Introduction

One of the most well-known scriptures in the Bible today is found in the Book of Matthew. Matthew 7:13-14 (13“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. 14“Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it,) and Matthew 7:21-23 (21“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22“Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we †not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23“And †then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’) These scriptures only mean one thing, however, many people get confused and overlook what is necessary to receive eternal life. This report will have an in-depth analysis of what exactly the two texts imply and the teachings Jesus wanted his disciples to understand.

Analysis of the scripture

The book of Mathew chapter 7 is mainly concerned with identifying the group of people that will enter the kingdom of God and those that will not. Verses 13 and 14 describe the way to the kingdom of heaven where Jesus clearly explained about the narrow gate and the wide gate. From the scriptures, it is clear that those following the narrow gate are destined to heaven while those in the wide gate will not see the kingdom of God. Jesus wanted to make it clear that the devil is always at work and will always strive to confuse the faithful on the right path to the kingdom (Bible Gateway, 2015). Jesus serves a warning to his disciple that devil is changing road signs, and it is, therefore, essential to ensure that those seeking the kingdom of God must ensure that they are on the right path that leads to eternal life.

In my understanding, Jesus’s reference to the narrow gate is symbolic that those who seek the heavenly kingdom must be ready for perseverance. The journey to the kingdom is not a walk in the park, and only the strong in faith and spirit will eventually meet our maker (Wilkin, 2015). Jesus wanted to make the disciples understand that they better be prepared to be ridiculed by others and face sufferings in the process. The teachings imply that the call to follow God is the same regardless of the place of residence in the world (GotQuestions.org, 2015). It is a journey full of temptations, and the world will always offer better avenues that will distract believers from the path of life. The worldly things may be tempting, but Jesus offers a warning to Christians that the happiness offered by earthly privileges is short lived and should strive to get eternal life.

From these scriptures in the book of Mathew, Jesus is very clear that the wide gate is the way that will lead to death and destruction. This serves as a warning to the faithful that those who are enjoying life in this world may not find their way to the heavenly kingdom (Bible Gateway, 2015). Taking it literally, a wide gate will be the easy avenue and thus it will be more accommodating compared to the straight narrow gate. This implies that most people will tend to follow this route possibly because it will be easily seen and attractive to the people. It is prudent noting that according to the scripture, the wide gate is easy to enter and walk. Some translations have referred to it as the ‘’easy way’’ and will hold masses. Nevertheless, Jesus clearly warns the disciples that although the gate is wide, it leads to destruction or hell. This serves a great warning that those who opts this path must be prepared to perish.

Jesus emphasize that the wide gate will hold masses destined to destruction. Contrary, the narrow gate will have few followers who will meet the heavenly kingdom. It is prudent noting that the large numbers of people following the wide gate do necessarily want to be punished in hell. However, the world is full of temptations that make it difficult for earthly people to live according to the provisions of the scripture.   Serving Jesus in this world is a challenging exercise, and many people are unable to fulfill this role (StudyLight.org, 2015).   These are the people that Jesus is trying to describe that will pass through the wide gate.  Most people are living an easy life in this world unknowing that they are going down the wide gate. Others are quite aware that they are in the wide path but only hopes that this will lead them to heaven (Bible Gateway, 2015). Others live in denial and thinks that there is no other life after death.

The narrow way, on the other hand, is described as the way to heaven. People are given the right to choose between the narrow and the wide gate, but the consequences are known. In the book of John 14:6, Jesus refers to himself as the way. It is, therefore, imperative for us to understand that no one will see the kingdom of God without through Christ. Christians must therefore understand that they should not take the ‘’gate’’ literary (Biblehub.com, 2015). The narrow gate refers to how Christians will get to heaven through Christ by faith in his finished work on the cross. Jesus assures the disciples that those following the narrow gate will get to heaven. He, however, emphasizes that the gate is ‘’strait’’ meaning that it is difficult going through this gate (GotQuestions.org, 2015). This implies that those who are determined to go to heaven must be ready to face countless challenges on the route. This is however not in consonance to many people as most people believe that the way to heaven is very easy. Most preachers nowadays are teaching people that they only have to believe in Jesus and hence they proclaim the kingdom of God (StudyLight.org, 2015).  However, this is a different teaching from what Jesus himself taught his disciples. Christians have to do much more besides believing in Jesus Christ.

Jesus is very categorical that only a few people will follow the narrow gate. This is a major surprise to many people since they believe that people would not want to perish, and they believe in God. Most people are of the opinion that God is merciful and thus cannot subject his people to suffering in hell (Wilkin, 2015). Nevertheless, people fail to understand that Jesus outlines three facts concerning the narrow gate; it leads to heaven, it is difficult to enter and that only a few people will follow the narrow gate (Bible Gateway, 2015). It should, therefore, be clear to everyone that Jesus is not interested in numbers, and only the truly faithful will have the opportunity to enter the heavenly kingdom. It is, however, wise noting that most people understand the teachings of Jesus on the narrow gate but always disagrees with the teachings giving some excuses.

