One of the more famous encounters with Jesus was when He stood before Pilate, and was being questioned. John 18:37-38, “Then Pilate said, so you are a King! Jesus replied, you say that I am a King. For this reason I was born, and for this reason I came into the world to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth, listens to my voice. Pilate asked, What is Truth? When he had said this, he went back outside to the Jewish leaders and announced, I find no basis for an accusation against Him.” (any emphasis mine)
Pilate’s wife, though unnamed, is quoted in Matthew 27:19, “Besides, while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent a message to him; have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much because of Him today in a dream.” It would have been very wise if Pilate had listened to her.
After all was said and done, and Jesus rose from the dead and ascended back to Heaven, nothing further is given in the Bible as to whether or not Pilate or his wife ever accepted Jesus. If both of them went to their graves denying belief in Jesus as being the Messiah, the day will come when they will be shown just what “truth” really is. Even though we’re not told so, I believe Pilate learned about the empty grave, as that would not have been kept totally secret, and he could have become a believer if he so desired. If this were so, it would seem that there would have been mention about this in the Bible. Otherwise, as with the religious leaders, even the resurrection did not convince them that Jesus was the Savior.
At any rate, as given in Philippians 2:10-11, “…so that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, in Heaven and on earth and under the earth; and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.” Best part about this: all true believers that have accepted Jesus have already bowed, and confessed voluntarily, and will never have to be forced to do so.
Because Jesus gave Himself “willingly” as our sacrifice at Calvary (John 10:18), we “willingly” give Him all the accolades due Him for saving us from the eternal punishment in the Lake of Fire that we all deserve.
That is Truth!
Next, we look at the straight and narrow as given in Matthew 7:13-14, “Enter by the narrow gate, for the gate is wide, and the way is easy that leads to destruction; and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow, and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.”
The “hard” part is to go against the grain of this world, and Satan’s lies. Jesus knew there would be more that would reject Him than would accept Him. There are no difficult rituals or special incantations to perform; however, one must receive the free gift in spite of what others may say, and ask Jesus to forgive them and be their Savior. Believing is the most important part.
That is Truth!
People around the world today are being martyred for their belief in Jesus. It hasn’t really hit America yet, but that time is coming. During the last 7 years on this earth, before the physical return of Jesus, anyone who does not worship the antichrist will be subject to martyrdom.
The majority of God’s chosen people, the Jews, are presently in a state of unbelief just as the Bible said they would be. It’s estimated that only between 1% and 2% of their worldwide population are Messianic – believe Jesus is the Messiah. By the end of the tribulation, about 2/3 of those here will be killed, and all who are present when Jesus returns will believe (Zechariah 13:8-9).
To define the “straight and narrow,” we have to look at one verse in the Bible. John 14:6, “Jesus said, I am the Way, the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.” That is the absolute narrow way, and That is Truth! Also, we must realize, “Jesus paid it all; all to Him I owe” as the song tells us.
Salvation and forgiveness of our sins is about receiving Jesus as our Savior, and recognizing that He did all the work for us. Truth!
Through Faith in Jesus Christ, God promises forgiveness of sin, and gives us eternal life in heaven through His grace and mercy. God took on human form and died in our place, taking our punishment on Himself. One might say that Jesus was the one that did this; however, John 10:30 clearly states: “Jesus said, the Father and I are One.”
When the time comes, “All who call on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Acts 2:21 and Romans 10:13). This will apply all the way through the Millennial reign of Jesus on this earth; but for today’s time frame, it guarantees not having to go through God’s Wrath (Tribulation).
Looking at 1 Thessalonians 4:14-17, “For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again (Truth), even so, through Jesus, God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep (died). For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from Heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of the archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then, we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up (raptured) together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.”
Next, 1 Corinthians 15:51-52, “Behold, I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep (die) but we shall all be changed. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye (less than 1 second), at the last trumpet (1 Thessalonians 4:16; not one of the trumpet judgments). For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall all be changed (into immortal bodies).”
Once the Rapture takes place, we will be removed from any possibility of ever being influenced by Satan and his demons again. This will be the end of this age, and the beginning of the next period known as the Tribulation. For the very first time, all the signs are currently in place, and the next prophetic event is the Rapture of all believers. This could take place at any moment, and prophecy experts agree we are right at the door of this event.
So, avoid the Wrath/Tribulation-period by putting your Faith and Trust in Jesus, Our Messiah. He will be coming soon.
Truth – Amen, Come Lord Jesus! (Maranatha)