The Straight Gate and the Narrow Way

"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction--and many go in there; but small is the gate and narrow is the way that leads to life--and few there are that find it." -- Matthew 7:13-14

alking along the narrow way means for the heart and life to be constantly regulated by Christ's holy teaching. It denotes a steady perseverance in faith and obedience to the Lord Jesus, overcoming all opposition, and rejecting every temptation to forsake the path of fidelity to Him. It is called the "Narrow Way" because all self-pleasing and self-seeking is shut out.

It is right here that the testing point is reached. To the natural man, it is much easier and far more pleasant to indulge the flesh and follow our worldly propensities. The Broad Road, where the flesh is indulged, is easy, smooth, and attractive! But it ends in destruction! Though the narrow way leads to eternal life, only FEW are walking on it. Remember--it was the Lord Jesus Himself who said that.

Multitudes make a profession and claim to be saved, but their lives give no evidence that they are "strangers and pilgrims" here on earth, and that their "treasure" is in heaven. They are afraid of being thought narrow and strict. Satan has deceived them--they imagine that they can get to heaven by an easier route than by denying self, taking up their cross daily, and following Christ!

There are multitudes of 'religionists' who are attempting to combine the two "ways," making the best of both worlds and serving two masters. They wish to gratify self in time and enjoy the happiness of heaven in eternity. Crowds of nominal Christians are deluding themselves into believing that they can do so, but they are terribly deceived!

The reason why so few will enter eternal life is because the multitudes are not seeking it in the way of God's appointing. None seek it aright except those who pass through the narrow gate and who, despite many discouragements and falls, continue to press forward along the narrow way.

- A. W. Pink