THE MANY AND THE FEW - WHO ARE THEY?

Jesus warned his disciples that the way that leads to life was very
narrow and that only a FEW will find it. At the same time Jesus said that the way that leads to destruction was very broad and MANY go that way.

Mat 7:13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and MANY there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and FEW there be that find it.

So how can we know if we are one of the many or the few?

1. We know that the many and the few refers to believers for Jesus said:

"So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen."  Mat 20:16

All who believe in Jesus have been called by God – it is God who draws people to Jesus and those who receive Jesus as their Saviour who died for their sins are given the power to become the children of God. They are not children of God the moment they receive Jesus but they are given the spiritual power to choose the narrow path that leads to life.

2. We can be certain that it involves more than just faith – it depends
on what we do. The workers of iniquity will not be among the few that are saved.

"Then said one unto him, Lord, are there FEW that be saved? And
he said unto them,

Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for MANY, I say unto you, will
seek to enter in, and shall not be able….

….”But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart
from me, all ye workers of iniquity."  Luke 13:23-27


3. We know that MANY who believed in Jesus and called Him Lord will be rejected by Jesus despite their miraculous spiritual experiences because they were “workers of iniquity”. (Transgressors of the Law)

Jesus warned the disciples:

"MANY will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not
prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."  Mat 7:22-23

4. We know that the FEW who are chosen will be from among the King’s servants .

"Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be
weeping and gnashing of teeth. For MANY are called, but FEW are chosen."  Mat 22:13-14

There can be no doubt that of the Many whom God calls only a Few will be chosen to receive eternal life – There is both a gate and a way – Jesus is the gate and the narrow way is the way of holiness.

"And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be
called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it;" Isa 35:8

Those who do not keep God’s commandments have no hope to be among the few…

Harold Kupp

FEW: Greek oligos - puny - of the many who are called only a puny number will be chosen to receive eternal life.

1 John 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; (The many)

1 John 3:9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin (The few)

hk