Verses 13 and 14 of the chapter give people freedom to choose the way they find useful to them. However, Jesus provides clear explanation to the consequences of any choice made.  As Christians, we have the destiny of our lives in our hands and it is upon us to make good decisions. Jesus also predicts that the gate to hell will attract many while the route to heaven will be narrow and hence fewer followers.  Nevertheless, the teachings do not necessarily explains which of the two gates comes first or last. The terms wide and narrow are also relative terms that fail to make a clear distinction. This leaves us in a dilemma to find out which the wide is or the narrow gate. Christians have to put efforts to understand which the narrow is or the wide road and make a choice on which to follow.

It is prudent noting that the disciples have the obligation of sparing no efforts in determining the narrow gate. The wide gate may be easily recognized since it offers an easy life here on earth and most people will be tempted to follow this route. The wide gate is popularly referred to as the highway to hell, and it is always easy to find (GotQuestions.org, 2015). Ungodliness, immorality and other ways of the world are rampant everywhere and thus it is easy for people to realize. The wide gate does not require too much effort to find since it is part of our daily life (Wilkin, 2015). In fact, any people who do not follow the way, Jesus Christ, are obviously on the highway to hell. On the other hand, the narrow gate is difficult to find and choose. The world and its sinful nature is too much to us thus making it difficult to find and choose the ticket to heaven (Bible Gateway, 2015). Narrow gate requires one to follow Christ, carry own cross and stick to decisions that obey the word of God. It is worth noting that many people in the world know this way but find it difficult to follow it. The enticing nature of the world attracts people to sinning and covering up through false religions and funny believes.

On this note, the term ‘’few’’ and ‘’many’’ as used in the text are also relative terms. For instance, the Bible fails to specify the number of people finding the narrow gate. The verse only says a few who could imply that fewer people find the path than those who did not find the path. This could be the case in modern society where most people are carried by the sinful nature of the world. This is a clear indication that people have no goodwill to pursue the narrow path (Biblehub.com, 2015). The mention of the small gate and a narrow road should send a clear message of the difficulties and challenges that one should expect in the pursuit of eternal life. Jesus wants the disciples to understand that doing the right things as commanded by the scriptures will be a huge challenge and only the disciplined will make it. The narrow gate requires people with humility, those who give the poor, people slow to anger, those who love their enemies, forgiving people and those who are ready to be ridiculed and persecuted for the gospel among other traits (GotQuestions.org, 2015). These traits are not easily attained and call for discipline and determination.

Use of the wide and narrow gate is metaphorical. Jesus wants us to think beyond and discover the narrow path and why it is narrow. From Jesus’ point of view, the narrow path intends to define the characters that qualify one to become a child of God. The God’s kingdom must be separated with other worldly religions where earthly people live in comfort. From the previous chapters in the same book of Matthew, Jesus outlined major characters that are essential to becoming part of his father’s kingdom. Issues of mercy, forgiveness and being slow to anger are some of the issues discussed in Matthew 5:7.  These are essential traits in the kingdom of God, but most people will find it difficult to follow. The difficulty we experience when forgiving those who hurt us is the significance of the narrow gate (StudyLight.org, 2015).

Though most people would be willing to see the kingdom of heaven, there are so many reasons as to why it may be difficult to follow the narrow road. For instance, it requires personal dependence on Savior from sin, but the world has attracted us to worldly solutions rather than seeking spiritual guidance. People have also found excuses in issues such as attending church and being nice as the only things that God requires of us. It is also our tendency to conform to what the society offers thus failing to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ. This is the best explanation as to why only a few people will find the narrow path.  The teachings emphasize the importance of getting the everlasting life that is only through knowing Christ, who is the way.

But the scriptures on the wide gate and the narrow gate seem to with the teachings of the verses 21, 22 and 23 of the sane chapter. The scripture insists that not everyone who claims to know God will enter the kingdom of heaven, but instead only those who understand the will of the Father will get to heaven. From this scripture, Jesus emphasizes that many will call his name and claim to have been loyal to Christ but their pleas may be in vain. Jesus also confirms that he will tell them he never knew them and failed to live according to the provisions of the gospel (Biblehub.com, 2015). It is imperative noting that these two scriptures are not contradicting each other but rather they are emphasizing and complimenting each other. Just like the narrow and wide gate narrative, the second scriptures also have two distinct expressions. “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and the expression “He who does the will of My Father”, and all implies that live is about choices.

