"There is a sentence of Christ that sounds simple until it begins to breathe.
It is not a metaphor.
Matthew 7:13 says, Enter ye in at the straight gate, for wide is the gate, and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in there.
And then like the closing of a courtroom door, verse 14 follows, because straight is the gate, and narrow is the way which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
And then like the closing of a courtroom door, verse 14 follows, because straight is the gate, and narrow is the way which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
Few, not most. Few.
*Now hear the terror that most people miss.
*Now hear the terror that most people miss.
Christ is not speaking to pagans in a temple of idols.
He is speaking in the context of religious listeners, people who assume they belong near God.
Many will seek. Many will try. Many will attempt a religious approach, and yet they will not enter.
Many will seek. Many will try. Many will attempt a religious approach, and yet they will not enter.
Q: Why?
A: Because they seek an entrance without surrender.
They seek a gate wide enough for pride to fit through.
They seek a Christ who saves without ruling.
They seek a heaven that does not require holiness.
*They keep a Jesus who comforts their flesh.
That Jesus is not Christ.
That is a golden calf with a cross painted on it.
The narrow gate is narrower than you think because it requires a new heart."
Jonathon Edwards