Who then can be saved?
This Shabat, we will reflect on a question the disciples asked Adonai Yeshua, which is still relevant today, as well as the answer given to it: Mark. 10:23-27
>>23 And Yeshua looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the Kingdom of Elohim! 24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Yeshua answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the Kingdom of Elohim! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of Elohim.
26 And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved? 27 And Yeshua looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with Elohim: for with Elohim all things are possible. <<
In this case, it was a rich young man who asked what he should do to have eternal life? Mark. 10:17-22
The young man had followed all the commandments that Adonai Yeshua listed, but then he asked the very important question: "What do I still lack?" Adonai Yeshua's answer to that young man was overwhelming: Mark. 10:21
>>Then Yeshua beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.<<
The rich youth was saddened by that speech and went away sorrowful, for he had much property.
The same has happened and still happens to many others, especially in rich Western countries. The biggest reason is that they don't understand that earthly riches are perishable and that heavenly riches last forever! You learn to understand that only when you read the Bible carefully and believe what it says. If you doubt its message, Adonai Yeshua urged us to test it as follows: John 7:15-17
>>15 And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned? 16 Yeshua answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. 17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of Elohim, or whether I speak of myself.<<
As you can see, there is a promise in verse 17 about how we will know that the message of salvation proclaimed by Adonai Yeshua is from the Creator. Since Yeshua referred to the Holy Scriptures of the OT in several places, they also originate from Creator, excluding the translation and copying errors that have occurred somewhat over time.
I know that verse (John 7:17) is true, because I have practically tested it and come to know that it really works even today, as the English CJB and KJV use the words 'shall know' or 'will know' . CJB = Complete Jewish Bible / KJV = King James Version
How many will be saved in the end?
In addition to the previous one, Adonai Yeshua gave the following two answers to this question:
1.) Matt. 7:13-14
>>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.<<
That is, only a few people in all of humanity find the narrow gate and the strait road that leads to life! Finding them requires looking until you find them!
>>23 Then said one unto him, Adonai, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, 24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.
25 When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Adonai, Adonai, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:
26 Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets. 27 But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.<<
The verses show that salvation requires a constant struggle of faith, which means giving up all kinds of sinful life and practicing righteousness during the search period! Practicing righteousness is acts of charity.
By what basic principle is a person saved?
In this context, I will only briefly explain the basics of salvation and discuss the topic more extensively in next week's Sabbath Study.
A.) Adonai Yeshua said:
(Mark 16:16) >>He who believes and is baptized (by immersion in water) will be saved; but whoever does not believe will be condemned to destruction.<<
B.) Apostle Peter taught the following about salvation at the command of Adonai Yeshua:
(Acts 2:38-39) >>38 Then Peter said to them: "Repent and let each of you be baptized (by immersion in water) in the name of Yeshua HaMashiach for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." 39 For the promise is to you and to your children and to all who are far off, to all whom Yehowah our Elohim calls.<<
Only the winners inherit eternal life!
Chapters 2-3 of the Book of Revelation contain our heavenly Father's mission letters to the seven (7) congregations of the New Covenant in the ancient Middle East. Each congregation is characterized by the same exhortation at the end of the letters: "He who overcomes, (gets to inherit)...". Furthermore, the Congregation of Smyrna was told: "Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life!" Rev. 2:10
So only the winners and the faithful get to inherit the heavenly share! Nowadays, most congregations proclaim a very spacious gate and a wide road to salvation, but such a message deceives listeners who do not know the Bible well enough!
There will still be a huge number of saved!
I can comfort you with the Bible's revelation that you don't have to move to heaven almost alone or in a small group, but that the saved will eventually be such a huge crowd that it cannot be counted. We will be saved from all nations, tribes, families and languages. People have been saved from all generations up to now and they will be saved from many generations to come!
Three songs suitable for the topic
Rooted
The Narrow Gate
Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise
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