Narrow Gate

Narrow (by David Peterson at The Rock Of Jesus Church)

Jesus is finishing up His first public message when He says in His “Sermon on the Mount” found in Matthew 7:13-14 the following; “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is narrow and the way is constricted that leads to life, and there are few who find it.”

There are two ways we can go: the gate that is narrow leads to eternal life and the gate that is wide leads to separation from life with God in hell. The narrow gate is entered by faith and following Jesus is not easy but the rewards are abundant!

A great preacher of our day, John MacArthur, once wrote; “The gospel according to Jesus is the gospel according to His apostles. It is a small gate and a narrow road. It is free but it costs everything. And though it is appropriated by faith, it cannot fail to produce the fruit of true righteousness in the life and behavior of the believer.” MacArthur makes us aware of the reality when we follow Jesus. Though as difficult as it is, our faith and devotion to Christ will yield treasures to cherish.

William Stevenson wrote “The Narrow Way” in 1889 and the first verse and refrain state:

There is a way, a narrow way,

For all who heav’n would win;

Though strait the gate, yet all who strive

Will surely enter in.

Refrain:

The narrow way, the narrow way, All others lead astray;

We’ll bear the cross, nor count the loss, And walk the narrow way.

Stevenson alerts all followers of the bounty of following the narrow way and our Lord and Savior.

Let us pray: Jesus, our Christ, your wisdom provides us with truth in that following you will lead us through the narrow gate and into eternal life with you! Amen.