the things she said about this;

“The Protestants of the United States will be foremost in stretching their hands across the gulf to grasp the hand of spiritualism; they will reach over the abyss to clasp hands with the Roman power; and under the influence of this threefold union, this country will follow in the steps of Rome in trampling on the rights of conscience.” [from GC]

"When Satan has undermined faith in the Bible, he directs men to other sources for light and power .... Criticism and specu­lation concerning the Scriptures have opened the way for spiritism and theosophy—those modernized forms of ancient heathen­ism—to gain a foothold even in the professed churches of our Lord Jesus Christ." De­sire of Ages, 258.

"History is repeating," Ellen White warned. "With the open Bible before them, and professing to reverence its teachings, many of the religious leaders of our time are destroying faith in it as the word of God." ....." Like ancient Israel, modern Babylon has accepted spiritualism into their midst. "Side by side with the preaching of the gospel, agencies are at work which are but the medium of lying spirits." [E.G.White]

She also went on to warn in her book, "The Great Controversy" that during the end time of trouble that the unified "christians" from numerous denominations would seek to destroy the small band of Adventist Christians because they would not give in to the apostate movement. She warns that the true remnant of Christians will be seen as "trouble makers" and the ones who are the true cause of "division and strife". Thus, those in the ecumenical movement will seek to destroy the small band of true Christians...they will even resort to killing them and or throwing them in jail! Look what Jesus said about this: "These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. They shall put you out of the synogogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service." [John 16:1,2]

Yes, the true Christian path is indeed narrow.

How does one fall into the trap of ecumenicalism?

We can study the ancient Jewish people to see what lead them to error. They began to lay aside true doctrine and became complacent in their traditions and the idea that they were "chosen", not as a nation, but they were lead to believe that God hand picked every Jew before they were even born to be saved. Much like the false doctrine of Calvinistic election today seen taught in the fallen churches. This type of "salvation elitism" put's no emphasis on the study of true doctrine. The belief becomes; "Well, I am Christian so I was chosen before the foundation of the world. I really do not need to worry about others or share what I believe in. God will work it out in the end. The important thing is to respect all faiths and show up at the Christmas and Easter dinner. And be sure and bake those holiday cookies every year!"

The stress fall's more on the traditions rather than on true Christian living. This is what happened to the ancient Jewish people and this is exactly what is happening to the Christian Church today. Look at what Christian author Ellen G. White pointed out;

"The substitution of the precepts of men for the commandments of God has not ceased. Even among Christians are found institutions and usages that have no better foundation than the traditions of the fathers. Such institutions, resting upon mere human authority, have supplanted those of divine appointment. Men cling to their traditions, and revere their customs, and cherish hatred against those who seek to show them their error. In this day, when we are bidden to call attention to the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, we see the same enmity as was manifested in the days of Christ. Of the remnant people of God it is written, "The dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ." Rev. 12:17." [DA, p.398]

" As before, the ground of complaint was His [Jesus' ] disregard of the traditional precepts that encumbered the law of God. These were professedly designed to guard the observance of the law, but they were regarded as more sacred than the law itself. When they came in collision with the commandments given from Sinai, preference was given to the rabbinical precepts. " [DA, p.395]

Notice she says that "tradition" became more important than the Law itself. Has Christmas become more important than going to church on the holy Sabbath day? Has baking cookies for Easter become more important than Sabbath School? Wow! Indeed, we are living in the last days. The church has "fallen asleep".

The Christian way is narrow, and Jesus said that only a "few" find it. Only a few? But I thought all churches are "cool"? Nope! Not according to God's own word. Understand, it is not a matter of, if you know Jesus. It is a matter of, does Jesus know you? See Mt 25:12. Jesus shall say to many that are absolutely positive they are saved, "I know you not." [Lk 13:25]. The church of today is getting further and further away from the strait gate and the narrow way of the Bible. Look at how much of the "world" has come into the church. Many Christians gather on Sundays to feel comfortable and be entertained.

The "last day church" is described as being in the Laodicean condition. Jesus described the Laodicean church as lukewarm. The lukewarm are confident they are correct and righteous. But the fact is there is only One Truth. Todays churches embrace "many truths". Their teaching may consist of some sound doctrine mixed with confusion, false doctrine, deceit, doctrines of men and denominations, new fads, or other distortions of Scripture that come along.

So today I challenge you....how strait do you believe the Christian path to be?

Written by, Eric William King [January 12,2008]

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