"Many are invited, but only a few are chosen." (Matthew 22:14)
With more than 2.6 billion believers, Christianity is unarguably the worlds majority faith system.
For now.
However, what do the Scriptures say about majority or 'many' and minority or 'few'?
"They had disobeyed God while Noah was building the ark, but God had been patient with them. In the ark a 'few' people, only eight souls, were saved through water." (1 Peter 3:20)
"He rescued Lot, a man who had his approval, who was distressed by the immoral conduct of lawless people." (2 Peter 2:7)
"But 'many' of them did not please God. So they died, and their bodies were scattered all over the desert." (1 Corinthians 10:5)
"With these 300 men I will rescue you and give you victory over the Midianites. Send all the others (29,700) home." (Judges 7:7)
"But 7,000 Israelites have refused to worship Baal or kiss him, and they will live." (1 Kings 19:18)
"And Isaiah exclaims about Israel: 'Though the number of Israelites is like the sand of the sea, only a 'few' will be saved.'" (Romans 9:27)
"It is the same today, for a 'few' of the people of Israel have remained faithful because of God's grace;" (Romans 11:5)
"Because of what Jesus said, 'many' of His disciples turned their backs on Him and stopped following Him." (John 6:66).
"Someone asked him, 'Lord, are only a 'few' people going to be saved?' Jesus answered: 'Work hard to enter the narrow door to God's Kingdom, for 'many' will try to enter but will fail.'" (Luke 13:23-24)
"Enter through the narrow gate because the gate and road that lead to destruction are wide. 'Many' enter through the wide gate. But the narrow gate and the road that lead to life are full of trouble. Only a 'few' people find the narrow gate." (Matthew 7:13-14).
"On the judgment day 'many' will call Me their Lord. They will say, 'We preached in Your name, and in Your name, we forced out demons and worked many miracles.' But I will tell them, 'I never knew you. Get away from Me, you who break God's laws.'" (Matthew 7:22-23)
The paradigm of majority and minority in the Scriptures is loud and clear.
It is, in fact, a plain and simple prophecy:
Many are called to be Christians, but few will receive eternal life.
Many are called to be Christian teachers and preachers, but few will enter the Kingdom of God.
Many of them claim that they know Jesus, but in fact, Jesus never 'knew' them.
To know Jesus is important. However, to be 'known' by Jesus is more important.
In order to be 'known' by Jesus, you must keep listening and following Him.
"My sheep listen to My voice, I know them, and they follow Me." (John 10:27)
"We are sure that we know Christ if we obey his commandments." (1 John 2:3)
Many proclaim their faith, but few put into practice.
Dr. James Binney:
"When I first became a Christian, I assumed that all church going people were automatically qualified for the fast track into heaven. It was a given.
After becoming a church member, then a pastor, I had to rethink the issue. I have encountered many leaders who doubted their faith, others who could not clearly explain how they were saved, and even others who frankly admitted that they had never been saved.
Imagine 20 pastors confessing their lost condition in one city! It happened ..... when George Whitefield preached in Boston.
Dr. Bob Jones, Sr. said, 'I have spent nearly my entire life in association with ministers. Nobody would tell you that every preacher in America is a saved man.'"
