Salvation is not a joke, Pope Francis told Christians on Sunday, urging them to get serious about their eternal life. Although God is a forgiving God, He will still close the door on salvation one day, he warned.
"The Lord offers us many opportunities to save ourselves and to enter through the door of salvation. This door is an opportunity that must not be wasted," the pope said, according to Vatican Radio.
"Because at a certain moment 'the landlord got up and locked the door,' as mentioned in the Gospel. But if God is good and loves us, why does He close the door — He will close the door at a certain point? Because our life is not a video game or a soap opera; our life is serious and the goal to achieve is important: eternal salvation," he added.
Pope Francis said the Bible never said anything about how many people will be saved, but what people need to know is that Jesus Christ is the only path to salvation.
The door to salvation is narrow, Pope Francis said, explaining that it is that way "not because it is oppressive" but because "it asks us to restrict and limit our pride and our fear, to open ourselves with humble and trusting heart to Him, recognising ourselves as sinners, in need of his forgiveness."
The best part about God's mercy and salvation is that it is freely given to anyone who sincerely accepts it, the pope said. "God has no favourites, but always welcomes everyone, without distinction. A door that is narrow to restrict our pride and our fear. Open because God welcomes us without distinction. And the salvation that He gives us is an unceasing flow of mercy...which breaks down every barrier and opens up surprising perspectives of light and peace," he said.
