The Two Ways

Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few (Matthew 7:13-14).

The narrow gate is Jesus Christ. The wide gate is everyone and everything else that promises salvation. The narrow gate leads to the way that is hard. The wide gate leads to the way that is easy. The hard way is the way of holiness and righteousness. The easy way is the way of ungodliness and worldliness. There are two gates to eternity and there are two ways to travel to eternity.

Jesus Christ opens one's pathway to holy and righteous living. The pathway is not hard because we must work hard to become holy and righteous. No. Salvation makes a person holy and righteous. Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1). And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all (Hebrews 10:10).

However, true Christians desire to live a holy and righteous life. D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones wrote, “Holiness is not something we are called upon to do in order that we may become something; it is something we are to do because of what we already are.” The Apostle Peter said it this way, ". . . it is written, 'Be holy, for I Am holy'" (1 Peter 1:16). Those who are saved have put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Their desire from that moment on is to be Christ-like. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son . . . . (Romans 8:29). And that’s not easy to do in this life!

What about the easy way? "The way that is broad is the easy, attractive, inclusive, indulgent, permissive, and self-oriented way of the world. There are few rules, few restrictions, and few requirements. All you need do is profess Jesus, or at least be religious, and you are readily accepted in that large and diverse group. Sin is tolerated, truth is moderated, and humility is ignored. God's Word is praise but not studied, and His standards are admired but not followed. This way requires no spiritual maturity, no moral character, no commitment, and no sacrifice. It is the easy way of floating downstream. . . ." (John MacArthur). I couldn't have said it better.

The door to salvation is narrow, but it's the only one God has provided. The way of salvation is hard. Jesus said it would be, If the world hates you, know that it has hated Me before it hated you (John 15:18). It's the life we choose when we commit ourselves to Jesus Christ.

"Father, thank You for Jesus who willingly gave His life on the cross so that salvation can be a reality for those who believe and receive Him as Lord and Savior. Thank You that the way of the cross is hard, not because I want it to be, but it is proof that salvation is real, just as Jesus said. And thank You that You sent Your Holy Spirit to walk with us down the path that leads to glory. Amen."

Pastor