Jesus taught: "The gate that leads to damnation is wide, the road is clear, and many choose to travel it. But how narrow is the gate that leads to life, how rough the road, and how few there are who find it!" (Mt 7:13-14) Jesus seems to have said that only a few people are saved from damnation. If this is a correct interpretation, our future is terrifying.

To make sure he was understanding Jesus correctly, "someone asked Him, 'Lord, are they few in number who are to be saved?' " (Lk 13:23) Jesus did not answer that question exactly; instead, He stated that many will try to come into His kingdom and be unable (Lk 13:24). Jesus also declared that eating and drinking with Him and having heard His teachings do not assure us of salvation (Lk 13:26-27). "Some who are last will be first and some who are first will be last" (Lk 13:30).

How can we be saved? We are saved only by God's grace (Eph 2:7ff). What must we do to be saved? (Acts 16:30) "Believe in the Lord Jesus" (Acts 16:31). Give Jesus your whole life and "work with anxious concern to achieve your salvation" (Phil 2:12). Believe in Jesus, the Savior, now.

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 23, 2016

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.