DON’T WAIT (UNTIL IT’S TOO LATE)

WIDE IS THE GATE

What is true? What is false? How do we tell the difference? Does it make a difference?

The truth of a claim or statement is constantly called into question each and every day that we spend upon this earth. We try to instill in our children the importance of truthfulness and yet, how often do we exhibit that character trait? We want to be able to rely upon what we are told but at the same time, we are cynical. From a very early age we are told that your word means everything. Yet, that doesn’t seem to be “true” in everyday life.

People seem to think that lies don’t happen in court; however, from personal experience I can tell you that lies happen everyday in the courtroom. Likewise, people want to believe that stories that appear in the newspaper must also be true; however, we also know that we cannot rely upon the written word because in many instances, those stories that appear in the written media (and over the airwaves) are false. A recent news event that brought both of these beliefs into question was the claim that a young woman was raped by members of the Duke lacrosse team. It was only after a year of investigation and constant media scrutiny did the truth come out and the result was that the woman was completely discredited, the accused were exonerated and the prosecutor was disgraced. In all likelihood Mike Nifong will never step inside of a courtroom again after having attained national notoriety and attention for failing to live up to the responsibilities as district attorney in this case. He resigned in disgrace for violating one of the most important ethics of the law profession. As a prosecutor he was sworn to seek out justice and he did not do that; quite to the contrary, it now appears that he was bent on destroying the lives of three young men for his own purposes.

The Duke lacrosse case is a case that will be studied for years in law schools throughout our nation for its impact on the ethical considerations of the law profession. However, in most instances where the truth is sacrificed, the final results are not as dramatic. Products on market shelves claim to be the best, the ultimate, the newest, greatest whatever and nobody really cares. The reason – everyone expects the purveyors of products to lie. We don’t even call it lying – we call it “puffing.” If everyone was actually held to be accountable for the truth of every statement they every made, well, we probably wouldn’t have the resources to deal with the resulting legal nightmare.

However, there is one area where truth probably matters more than anywhere else. That one area affects everyone, everyday of their lives and for all eternity. That particular area concerns ultimate truth. What is ultimate truth? In this context ultimate truth is what will affect everyone and it concerns their eternal existence. So, let’s examine ultimate truth.

One aspect of ultimate truth is that we, meaning all of mankind who has existed since the beginning of time and who will exist until the end of time, are immortal. I am immortal; you are immortal. That means that we will exist forever; we will live forever. I do not meant that we are immortal such as is depicted in the movies or television show for those fictitious beings who never die unless they meet their demise in a specific manner such as by losing their head to a sword or by having a stake driven through the heart; no, I mean that we are immortal in the sense that death which is determined by the cessation of bodily function such as heart, brain or lung function is only an event in life. It is a door that everyone must step through but that step only leads to another level of existence. “Death is only the beginning” – true for all of us. This physical life that we so desperately cling to is not even the entryway into the rest of our existence. We are merely preparing for what is called the “afterlife” but that preparation is so important because this life and the decisions made in it, determine how we shall live out the rest of our eternal existence.

Ah, another aspect of ultimate truth – what we do in this life determines how we shall live out our existence for all of eternity. I cannot even begin to get my mind around the concept of eternity. I have heard it encapsulated in many ways but each description is woefully lacking when it comes to the reality of eternity. I have heard that if we were to carry one grain of sand from the eastern seaboard of the United States to the western coast of the State of California until we had moved the entire coastline, we would not have even begun to experience eternity. There are many such descriptions but the reality is that no matter what we use as our measuring stick, eternity cannot be fathomed. It is without end. That being the case, I rather like the way it is put in one my favorite hymns – “When we have been there ten thousand years, Bright shining as the sun, We've no less days to sing God’s praise, Than when we’ve first begun.” That hymn is “Amazing Grace” written by John Newton in 1772. This verse was apparently written by Harriet Beecher Stowe and was included in her novel, “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.”

As a Christian, I have another aspect of ultimate truth that I use to measure everything else. Ultimate truth is measured by the teachings of Jesus Christ. If Jesus said it, then it is true, period. And when He said anything that had to deal with the afterlife or eternal existence, I want to pay extra-special attention to that.

Matthew 7:13-23

** New International Version

King James Version

13 "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. 15 "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. 21 "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' 23 Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'

13 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: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. 15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

When Jesus spoke these words, He was talking about what it took to experience eternal life in paradise or heaven. In verses 13 and 14 of the seventh chapter of Matthew, Jesus was telling the people of the first century that the way into God’s presence was not one that everyone would find. He said that the path was narrow and the gate was small that led to life; only a few, relatively speaking, would find it. However, broad would be the road (not path) and wide would be the gate that leads to destruction and many would go through it. The distinction is obvious – only a path would be needed to accommodate the few who would find their way into heaven while a road and wide gate would be necessary to hold the multitudes who would travel there.

