Fantastic framing on this whole debate. The tension between one narrow gate and a wide invitation is something that gets lost when people flatten this into either rigid exclusion or cheap universalism. Been thinking about how relief fits into all this lately - theres something clarifying about having a defined path rather than endless options. Good stuff.
When I first read Jesus' words, I was surprised by how harsh He spoke. His words are not harsh, however. He makes a clear distinction between the world and the Kingdom. It's clear guidance, and it's up to us to follow Him.
Before Him, I thought I was spiritual. I spoke to God all the time. At least my idea of what God was. Every time I felt like God was close, something would happen and I felt like God was far away again. It was the carrot and stick routine.
Jesus, by His words, showed me that I had a lot of sin in my life that I was unaware of. By my sins, I could not have a true relationship with our Heavenly Father. God is too good and pure, and I was defiled.
I now feel God's presence in every moment. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. There is no other way.
This is an amazing profound article of His truth filled wisdom!!
I love how the Lord’s spirit moved through you both to write the article of truth based on your personal experiences aligning it up with His scriptures of truth bringing the road of inclusivity and exclusivity together as One!
Thank you for your obedience to serve and glorify the Lord!
I hadn’t thought about a deeper love towards others beyond the relationship status—husband, friend, mom…BUT they are a child of God, a brother or sister n Christ even if they are still not turned towards the Lord, He has a deeper purpose for me in their lives. My actions will either encourage or discourage. Am I abided in His love or the love of the world! Wow 🤯
“Relief that the path is clear. Relief that the way isn’t vague or hidden. Relief that God didn’t leave us guessing.”
“Gates don’t exist to punish sheep—they exist to protect them.”
So was Jesus inclusive or exclusive?
He was exclusive in truth—there is one way—but radically inclusive in invitation, because that way is open to anyone willing to come.
Fantastic framing on this whole debate. The tension between one narrow gate and a wide invitation is something that gets lost when people flatten this into either rigid exclusion or cheap universalism. Been thinking about how relief fits into all this lately - theres something clarifying about having a defined path rather than endless options. Good stuff.
Thank you!
When I first read Jesus' words, I was surprised by how harsh He spoke. His words are not harsh, however. He makes a clear distinction between the world and the Kingdom. It's clear guidance, and it's up to us to follow Him.
Before Him, I thought I was spiritual. I spoke to God all the time. At least my idea of what God was. Every time I felt like God was close, something would happen and I felt like God was far away again. It was the carrot and stick routine.
Jesus, by His words, showed me that I had a lot of sin in my life that I was unaware of. By my sins, I could not have a true relationship with our Heavenly Father. God is too good and pure, and I was defiled.
I now feel God's presence in every moment. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. There is no other way.
You hit the nail on the head my friend. Jesus being so direct does seem harsh. But, then we we realize He's simply just telling us this simple truth:
We're all sinners. No one is above anyone else. Jesus was the only perfect human and we must all put our faith in Him to escape judgement.
This is an amazing profound article of His truth filled wisdom!!
I love how the Lord’s spirit moved through you both to write the article of truth based on your personal experiences aligning it up with His scriptures of truth bringing the road of inclusivity and exclusivity together as One!
Thank you for your obedience to serve and glorify the Lord!
I hadn’t thought about a deeper love towards others beyond the relationship status—husband, friend, mom…BUT they are a child of God, a brother or sister n Christ even if they are still not turned towards the Lord, He has a deeper purpose for me in their lives. My actions will either encourage or discourage. Am I abided in His love or the love of the world! Wow 🤯
“Relief that the path is clear. Relief that the way isn’t vague or hidden. Relief that God didn’t leave us guessing.”
“Gates don’t exist to punish sheep—they exist to protect them.”
So was Jesus inclusive or exclusive?
He was exclusive in truth—there is one way—but radically inclusive in invitation, because that way is open to anyone willing to come.
Thank you, Erin, for your kinds words and for your insights.
Good post. I've heard it phrased this way in the push to be all things to all people all the time. You both laid it out well. ~ Rosie
Thank you so much.