The Bible verse of the "strait gate" can be a bit confusing and not easily understood to both the mature Christian and the young Christian who is new to the Faith. Like this particular passage, there are many passages throughout the Bible that need to be studied more closely, meditated upon, and discussed with more mature Christians or it could be taken out of context. Some Christians may have a "zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge".
There are many people in this world who claim to be believers in Christ, but their hearts tell a different story. That is they seem to have a superficial kind of belief or a self-serving kind, that lacks the character, depth, and repentant attitude of real saving faith. This fact is clearly stated by our Savior, "not everyone who says to me Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of Heaven." Jesus will also say, "depart from me, I never knew you." So, this poses a question that is often asked by Christians: When Jesus is speaking on the two gates, narrow and wide, is He speaking on the day of Judgement?
Matthew 7:13-14
"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."
Jesus presents two gates. One wide and one narrow. The broad gate was for people entering who gave the appearance of righteousness, but was not truly righteous. Whether this was intentional to deceive or not, it doesn't matter. Either one is living through life under false doctrine. The narrow gate is for those entering with true righteousness. The narrow way requires staying in the will of God and observing all things required of our Heavenly Father. The narrow gate requires those to practice godliness, purity, and a holy living(not living anyway you want).
Destruction
In the passage of the "strait gate", destruction does not mean annihilation. It means destroyed in the sense of any usefulness. Its the destruction of ones well being and NOT ceasing to exist. Many people in the world today are following false doctrines and are living in a way that best fits their life style and are being destroyed through a wretched wasted life. Their life is not being fruitful in serving our Lord. The gate is broad because the doctrine is popular in the sense that its pleasing to the world, it best fits the world's life style. They tolerate all kinds of sin and violations of God's Word. They speak empty words that come from an empty heart. They will claim Jesus, pray to Jesus, prophesy in Jesus, but have no real repentance or real Faith. This broad way of living claims a connection with Jesus that is never really there. False professions of Christ is the worst kind of profanity and many have entered this broad way of living.
Life
In the passage of the "strait gate", life does not mean an eternity in Heaven. Its the glorious life in God's will. A fulfilling life provided by God and being dependent on Him. Entering through the narrow gate is not easy. Its not easy living a life style that is not of the world, while living amongst the world. Entering into a life style where Jesus comes first is hard. When we enter through the narrow gate means we enter naked and strip ourselves of all worldly lusts, which is why this path is sought by so few.
The two gates that Jesus speaks on is not Heaven or the Lake of Fire. In the final Judgement, no one passes through any type of gate. Jesus says that true believers in Him, hear His words and practices trying to live out their lives acting on them. True believers in Jesus Christ practices throughout their lives trying to be "doers of the word". Our Savior explains in the passage that few have a true relationship with Him. Few cry out to our Lord for strength and courage to step away from all the sins and lusts of the world that have become so tolerable to so many. Many believers are led astray, living an unrepentant sin, which leads to destructive life styles and a wasted life. Few enters that narrow gate and lives a life in God's glorious will.
There are many people in this world who claim to be believers in Christ, but their hearts tell a different story. That is they seem to have a superficial kind of belief or a self-serving kind, that lacks the character, depth, and repentant attitude of real saving faith. This fact is clearly stated by our Savior, "not everyone who says to me Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of Heaven." Jesus will also say, "depart from me, I never knew you." So, this poses a question that is often asked by Christians: When Jesus is speaking on the two gates, narrow and wide, is He speaking on the day of Judgement?
Matthew 7:13-14
"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."
Jesus presents two gates. One wide and one narrow. The broad gate was for people entering who gave the appearance of righteousness, but was not truly righteous. Whether this was intentional to deceive or not, it doesn't matter. Either one is living through life under false doctrine. The narrow gate is for those entering with true righteousness. The narrow way requires staying in the will of God and observing all things required of our Heavenly Father. The narrow gate requires those to practice godliness, purity, and a holy living(not living anyway you want).
Destruction
In the passage of the "strait gate", destruction does not mean annihilation. It means destroyed in the sense of any usefulness. Its the destruction of ones well being and NOT ceasing to exist. Many people in the world today are following false doctrines and are living in a way that best fits their life style and are being destroyed through a wretched wasted life. Their life is not being fruitful in serving our Lord. The gate is broad because the doctrine is popular in the sense that its pleasing to the world, it best fits the world's life style. They tolerate all kinds of sin and violations of God's Word. They speak empty words that come from an empty heart. They will claim Jesus, pray to Jesus, prophesy in Jesus, but have no real repentance or real Faith. This broad way of living claims a connection with Jesus that is never really there. False professions of Christ is the worst kind of profanity and many have entered this broad way of living.
Life
In the passage of the "strait gate", life does not mean an eternity in Heaven. Its the glorious life in God's will. A fulfilling life provided by God and being dependent on Him. Entering through the narrow gate is not easy. Its not easy living a life style that is not of the world, while living amongst the world. Entering into a life style where Jesus comes first is hard. When we enter through the narrow gate means we enter naked and strip ourselves of all worldly lusts, which is why this path is sought by so few.
The two gates that Jesus speaks on is not Heaven or the Lake of Fire. In the final Judgement, no one passes through any type of gate. Jesus says that true believers in Him, hear His words and practices trying to live out their lives acting on them. True believers in Jesus Christ practices throughout their lives trying to be "doers of the word". Our Savior explains in the passage that few have a true relationship with Him. Few cry out to our Lord for strength and courage to step away from all the sins and lusts of the world that have become so tolerable to so many. Many believers are led astray, living an unrepentant sin, which leads to destructive life styles and a wasted life. Few enters that narrow gate and lives a life in God's glorious will.
