Three Narrow Ways

This is a study of three theological positions. I believe the adherents of each of them would say that I am trying to be fair in presenting their position. Each of these theories would say that their followers are on the narrow way that leads to life. Each would cite some biblical proof of this position.

We will investigate several points relative to each of these positions. These will be: THE GATE (OR ENTRANCE TO THE NARROW WAY)

MEANS OF MAINTAINING THE WALK ON THE NARROW ROAD

THE DETERRENT TO NOT WALKING PROPERLY

THE POSSIBLE END FOR THE PARTICIPANTS

THE DECIDING FACTOR.

The theological positions, which we will define more completely, are CATHOLIC, HOLINESS and FUNDAMENTALIST.

Since these compass great diversities in their theologies, we will have to be more explicit. There are many shades of Roman Catholic theology rampant in the world, so we will use the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Libreria Editrice Vaticana (1994). All doctrinal positions will come as direct quotes from this catechism.

In the Holiness group there is also great variety. The theology we will study is that of a particular theologian who is a friend of mine. If you classify yourself in the Holiness movement (Free Methodist, Nazarene, Pentecostal, etc.), you will have to see how your theology fits. We will not call this man an Arminian. While there may be parts of his theology that are Arminian, there are points of Arminianism he would reject. This particular person (we are establishing his theology so we can be fair in assessing it) believes in total depravity, salvation only through the merits of Christ and administered by God alone. He does not have a pre-salvation works theology.

The Fundamentalist likewise has no pre-salvation works, and believes in salvation as a free gift of God. Where they differ we shall soon see.

THE GATE

ROMAN CATHOLIC. "Baptism is birth into the life of Christ. In accordance with the Lord's will, it is necessary for salvation, as is the Church herself, which we enter by Baptism." #1277

HOLINESS. We enter in at the gate (Christ) onto the narrow way. We do not deserve this salvation, we did not work for it, it is wholly a gift of God. At the moment of our salvation, our sins are removed as far as the East is from the West (Psalm 103:12) and we receive eternal life.

FUNDAMENTALIST. The same as Holiness.

MEANS OF REACHING HEAVEN VIA THE NARROW WAY

ROMAN CATHOLIC. "the ways of reaching beatitude - through right conduct, with the help of law and grace, through conduct that fulfills he twofold commandment of charity, specified in God's Ten Commandments" #16. (Note that one has entered through the gate at Baptism, but that it is necessary for one to maintain his position. Strictly speaking, it is not one's own effort, for he is helped by commands and grace; commands to tell him what God's requirements are, and grace to help him keep those commands.)

HOLINESS. His pre-salvation sins were completely removed, but now his walk become the deciding factor. He can still choose to disobey, and continued sin can cause him to forfeit the salvation he once received. Romans 8:1 is used: There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not according to the flesh, but according to the spirit. Believing that "walking in the flesh" is an option for Christians, the "no condemnation" is because of the walk. They are given God's commands, but again would say that they receive help from God to keep these commands.

FUNDAMENTALIST. The work of salvation paid for by Christ and administered by the Holy Spirit is a work of God, an infinite work. Ecclesiastes 3:14 states that no man can add to or take away from a work of God. Salvation would be completely assured, for the work necessary for salvation was completed. When looking at Romans 8:1, the Christian would say there is no condemnation because he is in Christ. Further, he is a new creature in Christ, so this will affect his walk.

THE DETERRENT TO NOT WALKING PROPERLY

ROMAN CATHOLIC. Grave sin . . . makes us incapable of eternal life, the privation of which is called the "eternal punishment." #1472. After death all who die in God's Grace but still imperfectly purified undergo purification...The Church gives the name Purgatory to this final purification of the elect. #1030,1031. (Therefore punishment in Hell or purification in Purgatory should deter one from breaking God's commandments.)

HOLINESS. Since one, after having received eternal life, could end up losing it, this loss and subsequent eternity in Hell should deter one from disobeying God.

FUNDAMENTALIST. The chief means of assuring that a Christian will "walk worthy" is to remember the mercies of God (Romans 12:1). God has also promised rewards and privations depending on one's walk after salvation. These cannot affect our salvation (I Corinthians 3:15).

THE POSSIBLE END FOR THE PARTICIPANTS

ROMAN CATHOLIC: Heaven, Hell or Purgatory

HOLINESS: Heaven or Hell

FUNDAMENTALIST: Heaven

THE DECIDING FACTOR

ROMAN CATHOLIC: Must enter Gate at Baptism, but must continue to obey God.

HOLINESS: Must enter Gate at Salvation, but must continue to obey God.

FUNDAMENTALIST: God's infinite salvation received when entering Gate assures Heaven. However, he must not become complacent as a Christian. The walk is VERY important, and the greatest reason for you to walk in His Will is because of the love of the Savior Who bled and died for you. Walk to please Him here, and He will be your reward there. If you do not obey Him, there will be severe punishments (Luke 12:47).