We will never possess this revelation with our rational minds, for it is spiritually discerned. Theologians have been seeking to unravel the mysteries of the scriptures for centuries, and have only succeeded in creating conflicting doctrines and interpretations. The Gospel of Christ is not a smorgasbord. We cannot pick and choose what appeals to our appetites, while passing by what we may find offensive.

Notice what Jesus said in Luke 18:8 "I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?"

Simply using the concordance definitions and the promptings of the Holy Spirit, a more readily understandable way of stating this would be as follows: "I tell you that he will avenge them speedily." 'He will avenge'... will mean different things to different individuals when they are confronted by the Lord. To some he will deliver retribution, to others vindication, to others punishment, but it will all come about quickly and without delay. One of the most eye opening revelations this short verse contains is found in the next sentence.

"Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?" When Jesus asked 'when the Son of man cometh shall,' he was denoting an interrogation to which a negative answer is presumed. He already knew the answer to the question. The rest of the question was find faith on the earth? When he comes shall he find, will he get, obtain, perceive, or see what he is longing and looking for upon his return? The faith that our Lord is referring to is not our concept of faith, as we know it today. It is not the carnally based health, wealth and prosperity message being spouted around the globe.

The faith Jesus is talking about is the conviction of religious truth, especially reliance upon Christ for salvation, and constancy is such profession. The faith he is speaking of is Gospel truth itself, personal assurance, belief and fidelity. Such truth is not found in religion, it is found in relationship. And that relationship means getting up-close and personal with Jesus Christ, not with a leader or group. Each and every one of us is given the very same opportunity. Each one of us must make our own decision whether to accept or reject the Gospel of Christ. No other gospel will work. No one else can take up your cross for you. No one else can choose your path and direct your steps. No one, but Jesus.

Another revealing verse that compliments the verse above is found in Matthew 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Why is the gate called strait? Because it is narrow and difficult to pass through being crowded with all of the obstacles standing close about. The gate is an entrance; not to any earthly place, but to a spiritual place and state of being. Narrow is the way, because it is crowded with affliction and trouble, and those who pass this way must suffer tribulation. The 'way' is the road we progress down as we journey through this mortal life. 'Which leadeth,' according to the concordance means the following: to take off, to bring, to put to death, or to carry away.

This journey is for a purpose. The purpose is to bring us into perfection, to make us just like Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. As we walk through the processing that the Spirit works in our lives, we will find things that we will have to take off or let go of; things that we will bring to the feet of Christ and lay down; things that we will carry away and become one with; and things in our hearts and lives that will have to be put to death. This is that we might come to the purpose of the strait, narrow gate; that we might come unto life: both literally and figuratively, both while in these mortal bodies as well as for all eternity.

The end of the statement of our Lord is "and few there be that find it." The concordance defines few as meaning: puny in extent, degree, number, duration or value. To find it is to get, obtain, perceive, and see it. There is a grave misconception prevalent today among believers. We place great value and emphasis on numbers, embracing quantity over quality. It is the way of the world, and sadly the way of today's Church. Partly because of our cultural and social way of thinking, we make the subconscious connection between being puny with being weak, be it in stature, quantity, or level of commitment. For the same reasons, we associate having wealth, a large following and social acceptance as being a sign of God's approval. We would do well to re-examine just how in line our perspectives are with God's. We need to realize that we are not the one's who get to establish the rules or set the agenda. God is the one who predetermined the way to find eternal life with Him.