The Narrow and Wide Gates

[Aabbie James]

Matthew 7:13-14 Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it.

Jesus sets before every man two ways, and only one leads to eternal life, the other to eternal death. Jesus' teaching makes it vital that each individual make the right choice.

 

[Ricky M]

I've oft wondered, since the creation of Adam, of the total sum of all the humans that have walked this earth, how few of them will we actually see on the New Earth? According to one thread here, of the currently alive it's 1 out of 3. On another forum, of all time we estimated even closer to 10%. Few is the right word.

 

[Shrewd Manager]

What's our Lord saying?

Is it about getting off the mega-church narrow path? Is it about 'making the grade' for team Jesus? More missions, more prayer, fasting, hand and eye surgery..?

'Only a few find it.' Plus there's the eternal damnation for a broad category list of sinners. Plus the 'unforgivable sin' to avoid (and which there's no consensus upon). And then there's the question of which Torah laws still need to be adhered to. And on it goes.

Wow, Christians can really turn a beautiful simple liberating gospel message into a labyrinthine burdensome system full of terrifying spikes and pitfalls!

Or would that just be the leaven of the Pharisees?

God is not a harsh magistrate, He's our loving father. And fathers don't smash their children. So be assured, and find the right way to read this scripture.

 

[Russ Campbell]

Isaiah 44:1-11
“BESIDES ME THERE IS NO GOD”
What gracious promises are given throughout Scripture, not only to God’s children, but to their seed! Here the thirsty soul, longing for love, sympathy, God, is promised an abundant supply. See Joh_4:13-14; Rev_22:17. But notice the extreme beauty of the further response, which shall be made by the young followers of our Lord:
One shall say, I am the Lord’s, Isa_44:5. What ecstasy such a declaration causes to a parent’s heart! Young friends, do not be satisfied till you have confessed Christ. Say, I am the Lord’s. Another shall write on his hand, unto the Lord; that is, he shall dedicate his hand to do God’s work in the world. Oh, to write a similar declaration on every member of our body! Another shall subscribe with his hand unto the Lord; that is, shall write these words on a blank sheet of paper, and his own name beneath them.
Again we have the conflict with the idols of the heathen, Isa_44:6-11. But what chance have their votaries when confronted by the glad and assured testimony of those who have seen the King in His beauty!