Matthew 7:13-14 - "Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few."
That's a tough passage. Tough, at first, to understand. And once understood, tough to swallow. "The gate" is the way to heaven. "The gate is narrow" means there aren't a vast many ways to go through it, but only one; Jesus. Jesus is the only way to enter eternal life in heaven rather than eternal death in hell. Romans 10:9 says "If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord', and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." That is the only way through the narrow gate. Matthew 19:24, Mark 10:25, and Luke 18:25 say, "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God." That sounds damning; however, what is impossible to man is only possible with God. While a rich man can do just about anything he likes on Earth it is impossible, by his own will and merit, to enter eternal life in Heaven. However, what is impossible even for the rich man is possible with God.
So, although this passage is scary and tough to swallow, it offers eternal hope through Jesus! It's sad that the bible says "those who find it are few", because we know that God wants us all to choose life by believing in Him and following Him, but we know only some will choose this path and enter eternal life through this 'narrow gate.' And those that choose the path of the 'narrow gate' will enjoy life with our creator eternally.
I know it took me a while to get back on track in writing about Jesus' commands, but come back soon to hear Jesus' command #20 - "Beware of False Prophets".
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