Tuesday, September 20, 2011

The Commands of Christ - Matthew 7:13-14


"Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." -Matthew 7:13-14

What does this command require?

Enter through the narrow gate that leads to life.

What truths do we learn through this command?

The gate that leads to salvation is narrow. Contrary to popular opinion of our culture today, salvation is only found in one place--in one person, Jesus Christ. Our culture would like to tell us that every religion is just a means to the same end. Society would like to think that every religion is just as valid. But Jesus teaches here that the gate is narrow. In John 14, Jesus tells us that He is the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Him.

The way that leads to life is difficult. It will be hard. It will be challenging. Sometimes it will even seem impossible. But in the end, the reward is worth it. Eternal life is at the end of the narrow, difficult way. Keeping the end in mind helps us persevere on the journey. There are few who find this way. There are few.

Broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. How sad and heart-wrenching is this fact! Many will follow the broad path to destruction. We live in a world filled with lost people, and they are all headed down the path that leads to destruction. May we be faithful in rescuing them, showing them the way of salvation.

What are the consequences for disobeying this command?

Destruction.

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