Wait, does that mean that there are only a few who would actually be seeking a way to enter into heaven or does it mean something else? Is it true that only a few people, relatively speaking, living throughout history would be concerned about the hereafter, the afterlife, their eternal existence? No, it does not mean that. Clearly, when one takes a little time to examine the history of this planet, it becomes very clear that man has been quite concerned about the hereafter and eternal existence. Whether it be the pyramids of Egypt, the sacrifices made in temples in South America, the many and varied religions that have had their place throughout history, it is very evident that man has always sought his way into heaven. Man (and woman) has always wondered about the afterlife. It is evident that man came from somewhere and was created by Someone and as a result, man has always sought a way back. Life after death and the journey to get you to where you needed to be has been the topic of writings and discussion since man appeared on earth and had time to indulge in such activities. In fact, the issue of man’s ultimate destiny has fueled explorations, wars, missions and conflicts throughout our history;.

Why then do I pay strict attention when Jesus states that the path is narrow and the gate is small that leads to eternal life? Well, for one, I am convinced that Jesus was Who He said He was. The object of my faith does not lie in a tomb somewhere. His existence has been documented and serious people do not question the historicity of Jesus Christ. And after examining it all for many years, including years when I wasn’t sure that He had existed, I arrived at the conclusion that He had come, lived His life in perfection and had died only to rise on the third day from a tomb located in Jerusalem. From what I can tell, no one else in the history of mankind ever did what He did or said what He said. I am convinced that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the only hope of salvation for mankind. Therefore, I am going to pay close attention to His teachings.

Next, in verses 15 through 20, Jesus says that we should watch out for false prophets, for those who are looking to “fleece” the faithful, who are teaching a false doctrine for their own purpose and not because they are called to reach out to the lost. Jesus said that we would know them by their fruits or their works just as we can tell the type of tree by its fruit. Therefore, false prophets will exhibit something other than Godly attributes. According to Galatians 5:22-23, “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faitfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Therefore, those who are false prophets should evidence something other than the attributes laid out in Galatians 5:22-23.

Do we have false prophets today? Do we have those who are trying to use the trappings of spirituality to capture monetary gain? Can we find anyone who is using people and their desperate conditions to pad their pockets? Unfortunately, it doesn’t take very long to find people just like this because they seem to be using media marketing techniques to gain access to those who are most susceptible. I once wrote an article called “Sell Me A Lottery Ticket” that talked about those who used God like a lottery ticket – just buy in and God will bless you until you just can’t stand anymore. These false prophets are doing worse than just taking people’s money (which is bad itself) but they are also proliferating religious falsehood which has eternal consequences. Jesus said that He was the Way, the Truth and the Life and that no man comes to the Father but through Him. Any other teaching is absolutely false and leads to eternal destruction. Did you hear what was just said? I didn’t say it – Jesus did. You either come to God through faith in Jesus Christ which leads to salvation or you are destined to spend eternity in hell. That’s right – eternity in hell. That same eternity that we use to measure existence in heaven is also used to measure existence in hell.

Have you ever burned your finger? Didn’t it just seem like time slowed down while your finger throbbed from the pain? Or, have you ever injured yourself so that you were feeling a pain that never seemed to end? I do. I live with constant spinal pain and it never ends. Time drags on especially when the pain is bad. I have had to experience pain that makes you desire death. Yet, this pain that I now experience is only a taste of the pain that is present in the bowels of hell. And it will last forever.

I know that there are people who teach that hell is not for eternity and that those who are consigned to hell will actually be obliterated after a period of time. However, everything I have studied leads me to the opposite conclusion – hell is forever. It was created for Satan and the fallen angels but fallen man will join him there. And the separation from God, the loneliness of the darkest pit, the nightmares of hideous creatures and the eternal pain of the fires of hell will last forever. No respite. No hope. No way out. No death. It will last for every moment that exists after death. Look it up. Jesus spoke more about hell than He talked about heaven. The picture He paints is awful and God desires no one to go there. He wants everyone to be with Him but He gives us that choice. We simply choose to live eternity in hell. Now that’s depressing.

These false prophets were present in the first century just like they are present today. Jesus warned about them then and He is still warning us about them today. Paul encountered such a person in his travels and we have a word, “simony”, today which traces its origins back to this very encounter.

Acts 8:9-24

** New International Version

King James Version

9 Now for some time a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and amazed all the people of Samaria. He boasted that he was someone great, 10 and all the people, both high and low, gave him their attention and exclaimed, "This man is the divine power known as the Great Power." 11 They followed him because he had amazed them for a long time with his magic. 12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Simon himself believed and was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw. 14 When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. 15 When they arrived, they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16 because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. 18 When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money 19 and said, "Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit." 20 Peter answered: "May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! 21 You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. 22 Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. 23 For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin." 24 Then Simon answered, "Pray to the Lord for me so that nothing you have said may happen to me."

9 But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one: 10 To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God.

11 And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries. 12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. 14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: 15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: 16(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) 17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. 18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, 19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. 20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. 21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. 22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. 23 For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity. 24 Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.

