Enter in by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter in by it. Matthew 7:13 WEB
This statement is from Christ’s Sermon on the Mount. In this sermon, Jesus teaches the will of God for our lives. The Lord makes clear that obedience to God is paramount for those who seek eternal life in the Kingdom of Heaven. However, Christ teaches that fulfilling the will of God has more to do with an internal transformation of our relationship to sin than an external expression of compliance to the law of God.
The Lord criticized the hypocrisy of the religious leaders of his day who outwardly appeared righteous but inwardly maintained their sinful nature. Christ says in Matthew 5:20, “For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, there is no way you will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. WEB”
Additionally, Jesus said in Matthew 23:27-28, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitened tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but inwardly are full of dead men’s bones and of all uncleanness. Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. WEB”
The broad road to destruction is filled with self deceived people who may fool other men with their actions but we can never fool God. Our heavenly Father desires that our internal motivation is to please and serve his will and not just outwardly appear righteous to others.
Jesus Is the Narrow Gate
Jesus Christ is the narrow gate that leads to eternal life. The Lord says in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me. WEB” To enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, we must accept him as our Lord and Savior.
In addition, those who accept Christ must follow his example of obedience to the will of God. Christ makes this clear in his Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 7:21 saying, ‘Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. WEB”
We find the narrow gate when we seek God through a personal relationship with his Son, Jesus Christ. The narrow gate is the practice of righteousness learned through the teaching of Jesus. This is not primarily outward obedience to the law but rather an inner transformation that renews our hearts and minds. We enter by the narrow gate through repentance from the sinfulness of our human nature in submission to the will of God.
Salvation is Only Found in Christ
There are many paths that lead to the dead end of destruction. But, there is only one way to salvation and that is Jesus Christ. As we read of Jesus in Acts 4:12, ‘There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved! WEB” This is true because of Jesus’ submission to the will of God, his sinless life, and his sacrifice as atonement for the sins of mankind.
Entering by the narrow gate requires more than outwardly pretending or appearing righteous. It requires transformation on the inside of our being in our hearts through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for sending your Son to demonstrate your righteousness. Thank you for providing a way for my salvation and eternal life in your heavenly kingdom. Guide me to follow the righteousness of Christ. Write your law in my heart. Give me understanding to live in submission to your word and your will. In Jesus name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Head Over All Things
