Two Awesome Alternatives
Near the conclusion of His magnificent "Sermon on the Mount," Jesus made this remarkable statement: "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it" (Matthew 7:13-14). It is indeed sobering to realize that relative to the most important subject this human mind can contemplate, eternal destiny, there are but two awesome alternatives. Every person should carefully consider these contrasting gates, ways and destinies.
The Savior urges men to enter in at the strait gate. Strait means narrow, pinched, or difficult to be entered. Thus described, it is apparent that some significant amount of effort is required to pass through this gate. In a similar statement recorded in Luke 13:24, Jesus said, "Strive to enter in at the strait gate." The Greek word translated strive means, literally, to agonize. In 1 Corinthians 9:25, it refers to the self-denying discipline of a dedicated athlete to "striveth for the mastery." We cannot help but conclude from the use of such expressions that the way to heaven is no easy path of idleness and inactivity. Rather, it is a way characterized by thoughtful and persistent effort.
It is important to recognize that neither the straitness of the gate, nor the narrowness of the way leading to life militates against the love and mercy of God. Who can doubt, in view of the maximum sacrifice made by Christ to create a way of salvation for sinful men, but that the gate and way leading to life are every bit as wide as a loving God could possibly make them. It is God's desire that all men should obey Him and be saved, "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whore-mongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death" (Revelation 21:8).
Those who would travel the narrow way must face some unpopular realities revealed in the Word of God. All who honestly examine the Lord's teaching on this subject will recognize that real faith and obedience means much more than mere intellectual assent to a proposition or mechanical response to a command. Evidently, the demons believed in Jesus' virgin birth, deity, triumphal resurrection and universal reign; but such belief made them no less devilish (Matthew 8:29; James 2:19-20, 24). One who continuously and purposely succumbs to "the lust of the flesh, and lust of the eyes, and the pride of life" should not delude himself by thinking he is traveling the narrow way. Those who willfully insist upon making life's journey arm in arm with worldly companions and living in rebellion against God cannot pass through the strait gate.
The way to life is narrow because truth on any point is narrow. Among numberless other stars, there is only one North Star which can lead the sailor aright. The narrow way is closed in by divine commands. It is popular to insist that everyone except a few arch criminals and villains will reach heaven; yet, He who is "the way, the truth, and the life" said comparatively few will travel the narrow way. If but eight of the teeming millions who lived prior the universal flood were saved (1 Peter 3:20-21), and but two of the vast throngs of Israelites who came out of Egypt were permitted to enter Canaan, shall we doubt that but "few" are on the road leading to everlasting life?
The great majority choose to travel the broad way leading to destruction. The masses prefer a path of self will and selfish gratification. Having no restrictions, it is wide. Requiring no effort, it is easily traveled. Yet, alas, it is the way of the ungodly who shall perish, leading to the bottomless pit, the undying worm, and the unquenchable fire. As eternity-bound creatures with spirits that shall live forever, should we not honestly determine which road we are traveling? The wise man wrote, "Ponder the path of thy feet." (Proverbs 4:26).
From Our Archives, 1995
By: Steve Ellis