From the passage, Jesus leaves an avenue for one to decide to call the name of the Lord or to do the will, God. It is worth noting that Jesus say “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord’’ and not’’ no one’’. From this point of view, it is clear that among those who say “Lord, Lord” not all will enter the kingdom of heaven. The people who seek the heavenly kingdom must first know God and live according to his teachings. The impression ‘’will of My Father” intends to give insights of the expected Christian living. It is imperative that people understand that a Godly living is characterized by obeying the commandments of the Father (GotQuestions.org, 2015). People who live according to the will of God are those living holy lives as outlined in the commandments.

The passage emphasizes the importance of obedience to the Father’s teachings being key to the entrance to the heavenly kingdom. It is prudent noting that Jesus is very categorical in this passage that professing admiration for Jesus does not guarantee one a place in the heavenly kingdom. It is in this passage that Jesus first use the term “my Father” which implies that Jesus is the authoritative revealer of God.  This emphasis on the earlier claim from the book of John where Jesus says he is the truth, the light, and the way, only through him that we get to the kingdom of heaven. Jesus wanted people to ensure that they follow the teachings of the lord to be guaranteed lace in the kingdom of heaven (Bible Gateway, 2015). It is also prudent noting that this kingdom of heaven is a promise we will get in future after satisfying certain requirements. People will be subjected to judgment to ascertain their place in this promised kingdom. It is also worth understanding that this kingdom is open for us all, but we have to make choice of knowing Christ and do according to the will of the Father.

Verses 22 and 23 says, “Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we †not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ “And  then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ this is the most confusing part of this passage. Many people fail to understand how people can cast out demons; perform miracles and other wonders without having Christ. People always think that performing miracles and healing the sick is a function of the Holy Spirit that comes from God (YouTube, 2015). From the passage, Jesus wanted to emphasize on true discipleship that is not easy. There are possible explanations as to why people would perform miracles and cast out demons and still miss a place in the heavenly kingdom. Ungodly people can perform these acts through satanic powers.

The Bible has several instances where evil powers are manifested, and this could also be happening today. For instance, the book of Exodus chapter 7 outlines the roles of the magicians and sorcerers of Egypt whose ‘’secret arts’’ were popular to many. It is worth noting that these were not actions from men of God but rather were powerful earthly beings (StudyLight.org, 2015).   Cases of sorcerers and black magic are also evident in the New Testament. The book of Acts 13:6, Paul is seen confronting a Jewish sorcerer called Elymas where he refers to him a child of the devil. The scriptures are therefore very clear that not all miracles come from God and also not all those claim to perform miracles in the name of Jesus are truly His.  From the passage, Jesus denounces them and refers to them as evildoers since the miracles are from evil sources. From the passage, Jesus wants to warn his disciples of the emergence of false prophets who will claim to be men of God.

Additionally, God can also at will empower unbelievers to perform miracles for a purpose. To bring out the issue of true discipleship, Jesus together with his disciples preached the gospel, cast out demons, healed the sick and also raised the dead (StudyLight.org, 2015). The same traits are supposedly present to all the eleven disciples of Jesus including Judas, who betrayed Jesus.  Later chapters confirm that Judas was not a true disciple and john17:12 refer to him as a deceiver “son of perdition”. Although Jesus was aware of the fact that Judas was not a true disciple, He gave him these powers to do miracles on purpose and that his Father’s name would be glorified. The teachings of this book are very clear that preaching the word of God and performing miracles does not guarantee a person a place in the kingdom of heaven (GotQuestions.org, 2015). Jesus wants to explain the fact that there is no connection between working miracles with piety. The choice of medium through which God can manifest himself is the full discretion of God.  Moral character is not a qualification to being an agency of fulfilling the work of God. The passage is very clear that only those who do the will of God will have a chance of getting to the kingdom of heaven.

The passage emphasizes that there will be a judgment day, where those who knows Jesus and do the will of his Father will be rewarded with the kingdom of heaven. It is imperative understanding that not all that will call upon his name will enter the kingdom.  Knowing him and doing the Father’s will obediently are the full credentials that will guarantee one a place in heaven. The passage wants to provide teachings those only true believers who will have aces to the kingdom of God. Galatians chapter 5 talks of true believers who are compared to the good trees that bear good fruits. It is imperative noting that it is important noting that true believers have the responsibility of keeping the teachings of God and live a righteous life that will lead to eternal life (Biblehub.com, 2015).  These are the people who Jesus refers to the sons of God who will see the Kingdom of God.

In essence, the passage wants to imply that only those living a godly and holy life will enter the kingdom of heaven.  However, this interpretation may experience several challenges. People will always find it difficult to follow strictly the God’s commandments. Entry to this kingdom requires us to be 100% perfect since God is also perfect (YouTube, 2015). No one can be classified as having fulfilled the will of God unless he is perfect beyond reasonable doubt that is a great challenge to most people. People will always find it difficult to live a perfect life where they comply with all the commandments. To violate even just one of God’s commands is to break them all (James 2:10). It is on this premise that people are always confused about whether or not one is a candidate to this kingdom or not. One can only be assured of his place after death and the rapture. The extent to which obedience to the will of the father is assessed is relative thus making it difficult for one to assess their positions in this kingdom.

