Tuesday 6 February 2018

The Narrow Gate

The Narrow Gate
Matthew’s gospel records Jesus as saying,
“Enter through the narrow gate. 
For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, 
and many enter through it.  
But small is the gate and narrow the road 
that leads to life, and only a few find it. 
                                         Matthew 7:13,14.
This is what I see in this passage of scripture. I believe the life Jesus is referring to here is life eternal. That here Jesus point the way to heaven. He says we must enter through the narrow gate. That the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction.
The road that leads to destruction is the world in general. The world offers the individual a myriad of things that offers pleasure and satisfaction. None of which are bad in and of themselves providing they don’t pull us away from God.
Within the world also there are many who would say there are many ways to Heaven. While others say there is no God.
The Bible however both in the Old Testament and in the New Testament says there is only one God the creator of Heaven and Earth. That we must have faith in God. Faith is that Narrow road Jesus is talking about. The writer of Hebrews telling us,
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for 
and 
certain of what we do not see.”
                                          Hebrews 11:1
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, 
because anyone who comes to him 
must believe that he exists 
and 
that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” 
                                                           Hebrews 11:6.
The apostle Paul writing,
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—
and this not from yourselves, 
it is the gift of God—  
not by works, so that no one can boast.” 
                                               Ephesians 2:8,9
The gate referred to by Jesus in Matthew 7:13,14 is Jesus. Jesus speaking to his disciples said,
“I am the way and the truth and the life. 
No one comes to the Father except through me.” 
                                                                     John 14:6.
The writer of Hebrews telling us,
“In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.  
The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” Hebrews 1:1-3.
I know there are many reading this who would not agree with me. That is your right. God gave every person a freewill to believe what they wish and do what they may.
I however believe that all who hear about Jesus must make a decision as to who he is. C. S. Lewis said,
Christianity, if false, is of no importance, 
and if true, of infinite importance. 
The only thing it cannot be is moderately important. 
                                                                       C. S. Lewis.
If Jesus is not the way to heaven or just one of many ways to heaven, then no one has anything to fear.
However if what Christians believe is true. That He is the way to heaven those hear about him and do not believe in Him have a great deal to think about at the very least.
Please think about it. 

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