Christians Must Take Eternal Salvation Seriously

Pope Francis leads the Palm Sunday mass at Saint Peter's Square
at the Vatican, Rome, Italy, March 20, 2016.

Pope Francis has warned Roman Catholic faithful that achieving eternal salvation is a serious life goal, given that God will close the door on entering through the narrow path one day.

"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," Francis said on Sunday, according to Vatican Radio, encouraging people to seize the opportunity for salvation without too much academic discourse.

"Because at a certain moment 'the landlord got up and locked the door' (v.25), 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.

Francis said that it is not known how many people will be saved, but argued that what everyone needs to know is that Jesus is the path to salvation.

The Vatican leader said that the door to salvation is narrow "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, recognizing ourselves as sinners, in need of his forgiveness."

He added that although the door of God's mercy is narrow, it is wide open for everyone.

"God has no favorites, 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," the pontiff added.

Francis has made it a point to preach about the questions of salvation a number of times throughout his papacy, and in April affirmed that Jesus is the way for people to go to Heaven.

"The Lord thus clearly says: you cannot enter eternal life by any entryway that is not the door — that is not Jesus," the pontiff said at the time. "He is the door of our life — and not only of eternal life, but also of our daily lives."

Taking a look at the growing wars and conflicts around the world, Francis said in June that people need Christ more than ever before.

"The world needs Christ more than ever, needs His salvation and His merciful love," Francis said.

"Many people sense a void around and inside of them. Perhaps some of us too," he added.