|
Introduction:
Many times religious people will downplay the differences between
denominations by saying something like, "Well, you know that we are all
working to get to the same place; we're just going by different paths."
According to the scripture reading there are actually only TWO paths.
One is a broad path that leads to destruction. The other is a narrow
path that leads to life. On which path are you traveling? The truth is,
all those who are working to get to heaven -- are on the wrong path, the
path that leads to destruction. I want to share with you today four of
the main paths people take in an effort to get to heaven, which in
reality will take them to the eternal fires of hell. A highway may have
two lanes going in the same direction. This highway is so wide and so
well traveled, that it has at least FOUR lanes, which I want to mention
today:
I.
WATER
BAPTISM FOR SALVATION LEADS TO DESTRUCTION
Matthew 27:24
“When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult
was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude,
saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.”
A.
Salvation Is Received Through Faith - Eph.
2:8-9
B.
The
Spirit
Of God Is Received Through Faith - Gal. 3:14
C.
The
Saint's
Baptism In Water Follows His Faith (Following His Salvation!)
(Acts 10:47) Pilate could not literally wash away his sins in water, and
neither can you!
II.
WORKS
FOR SALVATION LEADS TO DESTRUCTION
Acts
15:1 “And
certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said,
Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.”
A.
Works For Salvation Are Just
Dead
Works
Hebrews 6:1
“Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go
on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from
dead works, and of faith toward God”
B.
Works For Salvation Are As
Dung
Philippians 3:8
“Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of
the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss
of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.”
C.
Works For Salvation Are
Dirty
Isaiah 64:6 “But
we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as
filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the
wind, have taken us away.”
III.
WISHFUL THINKING FOR SALVATION LEADS TO
DESTRUCTION
Proverbs 16:2
“All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth
the spirits.”
A.
About
Sin's
Penalty
·
Most
lost people have an inadequate view of their own sin.
·
Although they know that they are sinners, they don't think that their
own sins are too bad, and certainly not as bad as the sins of So-And-So.
·
They
think that their goodness will outweigh their badness on the scale of
God's judgment in the last day.
B.
About "Sliding
In" To Salvation
Some
people go to church long enough that they expect to get to heaven and
bypass the new birth. WRONG!
C.
About
Starting
Over
·
Many
lost folks think that they will one day turn over a new leaf, make a new
resolution, and get a fresh start.
·
The
REAL start they need is a new BIRTH.
·
They
don't need a reformation; they need regeneration!
·
They
don't need to turn over a new leaf; they need to get a new life!
(Jn.1:12-13)
IV.
WAITING FOR SALVATION LEADS TO DESTRUCTION
Acts
24:25 “And as he
reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix
trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a
convenient season, I will call for thee.”
A.
Satan
will delay you
B.
Sin
will deceive you
C.
"Slowness"
in this matter will DAMN you
Conclusion:
The "strait and narrow" way to heaven is not a
road of doing good deeds to earn God's forgiveness. The ONLY way to
heaven is JESUS CHRIST Himself. John 14:6. The way to heaven is the way
of sinlessness, sacrifice, and suffering ... not on YOUR part, but on
HIS. HE paid the price. HE bought your salvation. HE now offers it to
you as a free gift (Rom. 6:23), to be received by faith (Acts 16:29-31).
Trust Christ today!
|
