Matthew 7:13,14
“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.”
This is an unfortunate truth. The first part is that there is one way. Jesus said in John 14:6, ‘Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”‘ Christians receive much push back because of this. We are called narrow minded. It’s not us making the claim. It’s Jesus.
There is a solid reasons why Jesus is the only way. It all comes back to payment for sins. Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Sin has to be paid for. It’s about justice. It can’t be forgotten, but must be paid for. Someone must do the payment. Our sin is on us.
There are many deceptions that fool us. One is God is love, He wouldn’t send me to hell. It’s true that He doesn’t want us to go there and He works hard to stop us, but we are all headed to hell. Another deception is the concept of grading on a curve. I’m far better that that guy. This thinking believes that earning a C allows us to pass. Perfection is only allowed in heaven. Matthew 5:48 says, “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
Another deception is sincerity. As long as one is sincere in what one believes, that’s sufficient. If one hasn’t heard the gospel, then there is some truth to that (Romans 1 & 2). But if we have heard the gospel and denied it, then sincerity doesn’t work. We shouldn’t rest in our sincerity. We need to be right with God.
We learn about sin and the payment for sin in the Old Testament. The blood sacrifice for sin covered the sin. Hebrews 9:22 says, “According to the law, in fact, nearly everything must be purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” The bad news is that our sin will be paid for with our blood. The lamb provided a temporary cover.
God’s plan was to send Jesus as a substitution for our death. That’s why He is called the Lamb of God. His death on the cross is meant to take our place. It cost Him His life. He took our place. A life was required. He went in our stead.
This is why Jesus is the only way. He paid the price for our sin. If we don’t accept His sacrifice, then we will pay the price for our sin with our own blood. All other religions of the world aren’t sufficient. They don’t understand God’s system of justice.
The second part of today’s verse is “for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it.” This is so sad. God mourns. All throughout everyone’s life He seeks to divert them from this end. Isaiah 65:2 says, “All day long I have held out My hands to an obstinate people who walk in the wrong path, who follow their own imaginations.” He puts thoughts in our minds, reminders in our paths. They don’t come with big banners saying, “This is from God”. They are easy to ignore. When we don’t listen we lose a bit our sensitivity to hear. While when we listen, we are drawn closer.
I responded to the gospel when I was 17. I accepted it, but didn’t understand what I was doing. God took it. He filled my thoughts. I was drawn to Him and the things of God. Many of my conversations included Him. My mom, brother and I were on this journey together. Our present church helped, but it was spoon feeding. When we discovered Calvary Chapel we loved it and grew much. We went to church about three times a week. Great bible teaching and wonderful christians.
We all have to respond to Him. On judgment day the tapes will be replayed showing where He called us and whether we responded. It will be completely fair. No one will say, “I got robbed.” All will bow before Jesus and the Father.
The last part of today’s verse is “For the gate is narrow and the way is constricted that leads to life, and there are few who find it.” It’s not tricky or hidden. We all see it, but not all choose it. I rest in the fact that God is loving and working hard to rescue all. He uses us to be His witnesses. Matthew 5:14 says, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.” He is the light in us. As we live for Him He shines that light. Not all see it. He uses us with particular people.
Lord, thank You for the Way. Thank You for dying for our sins. Thank You that You love all and that You are busy reaching them. Help us to good witnesses in reaching out.