How many people will be in heaven? The Father’s house has many rooms. He has gone to prepare a place. Some believe that in the end, God will just say, “I’ve decided to bring everybody in.”
Years ago, a dynamic communicator named Rob Bell postulated that God is not willing for any to perish, and God always gets what he wants. On this basis, Bell argued there was no such thing as hell. Everybody gets in. The theological term is “universalism.” In the great cosmic game of “Hide and go seek,” God ends up saying, “Ollie, ollie oxen free.” This is from the German, “Alle, alle auch sind frei.” “All, all are also free.” This is not what Jesus said.
As Jesus taught, some asked him whether only a few would be saved. Remember Jesus was walking and ministering among the people of Israel. In fact, he was in the capital city of Jerusalem. In a city with many gates, Jesus taught them that the gate to the kingdom was narrow. Someday, the door will close and some will want to get in, but will not be allowed.
What is the basis for getting in? God has to know us. Wait. God knows everyone. But not all live in relationship with God. Many ate and drank with Jesus at dinners. He also taught in their streets. Still, the owner of the house will say, “I don’t know you.” The ones left outside will weep and gnash their teeth.
Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob will be on the inside. The prophets of the kingdom of God will be there. But those to whom Jesus spoke would be left out. Even Gentiles will come in while all those who reject Jesus will be left out.
This teaching was not popular in Jesus’ day. The leaders told him to leave their city. But Jesus wept over the city that stoned the prophets. He longed to gather his people as a hen gathers her chicks. But they were not willing. Some are still not willing. But everyone who is willing and calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. There is room for you. Why would you stay outside?
