THE STRAIT AND NARROW WAY

Matthew 7:13-14 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.

Both words, "strait" and "narrow" are definitions of themselves. They each mean confining, restrictive, difficult, rigid, and exacting. This is the way traveled by few that leads to eternal life. The words, "wide" and " narrow" also define themselves. Both mean roomy, spacious, expansive, and easily accessible. This is the description of the way traveled by many that leads to eternal destruction. What a sobering thought Jesus brought to our attention in this lesson included in His "Sermon on the Mount."

Some bible scholars apply this text to the "Golden Rule" taught by Jesus in the previous verse: Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them. Much truth can be found in this application. Certainly this commandment is restrictive and difficult for most people to accept and apply to their conduct of life. The covetous, self-centered way of life is certainly more alluring to those seeking worldly treasures. To do so, one must take advantage of, and enrich themselves at the expense of others. This wide gate and broad way of life is the antithesis - the very opposite of Jesus' teaching found in the "Golden Rule." Considering that love is the very center of obedient Christian life, the "way" in which one travels; the "way" leading to eternal life, must be the strait and narrow "way" of Christ.

The strait and narrow way can be found only by those that hear and believe God's word, profess that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the Savior of mankind, forsake and repent of one's past life, be baptized into the His body, His church, and continue to live faithfully thereafter. When sin creeps into one's life, it is necessary to seek forgiveness for all shortcomings that may be committed during one's journey along the pathway of life. The apostle John sums up this godly teaching in his gospel message by relating this answer given to the apostle Thomas when he asked Jesus, how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me (John 14:5-6). One seeking eternal salvation promised by the heavenly Father will find it only by following the way - Jesus Christ. In the form of a parable, Jesus told his disciples that He was the door to the sheepfold where they, as sheep, could find safety from worldly thieves and robbers - all that seek to harm them in the world - all that use the wiles of the devil to lure them away from the strait and narrow way.

During Jesus' ministry on earth He continually taught about the strait and narrow way that leads of heaven. Those in His audience understood how difficult it was to find eternal salvation. One posed this question to Him, Lord, are there few that be saved? Jesus' answer to him was strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. Many will attempt to erringly enter to enter heaven through the wide gate and broad way. In parable form, Jesus assured His listeners this would not be possible. Heaven cannot be accessed except through the way provide by Jesus. The answer Jesus gives to those seeking entrance from some other way will be I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity (See Luke 13:23-27).

The wide gate and broad way are well lit with the alluring neon lights of Satan, the gloss and glitter that appeals to the worldliness found in the mind of mankind. Many see no wrong and find no fault in the ways of the world. Yet the writer of Proverbs gives us this sage advice: There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death (Prov. 16:25). The apostle Paul, after his conversion, became a committed follower of Christ. On the road to Damascus Paul found the way to Christ and he unwaveringly followed it. Since Paul was on the strait and narrow way, he admonished his hearers to follow the same pathway of the godly few. For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things (See Phil. 3:17-19).

The way to heaven is too narrow and its gate is too strait to allow mankind to bring worldliness, pride, self-will, or any other sin in with us. Sinners are excluded from heaven, therefore few there be that find it.