THE NARROW WAY TO LIFE ETERNAL

“Strive to enter through the NARROW GATE, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able” – Luke 13:24

God’s Word counsels whoever cares to hear, to enter through the narrow gate into THE NARROW WAY to LIFE ETERNAL: “Strive to enter through the NARROW GATE, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able” (Lk.13:24). The Lord Jesus Christ concluded His Sermon on the Mount by calling all His hearers to choose which path they would take: the broad or the narrow Way. There are two distinct gates leading to two Ways – and two kingdoms. In calling for a choice, the Lord expounded on the characteristics of each, so that everyone can make an informed and wise decision (Mt.7: 13-14).

Multitudes are on the broad road, under Satan’s captivity, whereas at the entrance of the Narrow Way is a narrow gate. God has provided this Gate of Grace, by the death and resurrection of His Son, for us to access His Kingdom. The Narrow Way is the only ordained Royal Route to Heaven. To try to devise our own way to enter would be utterly foolish! However, receiving Christ as Saviour – being born-again – doesn’t mean that we complete the journey immediately. It means that we’ve started; that we’ve gone through the gate into the Way. Here are Seven Characteristics of the Narrow Way:

It must be found (Mt.7:14). Unlike the broad way, only few find the narrow Way and even less accept it.

It is unpopular. People typically take the path of least resistance and are naturally inclined to follow the broad path. To find and follow the narrow Way, one must turn away from the crowd – sometimes even leaving friends and family (Lk.14:26). It can be a lonely pathway; though we who follow it are never truly alone because Christ is with us.

It must be accessed by choice. The penitent sinner cries out to God for salvation, and makes a deliberate, calculated choice to enter the gates of the kingdom of heaven (Rom.10:9-10). To enter the narrow Way, we must, in faith, accept that we are sinners under God’s wrath because He is holy, perfect, and just. We must cry out for His mercy which is found in Christ (2Cor.5:21). Christ walks with us who accept Him, along the narrow Way of the kingdom, into eternity.

It is bounded by Biblical revelation. God’s Word guides Kingdom citizens and, in a sense, restricts the believer’s actions and attitudes, away from the broad way. Christ says, “If you abide in My word, you are truly my disciples” (Jh.8:31).

It requires Believers to leave many worldly things. Since the path is narrow, we cannot bring everything along. We must be willing to leave many precious, but worldly things, and set our affection on things above (Col.3: 1-2). We must forsake all sin and self – the old man (Eph.4: 22-24; Gal.2:24); put on love and other virtues; cry out for God’s Will to be done, not only in our own lives but in the world (Mt.6: 9-10); give up selfish ambitions for Kingdom aspirations; and give up the crowd – sometimes friends and families – to follow Christ (Mt.10:34).

It is a difficult pathway. It could be rough and tough! There is a constant battle against sin, the flesh, ungodly attitudes and actions (Mt.5: 29-30). It is a call to be perfect as our heavenly Father is (Mt.5:48). We’ll be hated, mocked, and persecuted for righteousness (Mt.5:10). Paul said that “all who want to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2Tim.3:12).

It leads to life. Though rough and tough, it’ll always be leading upward. To enter it is to experience new life (Jh.10:10; 17:3). Kingdom citizens, though hated and mocked by the world, have a greater quality of life because of intimacy with God. We can have peace in the midst of a storm. Walking with Christ, we will find this difficult path easy to follow (Mt.11: 28-30).

Alas, there are few who find this Narrow Way to eternal Life! Beloved, have you turned from the broad to the narrow Way?