It’s very popular in today’s society to be inclusive. The “in thing” is to be that destination for everybody. But Jesus speaks in Matthew 7:13-14 (NLT) about the narrow gate that leads to God’s Kingdom.
“You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.”
Now, don’t mistake the narrow gate for being narrow-minded. Intolerance is not what’s being spoken about here. Let’s remember that Jesus had fellowship with tax collectors, or “scum” as the Pharisees called them.
For as Jesus said in Matthew 9:12-13 (NLT), “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
No, the narrow gate isn’t a call for people to be intolerant, but obedient. In order to find the narrow gate, you must be obedient to God’s Word and obedient to Jesus’ teaching. You must also remain faithful when trials come your way.
James 1:3-4 (NLT) says, “For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”
So, while the entryway through the gate may be narrow, it’s not impossible. It does require a key, however, and that is belief in Jesus Christ and obedience to His Word. Accept Christ, follow His commands, and unlock the narrow gate.
Truth & Discernment 