Do we need to strive to be saved?

[Aldebaran]

I was listening to a local pastor on TV this morning talk quite a bit about all the things we must do in order to be saved. One main thing he brought up was how we're told by Jesus in Luke 13:24 that we have to "strive" to enter the straight gate: "Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able."

I always understood Jesus Himself to be that gate. We can't be on the path He wants us to be on until we enter through Him. Other parts of scripture says things that make it sound so easy to become saved, such as Romans 10:13, which says, "For "Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved."

I can understand how we sometimes have to strive to stay on the path He has given us, and to do what pleases Him, but I don't see where we have to strive to simply enter in the first place. He even says that many will seek to enter, and won't be able. If Jesus is the gate, how would anyone who seeks to enter through Him not be able, especially in light of John 6:37--""All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out."?

Any thoughts on this? I mean, is salvation a gift from God that is ours by accepting the gift of Christ's death and resurrection for our sin nature, or do we have to "strive" for it? BTW, the definition of strive is as follows: the definition of strive

Doesn't sound like something that we'd do in order to receive a gift from God.

 

[christianforumsuser]

I've talked to people so caught up in their own thoughts
As nice as I might approach of course I still am a man who makes bad decisions or thinks people have it easier in some way than I have
But that's not a matter to be on about right now...even though I'm a man I speak some things of the Bible and not my own desires and thoughts so much
If I have anything to offer...not only speak hate and things that aren't so easy and nice to hear but telling people to be careful or beware...
But I wonder if it seems like I'm only thinking carnally...as to them they hear anything that seems to take away from their pride...or competes against them...they get defensive and act offensive in response

If I were under their church, in conversation I might try to be civil but they perceive anything foreign as hostile even if I say "be careful" what they hear is something they aren't used to and don't know how to handle it...as life might be so easy or they can respond such ways
Again, I only experience my own life and see other people on the outside, how to learn feedback to act nice in society
But by the Word I might be able to teach and help people get over their sinful mind to see what Scripture wants them to hear
Even if it's said "who are you to teach...why don't you bow to my pastor and fleshly family" but the Word might teach...I don't know what lessons those people spread

 

[nChrist]

I give thanks that we are living in the Age of God's Grace. We can't deserve or earn Salvation. We simply need to accept God's Gift - our Lord Jesus Christ who died on the Cross for our sins. He arose from the dead on the third day and is our Living Lord and Saviour forever.

Ephesians 2:8-10 KJV For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Titus 3:4-7 KJV But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

1 Corinthians 15:1-4 KJV 1. Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2. By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4. And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: