In short: Reject false gospels, repent of sin, trust Christ alone, stand firm in truth, and rejoice in the salvation He gives. 1. The Broad Way and the Narrow Way Many choose religion, works, and self-will instead of surrendering to God. Yet Jesus warned: “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 7:13–14 (KJV) People desire sin, not hell — yet sin leads to judgment: “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” — Romans 6:23 (KJV) ________________________________________ 2. Warning Against False Prophets Jesus repeatedly warned that false teachers would appear religious but deceive many: “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” — Matthew 7:15 (KJV) They speak of works and religion, yet lack true obedience to Christ: “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? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” — Matthew 7:22–23 (KJV) The apostle Paul gave the same warning: “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” — Galatians 1:8 (KJV) False teachers: • Preach another gospel • Replace grace with works • Twist Christ’s person and work • Lead many on the broad road • Make merchandise of people “And many shall follow their pernicious ways… And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you.” — 2 Peter 2:2–3 (KJV) ________________________________________ 3. Man’s Natural Condition Apart from Christ, man is spiritually dead and follows the world and Satan: “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air…” — Ephesians 2:1–2 (KJV) Yet through Christ, believers have victory: Victory Over Sin “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him… that henceforth we should not serve sin.” — Romans 6:6 (KJV) Victory Over Satan “That through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.” — Hebrews 2:14 (KJV) Victory Over the World “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” — 1 John 5:4 (KJV) ________________________________________ 4. Judgment Is Real Rejecting Christ brings severe judgment: “It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.” — Matthew 10:15 (KJV) To hear God’s Word and refuse it is dangerous: “But he that believeth not shall be damned.” — Mark 16:16 (KJV) Yet even at life’s end, repentance is possible — as with the thief on the cross: “And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.” — Luke 23:43 (KJV) ________________________________________ 5. Build on the Rock Those who hear Christ but do not obey build on sand: “And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand.” — Matthew 7:26 (KJV) True salvation is not “doing it my way,” but surrendering to Christ: “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.” — Matthew 7:21 (KJV) ________________________________________ 6. Exhortation to Believers Believers must stand firm in spiritual warfare: “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” — Ephesians 6:11 (KJV) And remain anchored in truth: “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” — John 17:17 (KJV)
