A Text for the Calvinist 2: Luke 13:24

This assumes though that lost sinners are begging God to save them, to be seeking him out, but Isaiah and paul did not agree!

 

Here is the relevant Passage on Luke 13 NASB,

22 And He was passing through from one city and village to another, teaching, and proceeding on His way to Jerusalem. 23 And someone said to Him, “Lord, are there just a few who are being saved?” And He said to them, 24 “Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. 25 Once the head of the house gets up and shuts the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock on the door, saying, ‘Lord, open up to us!’ then He will answer and say to you, ‘I do not know where you are from.’ 26 Then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets’; 27 and He will say, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you are from; depart from Me, all you evildoers.’ 28 In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but yourselves being thrown out. 29 And they will come from east and west and from north and south, and will recline at the table in the kingdom of God. 30 And behold, some are last who will be first and some are first who will be last.”

22 And He was passing through from one city and village to another, teaching, and proceeding on His way to Jerusalem.

Jesus is on His way to Jerusalem during a long journey where He will be crucified at its end. Jesus is teaching in various villages as he travels.

23 And someone said to Him, “Lord, are there just a few who are being saved?” And He said to them,

Jesus is asked one of those questions for the Ages. Are only a few going to be saved?

24 “Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.

We are told odd advice to our Western ears, to strive to enter the Kingdom. That many will try to get in but will be denied. This raises an obvious question, what is the meaning of the word "striving" in this context?

25 Once the head of the house gets up and shuts the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock on the door, saying, ‘Lord, open up to us!’ then He will answer and say to you, ‘I do not know where you are from.’ 26 Then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets’;

The damned people being spoken of are people that were familiar with Jesus. From the context, Jesus may be speaking of people that think they are His disciples. They cry out "Lord" after all. The response is that Jesus does not know where they are from, again we have an important question, so what makes these pseudo-disciples unworthy?

27 and He will say, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you are from; depart from Me, all you evildoers.’

These people are identified at last as a group of evildoers. Notice, this is the only thing that really marks this group of people as unworthy. This lines up with Luke's Gospel, which is a series of calls to righteous actions. OK we must go to the whole NT at this point. Scripture makes clear the fact it is faith that saves us, but a faith that shows itself by its works. This scripture would seem to be a warning against a complacent faith as a disciple. Always strive to do the right and thus show we are true children of God with a living faith. The Book of 1 John would be an excellent cross reference.

28 In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but yourselves being thrown out.

Those condemned will weep in pain and gnash their teeth in rage. They will see the saints, and be helpless to enter the eternal reward of the saints.

29 And they will come from east and west and from north and south, and will recline at the table in the kingdom of God. 30 And behold, some are last who will be first and some are first who will be last.”

People will come from all over the world that will dine with Jesus Christ. This, to me, seems to be a prophecy about the Gentiles receiving the Kingdom. We are told again the topsy turvy nature of the Kingdom, in which the last can be first; and the first can be last.

 

It appears the warning is to strive, to strive to show living faith that has the Holy Spirit and good deeds instead of complacency. I see no reason this is in this Calvinism vs Arminianism debate forum. Only if salvation could be lost is this relevant.

 

I believe you are a monergist, so our only disagreement is where faith ultimately comes from. Otherwise, I agree.

 

Amen.
This is how I see our "part" ( evidential ) as God's children, His elect :

Matthew 24:13.
John 15:1-10.
Romans 2:6-8.
Colossians 1:13.
Colossians 1:23.
2 Timothy 2:11-12.
Hebrews 6:4-8.
Hebrews 10:38-39.
Revelation 3:5.
1 John 1:9.

God's part ( providential ), securing His elect:

1 Peter 1:5
Hebrews 6:9-10.
Hebrews 7:25.
John 3:36
John 5:24
John 6:37-47.
John 6:64-65.
John 10:28-29.
John 17:2.
Romans 8:28-39.
Philippians 1:6.
Jude 1:24-25.

 

I had a recent biblical defense of synergism #2 thread that covers faith is not a work. No one can boast before God of their salvation.

I am sorry if you thought it offensive to call you a monergists. I meant no offense.