Just like the terms wide and narrow are relative in the former scriptures, ‘’obedience’’ and the ‘’will of the Father’’ are also relative. Most people believe that Jesus implied that people should believe in gospel when he talked about doing the will of the father. However, this is not purely the case since there are also other teachings of forgiveness, humility, being slow to anger and mercy that are also critical for the disciples to enter the kingdom. Some also argue that God is merciful and will not allow anyone to perish regardless of their acts on this world. It is, however, prudent noting that this is not the case as the book f John 3:36 emphasis on the importance of believing in the Son to get everlasting life. The text is very clear that those who fail to believe in the Son shall miss the eternal life but instead will face the wrath of God. This is a continuation of the importance of true obedience and its impact on the realization of the heavenly kingdom (Bible Gateway, 2015).  The sermon outlines the necessary conditions to get to the kingdom of God and include knowing the Christ and completely abiding by the will of the Father. Persons with such traits are perfectly suited to inherit the kingdom of God.

Just like it is difficult to find the narrow gate, it is also difficult to know Christ and do the will of God to perfection. The journey to the kingdom of God is challenging one must be ready for persecution and ridicule to meet the maker. The Bible talks about Jesus being the way through which the faithful will enter the kingdom of God (StudyLight.org, 2015).  However, most people live self-righteous lives and are deceived that they are on the right path. People who live such lives are on the wide gate and hopes that since they are ‘’nice’’ and know Christ, they will inherit this kingdom. These are the same people that the scripture says they will say “Lord, Lord have we not prophesied, cast out demons, and done many wonders in Your name.” Despite living the ‘’nice’’ lives in the world, they fail to meet the threshold of being the sons of God. It is imperative noting that Jesus does not question whether they preached, cast demons or performed miracles (Biblehub.com, 2015). But he condemns and rebukes them for not doing the will of the father and consequently denied entry to this kingdom.

Though the scriptures may seem contradicting, this is not the case but rather they complement each other. These scriptures want to express that entry to the kingdom of God is not easy and calls for determination and self-discipline. Jesus implies the narrow gate and the narrow road are difficult to find and follow as opposed to the wide gate that is attractive to the world (GotQuestions.org, 2015). There are limitations on what we ought to believe in Christ for us to get entry into this kingdom. The definition of truth according to this sermon should not be based on pluralism, democracy or through consensus, but rather it is defined by the commandments of God. The truth will always be the truth, and no one should have a different opinion. Being a religious person does not guarantee a person a ticket to this kingdom. For instance, the Pharisees were very religious people but without Christ thus were not candidates for this kingdom (YouTube, 2015). These could be the people Jesus is referring to when he says not all that call his name will see the kingdom.

The two passages put emphasis on the importance of being decisive when it comes to Christian life. They are very clear that there is no bland neutrality in truth and people must make choice on whether to follow God or follow the world. The scripture gives options of enjoying life on earth and miss eternal life or choose to suffer on earth and enjoy with our heavenly Father in his kingdom.  It is prudent noting that choosing the narrow gate is not easy among the earthly people, and the scriptures are very categorical that only a few people will manage. Though we are all called to the heavenly kingdom, only a few will be chosen (Matthew 22:14). It is therefore upon ourselves to think on this issue and ensure that we do not regret on the choices we make. The route to the promised kingdom is a difficult one compared to the wide gate with the world attractions. However knowing Christ and accepting him as the savior will be the only way for us to get eternal life (Biblehub.com, 2015). Though it is not an easy choice, it is a choice with making.  Know Jesus, He is the narrow gate and only through him that we get to the Kingdom.

References

Bible Gateway,. (2015). Bible Gateway passage: Matthew 7 – English Standard Version. Retrieved 11 November 2015, from https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%207&version=ESV

Biblehub.com,. (2015). Matthew 7:21 Commentaries: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.. Retrieved 11 November 2015, from http://biblehub.com/commentaries/matthew/7-21.htm

GotQuestions.org,. (2015). Does Matthew 7:21-23 mean that believers can lose salvation?. Retrieved 11 November 2015, from http://www.gotquestions.org/Matthew-7-21-23.html

StudyLight.org,. (2015). Matthew 7 Commentary – Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable. Retrieved 11 November 2015, from http://www.studylight.org/commentaries/dcc/view.cgi?bk=39&ch=7

Wilkin, B. (2015). Not Everyone Who Says “Lord, Lord” Will Enter the Kingdom.

YouTube,. (2015). #160: The Narrow Gate. Retrieved 11 November 2015, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adBWAdJwwzk

 
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