In Matthew 7:13, 14 Jesus spoke these words:
"Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat, Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."
Christ meant these words not only for the Jews of 2000 years ago, but for life's travelers today.
The Straight (small) Gate
...is hard to enter. Few will find it.
...we must strive to enter this gate. Many will try to but will be unable. The world will keep them from it.
The Wide (big) Gate
...it is easy to enter
...it takes no self denial, no restraint and no resolve to pass through
In this passage, the word "way" is really a metaphor for the course of a person's life.
The Broad Way
...it is traveled by the vast majority
...it is filled with sinful people
...it is easy to travel
...it leads to Hell
Just as the broad gate is easy to enter, the broad way is easy to travel. People can virtually stumble their way along this road.
The Narrow Way
...it leads to Heaven
...it is the only way to God
...this way is entered only by the straight gate (door). Being in the narrow way is the same as being in the Lord's church. The church is called the "way." (John 14:6; Acts 19:23)
One of two destinies await all of mankind
The destiny of destruction. This is the end of the broad way. This is not speaking of some kind of annihilation of the soul. It is talking about a "conscious" punishment.
The destiny of life. This is the end of the narrow way. No one wants to miss a home in Heaven - but many will. Heaven is a place which is "prepared" - prepared for those who are prepared.
John 14:6
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.Acts 19:23
And the same time there arose no small stir about that way.
