"There are two modes of representation which run through the Bible, apparently at variance with each other. According to the one, the plan of salvation is represented as simple. Believe and be saved, touch and be healed, look and be made whole.

According to the other, salvation is represented to be very difficult. We must strive to enter in at the straight gate. We must work out our salvation. We must run as in a race where the prize is our life. We must fight the good fight. Many who seek shall not enter in. Even the righteous are scarcely saved. "

"God's redemptive opportunities never come disguised. Jesus Christ doesn't coerce men to follow Him by pandering to the tastes of the natural man. He doesn't sugar-coat His opportunities and then dangle them in front of us to lure us on. All opportunities on His list have a fixed price - sacrifice. They are available to those who repudiate self's claims." R. Arthur Matthews  Born for Battle

Born For Battle, the book from which the above quote was extracted, was first published in 1978 by  Overseas Missionary Fellowship (OMF, formerly China Inland Mission). The chapters in the book were first writtten as editorials for East Asia Millions, a magazine also published by OMF.

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