The Narrow Path
The Narrow Path
Chapter 1: The Encounter
Joshua Elwood, a humble, soft-spoken man in his late twenties, sat in the corner of his modest living room with his Bible open. The well-worn pages of his King James Version were filled with underlines, notes, and highlighted passages. His faith was his cornerstone, and he clung tightly to the words of Scripture. He often meditated on Galatians 1:8: But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
One evening, after returning home from his job at a local hardware store, Joshua's curiosity led him to a public debate in town between a Reformed pastor and a non-denominational preacher. The Calvinistic pastor, a man named Gregory Thorne, presented his views on predestination with eloquence and conviction. He argued that salvation was entirely a matter of God’s choice and that humanity had no role to play. “Man is utterly depraved,” Thorne declared. “God elects some to salvation and others to damnation for His glory.”
Joshua sat quietly, absorbing every word. Something felt off. As Thorne elaborated on limited atonement, stating that Christ’s sacrifice was only for the elect, Joshua felt his spirit stir in opposition. After the debate, Joshua approached Thorne.
“Sir,” Joshua said respectfully, holding his Bible tightly, “how can anyone trust in Christ’s sacrifice if they aren’t certain it was made for them?”
Thorne smiled, his tone condescending. “You trust if God has given you the gift of faith. It’s not for you to decide.”
Joshua frowned, his grip tightening on his Bible. “But the Scripture says, ‘For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.’ Isn’t salvation offered to all?”
Thorne’s expression hardened. “You misunderstand. God’s love is for the elect.”
Joshua walked away, his heart heavy. That night, he prayed fervently for wisdom, asking God to reveal the truth.
Chapter 2: The Battle
Joshua spent the following weeks deep in study, comparing the teachings of Calvinism against the Scriptures. He read verses like 1 Timothy 2:4: Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. His convictions grew stronger. Calvinism, he realized, denied the simplicity of the gospel—believe and be saved.
One Sunday, Joshua attended a gathering of local believers to share his concerns. “This doctrine robs people of the hope found in Christ’s atonement,” he said. “It’s a false gospel that denies God’s love for the whole world.”
A young woman named Rachel, whose father was a staunch Calvinist, challenged him. “But doesn’t the Bible teach that God predestines?” she asked.
Joshua nodded. “Yes, but not as Calvinism teaches. Romans 8:29 says, ‘For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son.’ God’s foreknowledge doesn’t negate free will. He knows who will believe, but the invitation is open to all.”
As weeks turned into months, Joshua’s resolve deepened. He began sharing tracts and preaching on street corners, urging people to trust in Christ’s finished work. He encountered hostility from Calvinists who called him naive, but Joshua remained steadfast.
Chapter 3: The Warning
One night, Joshua had a vivid dream. He saw a vast throng of people standing before a dark chasm. On one side, a narrow path led to a shining cross. On the other, a crowd stood listening to a figure draped in shadows. The figure held a banner that read “Predestined,” and his voice thundered, “There is no need to strive! Trust in your election!”
The people murmured, confused and aimless. Joshua woke with a start, his heart pounding. The dream was a clear warning: many were being led astray by a gospel of despair.
Joshua began speaking more boldly, warning against doctrines that replaced Christ’s invitation with fatalism. He often quoted John 3:15: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
Chapter 4: The Tribulation
Years passed, and the world descended into chaos. Wars, famine, and persecution became the norm. The Great Tribulation had begun. Joshua, now in his forties, led a small underground fellowship of believers. The global government demanded allegiance to a one-world leader, and those who refused were hunted.
Joshua’s faith was unshakable. He preached hope even as darkness surrounded them. “We are living in the darkest time in human history,” he told his group one evening. “But remember the words of our Lord: ‘Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.’”
The fellowship faced constant danger, but they clung to the promise of Christ’s return. Joshua continued to warn against false gospels, reminding them that only the true gospel could save. “The world may fall,” he said, “but God’s Word stands forever.”
One fateful night, soldiers stormed their hiding place. Joshua stood firm, clutching his Bible. As he was led away, he quoted Revelation 12:11: And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
Though his earthly life ended in that moment, Joshua’s legacy lived on. His unwavering faith and dedication to the truth inspired others to endure, even in the face of the Great Tribulation.