SEMESTER 5
376 – The Mark of False Pathways
BIBLE INSTITUTE OF CORRESPONDENCE
COURSE: ECCLESIOLOGY V LESSON # 76
COMMON MARKS OF FALSE RELIGION – THE MARK OF FALSE PATHWAYS
Read: Mat. 7:13-14
and Luke 13:23-28
INTRODUCTION:
1. The word strive here, does not indicate hard work, but great carefulness.
2. It teaches that some through carelessness fail to reach purposed destiny.
3. The problem here is not abandonment of the original purpose.
4. Nor is it falling by the wayside because of the difficulty of the way.
5. These people could not enter because they were on the wrong road.
III: The farther they went and the faster they went, the farther away they were.
6. None of their efforts were profitable, all were losses. (SEE four things:)
I. THE PURPOSED DESTINATION – GOD’S KINGDOM (V. 24)
1. The text supposes an awareness of the eternal hereafter.
2. It supposes intended preparation, thus, religious activity.
3. Much of today’s religious philosophy would assure them of safety.
4. Anyone who dares question the destiny of the sincere is seen as a bigot.
5. This whole philosophy is humanism from start to finish.
III: By a man’s statement: “I thought this was 1993.” Atheism!
6. No hint is made that these abandoned their goal, but consider:
II. THEIR REAL DESTINY – (THEY SHALL NOT ENTER)
1. Jesus said these, though they sought to, shall not enter in.
2. He makes a startling numerical comparison, many will not, few will.
III: By the use of the parable of the broad way (false pathway).
3. Scripture only reveals two places of destiny. (Mat. 25:34 and 41)
4. There is no limbo, purgatory or annihilation. It is heaven or hell!
III. THE REASON FOR THEIR FAILURE – (BROAD GATE) (MAT. 7:13
)
1. Human philosophy is that the battle is to the strong and the race is to the swift. God says: No.
2. Their reason for failure is neither lack of sincerity nor intensity.
3. The foremost and most intense person is as lost as the worst sluggard.
4. A devout person in false religion is as lost as the worst backslider.
5. Their problem was going the wrong way, striving for the wrong gate.
III: By the story of: “But it is such a good road.”
6. When they have climbed, struggled and striven, only hell’s gate will open.
IV. THE RIGHT FORMULA FOR ENTERING – (RIGHT GATE)
1. The proverbial term: “Strait and Narrow” is a perversion of this passage.
2. It supposed victory by careful living, working, persevering and denial.
3. Jesus says He is the door, the strait gate, the way, the true pathway.
4. “He that hath the Son,” “He that cometh to me.” “Jesus is the end of the Law.”
5. False religion is as much to be abandoned as atheism or moral iniquity.
6. Turn away from all religious hopes and turn to Christ.
7. Take very careful note of the pathway you are walking.