Here is a verse that most churches never preach. It is in Matthew, straight from the mouth of Jesus. And it is deeply uncomfortable.
"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 7:13-14Wide is the gate that leads to destruction. Many enter through it.
Many. Not a few. Not some. Many.
And only a few find the narrow road that leads to life.
The Numbers
Jesus is not being subtle here. He is giving us the numbers. The majority will not make it. The majority will choose the wide gate. The majority will go to destruction.
This is not what we hear in churches. We hear that God wants everyone saved. We hear that Jesus died for everyone. We hear that the invitation is open to all.
And all of that is true. But it is not the whole truth.
The whole truth is that not everyone will accept the invitation. Not everyone will choose the narrow gate. And the ones who do not will face judgment.
Other Words of Jesus
This is not the only time Jesus said something like this. He said it again and again.
"If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, into the unquenchable fire."
Mark 9:43There is a real hell. There is real judgment. And it is possible to go there.
Jesus did not soften this. He repeated it. He emphasized it. He made it as clear as possible.
The Warning
Why would Jesus say this? Why would He warn about destruction?
Because He wanted people to take their salvation seriously. Because He knew that many would choose the easy path. Because He knew that the wide gate would be popular.
And He wanted His followers to choose the narrow gate. Even if it was harder. Even if it was less popular.
Jesus did not preach a comfortable Gospel. He preached the truth about the narrow way and the wide way. He warned about destruction. He spoke about hell. This was central to His message, not something He avoided.
What This Means
Here is what this means for you. Your salvation is not guaranteed because you walked down an aisle. Your salvation is not guaranteed because you said a prayer. Your salvation is not guaranteed because you go to church.
Your salvation is guaranteed if you choose the narrow gate. If you follow Christ. If you bear fruit. If you remain in Him.
That is a call to seriousness. Not to fear. But to choose wisely.
Which Gate Are You Choosing
Jesus gave us a clear choice. The wide gate is easy. It is popular. Many choose it. But it leads to destruction. The narrow gate is hard. Few find it. But it leads to life. Which one are you choosing?
The Good News
Now, here is the good news. The narrow gate is open. It is available. You can choose it. Today. Right now.
But you have to choose it. You have to walk through it. You have to follow Christ, not just believe facts about Him.
That is the call. Choose the narrow gate. Follow Christ. And you will have life.
"The one who accepts my commandments and obeys them is the one who loves me. And because he loves me, my Father will love him. I will love him and reveal myself to him."
John 14:21Father, thank you for the narrow gate that leads to life. Help me to choose it every day, to follow Christ not just with my words but with my life. Give me the courage to take my salvation seriously and to warn others about the wide gate. In Jesus Name, Amen.
With honesty and hope,
Claire