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That's an interesting translation of that verse 14. Is that the NLT?
The NIV, NAS, and KJV all use the word "narrow" instead of "difficult".
The original word in that verse is interesting. Here's the definition according to Studylight:
Thlibo:
IMHO, 'narrow' is a better translation. That's because of the contrast Jesus employed.
- to press (as grapes), press hard upon
- a compressed way
- narrow straitened, contracted
- metaph. to trouble, afflict, distress
13 "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.
14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
See, wide is contrasted with small and broad is contrasted with narrow.
So, IMO, "difficult" doesn't convey the correct meaning. Jesus wasn't saying that once we're on the road it will be up to us to stay on the road because it's difficult to stay on it. He was saying that the road is narrow, pressing - like going through a wine press.
I believe that once we find the road and enter through the small gate, the author and finisher of our faith will keep us on that road. We may stumble along the way, but He'll pick us up again and set us back on the path.
Jesus is the gate through which we enter. He said "I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture." (John 10:9).
Unfortunately, many people will not find the door, or they will try to get in another way. But it will lead to their destruction.
I believe all Christians (those who are born-again) are on the 'straight and narrow', even if we mess up along the way.
Ok, I was just wondering. no ill will intended brother.Ok, so I saw striving as different. I can see it thaqt way. I saw it as trying to be righteous, good on your own power.
But what would that be and whose translation?
The easier one to comply with, or to fit into their lifestyle.what would that be
whose translation?
But what would that be and whose translation?
Seems a whole lot of folks prefer ANY new interpretation to any scripture over the traditional. Some may always choose the looser, easier translation to comply with. I think the traditional translation here is correct.
He also said take up your cross and follow me.Are you implying Jesus misrepresented His own words? Please clarify because surely I have misunderstood you. He said His yoke was easy, light, and He gave rest.
The one I expressed earlier in this thread. That the author was addressing those who claimed the title 'Christian', and that not all of them would make it. Many would venture off the path.
<---BibleGateway CommentaryJesus' image of the narrow way should have made sense to his hearers (v. 13). Greek, Roman and Jewish writers often employed the image of the two paths in life (for example, Sen. Ep. 8.3; 27.4; Diogenes Ep. 30; Deut 30:15; Ps 1:1; m. 'Abot 2:9), and those particularly concerned with the future judgment especially employed the image of the two ways, the narrow one leading to life and the broad one to destruction (as in 4 Ezra 7:3-16, 60-61; 8:1-3; Test. Ab. 11A; 8B).
Some people's assurance of salvation is a delusion (Mt 7:13-14). To enter the narrow gate of the kingdom we must knock, that is, request that God make us citizens of his kingdom (vv. 7-8). The difficulty of Jesus' way includes embracing by repentance both persecution (5:10-12) and the ethics of the kingdom taught in the Sermon on the Mount.
http://www.biblegateway.com/cgi-bin/bible?passage=matthew+7:12-14http://www.biblegateway.com/cgi-bin/bible?passage=matthew+7:12-14Verses 12-14 Christ came to teach us, not only what we are to know and believe, but what we are to do; not only toward God, but toward men; not only toward those of our party and persuasion, but toward men in general, all with whom we have to do. We must do that to our neighbour which we ourselves acknowledge to be fit and reasonable. We must, in our dealings with men, suppose ourselves in the same case and circumstances with those we have to do with, and act accordingly. There are but two ways right and wrong, good and evil; the way to heaven and the way to hell; in the one or other of these all are walking: there is no middle place hereafter, no middle way now. All the children of men are saints or sinners, godly or ungodly. See concerning the way of sin and sinners, that the gate is wide, and stands open. You may go in at this gate with all your lusts about you; it gives no check to appetites or passions. It is a broad way; there are many paths in it; there is choice of sinful ways. There is a large company in this way. But what profit is there in being willing to go to hell with others, because they will not go to heaven with us? The way to eternal life is narrow. We are not in heaven as soon as we are got through the strait gate. Self must be denied, the body kept under, and corruptions mortified. Daily temptations must be resisted; duties must be done. We must watch in all things, and walk with care; and we must go through much tribulation. And yet this way should invite us all; it leads to life: to present comfort in the favour of God, which is the life of the soul; to eternal bliss, the hope of which at the end of our way, should make all the difficulties of the road easy to us. This plain declaration of Christ has been disregarded by many who have taken pains to explain it away; but in all ages the real disciple of Christ has been looked on as a singular, unfashionable character; and all that have sided with the greater number, have gone on in the broad road to destruction. If we would serve God, we must be firm in our religion. Can we often hear of the strait gate and the narrow way, and how few there are that find it, without being in pain for ourselves, or considering whether we are entered on the narrow way, and what progress we are making in it?
Does anyone know which Greek word is used in v. 14 for "find"? Is it lambano or katalambano?
That might skew the meaning a different way, too.
Win an argument? I give my opinion, and everyone comes after me. Look back. I reckon there is a little conviction there. but, if this is how I believe, that taking a more lenient approach to scripture Is placing the individual in peril, should I stifle my opinion? And why?
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