Jesus described it as two gates and two paths. He said, “Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide, and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter by it. For the gate is small, and the way is narrow that leads to life and few are those who find it” (Matthew 7:13, 14). The reality is that the vast majority of people in the world has stepped through the wide gate onto the broad path and is heading the wrong way! That majority includes many in our lives too! They don’t realize it but this path won’t lead them to heaven but to destruction in hell. How did they get on this broad path? Perhaps they have listened to the voice of the unsaved culture and followed its dictates. Perhaps they have followed the example of unsaved parents. Perhaps they have been swayed by unsaved friends. Perhaps they have been deceived by a religion or a church which does not proclaim the gospel. Whatever the reason for entering by the wide gate, Jesus says they are lost and will perish.
Notice Jesus’ exhortation in verse 13, “Enter by the narrow gate” almost screams “STOP, choose a different way! There’s another way, a better way, that leads to eternal life. Choose that gate, walk that path.” His description of the small gate and narrow path is very sobering. The gate is small and the path narrow. A small gate means not many can squeeze through at a time, just a few. The narrow path indicates the same thing. Not many can squeeze onto a narrow trail, just a few. What’s Jesus saying? He’s saying not many people will get to heaven. He laments that “few are those who find it” (7:14).
One popular illustration in our world pictures God atop a mountain with many paths leading to the top. The illustration declares it doesn’t matter which path you choose as long as you are sincere because all paths lead to the top of the mountain and God. Nothing could be further from the truth of scripture! Jesus says, “I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father but through Me” (John 14:6). Other paths are dead ends! Jesus is the only path that leads to the Father. He is the small gate. He is the narrow path. To enter through Him involves walking a narrow, unpopular path. You will be hated and misunderstood by those on the broad path. They will call you all manner of names: bigot, narrow-minded, racist, misogynist, homophobe, etc. Don’t be deterred. They will persecute you. Don’t be deterred. They will discriminate against you. Don’t be deterred. Stay on the path! It won’t be easy but remember where the path leads!
Finally, keep the two gates and two paths in mind during this election season as you hear all manner of name-calling, wrangling, unbiblical proposals, and hypocrisy. You’re probably hearing the voices of those who have entered through the wide gate and are on the broad highway to hell. They are lost and don’t realize they’re headed for destruction. Pray for their salvation and weigh what they say against the truth of the bible. In light of that, be sure to read Elsie’s article on discernment.
On the narrow way,
Irv