The Narrow Door and the Open Arms of Heaven
A Tribute to Larry Warnock
As this is published this morning, Becky and I are on the way to Indianapolis to spend the day remembering Larry Warnock. Larry, and his wife Patti, have been close to us for almost 25 years, being members of the Brownsburg church where I preached in the 00’s. The best Elvis-impersonator I’ve ever known, Larry was so much fun to be around. Always an encourager and always ready to serve. He was someone you could count on and had the biggest heart. He will be missed — but we trust that today He is with our loving Savior and at rest.
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“Make every effort to enter through the narrow door,” Jesus once said, “because I tell you, many will try to enter and won’t be able” (Luke 13:24, CSB).
That phrase, “make every effort, ” means to strive with strenuous zeal. It’s not a half-hearted pursuit. It’s the passionate determination to pursue something that matters more than anything else: eternity with God.
As I reflect on the life of my friend and brother in Christ, Larry Warnock, that word fits. Zealous. He was a man who took his faith seriously, who hungered for the world to come. While far from perfect, he was genuine, striving after God, seeking heaven, and clinging to hope even as this life wore on.
A Contrast Worth Considering
You may remember the story of the rich young ruler in Matthew 19. He came to Jesus asking what good deed he must do to have eternal life. But when Jesus challenged him to give up his wealth and follow, he walked away sorrowful. His heart was divided.
That contrast is important. Many want heaven. But not everyone is willing to follow Jesus through the narrow door.
Larry was different. He knew the way wasn’t always easy, but he believed in the One who said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Larry followed Jesus, not flawlessly, but faithfully.
The Reality of Death—and What’s Beyond
The Bible says, “It is appointed for people to die once—and after this, judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). This is a sobering truth. Death will come to all of us, unless the Lord returns first.
Hezekiah once heard this from the prophet Isaiah: “Set your house in order, for you are about to die” (2 Kings 20:1). Thankfully, God gave him 15 more years. But most of us won’t get that kind of heads-up.
How many years do we have? 15? 5? 5 minutes?
That’s why faith must be real today, not someday. Eternity isn’t a vague hope. It’s a coming reality. And for those who trust in Jesus, it’s something to look forward to.
So What Is Heaven Like?
While many speculate and storytell about heaven, the only trustworthy guide we have is Scripture. And Scripture tells us plenty.
Peter described heaven as “an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:4). Think about those words:
Imperishable — Heaven is untouched by decay or death.
Undefiled — Heaven is unstained by sin or brokenness.
Unfading — Heaven’s beauty doesn’t diminish with time.
Paul said we’re heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17), and that our current bodies are like tents, temporary dwellings. But in heaven? “We have a building from God, an eternal dwelling… not made with hands” (2 Corinthians 5:1).
If that doesn’t stir the heart, I don’t know what will.
Who Will Be There?
Heaven will be filled with faithful men and women who have gone before us. But the centerpiece is not Moses or the patriarchs—it’s Jesus.
Hebrews 12 gives us a breathtaking picture: we come to Mount Zion, the city of the living God… to myriads of angels… to the spirits of the righteous made perfect… and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant.
We trust that Larry is there now, not because he earned it, but because he trusted in the One who did.
The Only Thing That Matters
If Larry could speak to us today, he would urge us to take spiritual things seriously. He’d remind us that our job titles, our houses, our comforts, they don’t go with us. What matters is this: Do you know Jesus?
Jesus alone saves. And only those in relationship with Him will be in that heavenly city.
So I ask: Is your name written there? (Luke 10:20)
Heaven is not for perfect people, it’s for forgiven people. For those who follow Jesus. For those who, like Larry, make every effort to enter through the narrow door.
And one day, when our striving is over, we too can join that festive gathering above, where no sorrow lingers, no body fails, and no joy fades.
Until then, we live, we labor, and we long for the day when we’ll see our Savior face to face.
