Three years ago I was able to traverse the Wire Pass slot canyon in Utah. It was an unbelievable experience as you can see in the photo above. GPS directions had to be followed precisely to find the entrance. Once found, the slot canyon goes on for miles and in many places it is so narrow you can hardly squeeze through. The walls are so high that at times not much light can get in. Before entering the slot canyon, weather reports must be observed very carefully so as not to be caught in raging flood waters that flow through when it storms. Once entered, it was not easy travel because much debris such as logs and rocks were lodged in the narrow path and had to be navigated over to get through. No other people were met along the way. It reminded me so much of the following warning Jesus gave:
“You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14 NLT)
Take note of what Jesus exclaimed above, “ONLY A FEW EVER FIND IT!”
Now take note of the warnings that Paul, James, Peter and the writter of Hebrews give that we are to examine and test ourselves to make sure that we are not deceiving ourselves:
Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test! (2 Corinthians 13:5 ESV)
Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their craftiness” (1 Corinthians 3:18-19 ESV)
But be doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. (James 1:22 NKJV)
Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 1:10-11 NKJV)
For whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his. Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience. (Hebrews 4:10-11 ESV)
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. (Philippians 2:12-13 ESV)
The Bible is our GPS and 100% faith and obedience to Jesus Christ is the only way through the slot canyon that leads to eternal life. Because God’s Word is truth, I know that many who proclaim to be Christians are not really Christians in God’s eyes. This is where each one of us is warned to test and examine ourself.
I will close by asking the following questions: Have you become a fool so that you can be wise? Are you a doer of the Word, not just a hearer? Have you become even more diligent to make your call and election sure? Do you put 100% faith in Jesus Christ to lead your life, or do you only pretend, thus deceiving yourself?
Serve the Lord with fear (reverence), and rejoice with trembling (holiness). Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and you perish in the way, for His wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in Him. (Psalm 2:11-12 ESV)
Annointing 