So, how do we recognize a false prophet? Jesus in Matthew 7:19-20 clearly stated that we would recognize them by their fruit. What is it that these people really want? In short, they want money and/or power. They are not looking to bring glory to God or to honor Jesus. They want money. "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.” (Matthew 6:24). In making this statement, Jesus recognized that the desire for money leads to corruption.

“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” (1 Timothy 6:10)

I was once told that Secret Service agents who are assigned to the prosecution of counterfeiting never examine counterfeit bills; they only examine the real thing. The reason is that if you are intimately acquainted with the real item, you will certain recognize a counterfeit when it comes along. The same principle applies here. If you know the real thing, i.e. the truth of God expressed through His Holy Word, you will recognize a counterfeit when it comes along. That is the reason that Jesus said we would recognize the false prophet by his/her fruit. In fact, we are encouraged to constantly examine and question teaching against the Word. If any teaching does not measure up against the Word of God, it should be immediately discarded. There is no harm in bringing any teaching under the light of examination – if it cannot withstand honest scrutiny, then it should never be considered. Truth is truth and will withstand honest examination.

In today’s world, honest examination of certain teachings leads to the conclusion that it is not truth. For example, if you become a Christian, will you no longer be burdened by the trials of life? In other words, once you become a Christian, you should be able to expect that life will be filled with blessing and will be free from temptation, sin and the difficulties that seem to plague most people, right? Wrong. Although this is a popular teaching, it is not true and does not withstand honest scrutiny. Quite to the contrary, becoming a Christian can lead to a life that is more troubled by trials and difficulties. The reason is that once you become a Christian, you declare yourself to be an enemy of Satan. He doesn’t like that and will do everything he can to bring you down. Satan cannot harm God so he does what he can to harm God’s children.

Another popular teaching is that if you pray for something and it doesn’t’ happen, then you don’t have enough faith or you have unconfessed sin your life. This is also wrong because all of our prayerful requests, even those made with deep sincerity, are still subject to the ultimate will of God. Over the years I have prayed for healing from my physical pain more times than I can count. I have prayed with deep sincerity and yet, I have not been healed. Many, many other Christian friends have prayed for me and with me. I have prayed after confessing my sins and yet, I still remain unhealed. Perhaps it is not God’s will that I be healed. Perhaps there is something else going on that I cannot see. After all, Paul prayed three times for his “thorn in the flesh” to be removed and yet, it was not. God simply told Him that His grace was sufficient.

Before supporting any ministry or relying upon any teaching, measure it against the Word of God. What are the fruits? There are many out there who will gladly take your money and send you a token of some sort that they claim to have prayed over so that you will be blessed. They claim that you will be blessed a hundredfold or more for that contribution you are sending in.

What are their teachings as measured against God’s Holy Word? Is it truth or is it heresy? Have these people made claims or prophetic statements that turned out to be false? In the not too distant past, you could have pointed to people like Jim Jones or Davis Koresh as people who were clearly false prophets. However, who are the false prophets today? What do their works and teachings say about them? Before following the teachings of a number of televangelists or making a contribution to them, I would certainly examine them very closely. Once again, we have seen articles calling into question such people as Robert Tilton, Kenneth Copeland, Marilyn Hickey, Benny Hinn, Paul and Jan Crouch, Peter Popoff and others because of their fruits. When a person sends money to a false prophet, it is only money; however, when they follow their teachings, the eternal consequence can be much more serious.

That leads to the last verses in the passage (v. 21-24) where Christ said that not everyone who said unto Him “Lord, Lord” would enter into the kingdom of heaven even though they performed miracles in His name, prophesied in His name or drove out demons in His name. The reason – He never knew them. They never asked Him into their hearts to be Lord and Savior. They never relied upon Him and Him alone for salvation. They only used the name of Jesus as a prop if you will, as something that would bring them fame or money. They never had a relationship with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

This lesson applies not just to false prophets but it also applies to many cults that mask themselves as a faith-based religion cloaked in the name of Jesus Christ. Who am I talking about here? It would take a book (and I suggest Walter Martin’s “Kingdom of the Cults”) but in short, these are organizations that started as ways to scam the multitudes and continue to do so today such as the Jehovah’s Witnesses, Church of Scientology, Mormons, etc. It does not take long to make up the list by just looking at the topic area of “cults” on the Internet. The sad thing about this is not that these organizations take your money; they can also take your soul. And when they do, and you find yourself walking down that wide road through the wide gate with the multitudes, there is only one destination awaiting you. It is hell for all eternity. What an unbearable day that will be. To find yourself separated from God, the One Who willingly gave Himself up on a cross just so you could know His gift of salvation for all eternity, and you are the one who chose to throw it all away. Such could be the price for not know the truth.

** A modern language quote is provided for readability together with the accompanying KJV version which is believed by many to be a more accurate representation of the original scripture.

Comments or questions may be directed to the author at jrhett58@yahoo.com.