There are Two Ways

 

 Bound for Eternity, Part 3

Introduction

In our last article, we learned that all roads do NOT lead to heaven. In reality, it’s only one. This week we’re going to look closer at what Jesus said in 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.”

In this passage, Jesus spoke of two ways; the right way and the wrong way. We’ll look at each of these in turn.

 

The Broad Way

As mentioned in verse 13, the broad way is used by the majority in life. Imagine you’re on a major highway with 6 lanes and no speed limit. Everyone that is on this highway is going at a smooth pace; no hazards, no accidents, etc. The question to ask is, “Why are there so many people on the broad way if it leads to destruction?”

The answer is, no one knows it’s headed to destruction. On the wide gate would be a sign that says, This Way to Heaven. There would probably be angels with trumpets on it, beautiful music playing and inviting colors. This is why people choose large church facilities to worship in; megachurches, cathedrals with stain glass windows, etc. They believe the larger the facility to closer to God that they will be. This, of course, is a deception as the sign on the wide gate is a total lie by Satan.

Paul warns in 2 Corinthians 11:13-15, For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.

Satan tirelessly works at convincing people that you don’t need to hear about sin or Hell but, rather, “I’m O.K. You’re O.K.” motivational-type sermons. People go through six days of drudgery so they want to be uplifted and encouraged in the worship period on Sunday. Essentially, those preachers are all saying, “God loves you just the way you are; you don’t need to change.”

 

The Narrow Way

In the same highway scenario, as above, The Narrow Way is what is known as the “Diamond Lane”; the single lane way off to the side for cars with two or more passengers.

In verse 14, it says that the narrow way is also difficult and few will be found on it; though it leads to life. The reason for so few people is that it is difficult. This lane would be filled with potholes, debris, speedbumps, and other road hazards. Travel is not impossible but rather slower and more difficult but the reward at the end of the path is great.

Although the narrow gate also says, This Way to Heaven, people would notice that it’s just an ordinary sign. There’s nothing about the sign that entices people to enter within which is why people tend to ignore it. There’s nothing flashy about the First Century church either. Nothing ornate or elaborate to entice people to join.

However, the people of the first century knew that the truth was being taught “through the narrow gate” and they were very interested in hearing it. Unlike denominations, True New Testament Christians, today, don’t assume what the preacher is telling them is from God’s word. They, themselves, open their bibles and follow along; making sure that what is being told them is actually from God’s word. As it is written in Acts 17:11, These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.

And, like the diamond lane, as Christians, we never travel alone. Paul wrote in Galatians 6:2, Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. There is a sense of togetherness that you can’t find anywhere else; not even in blood family.

Brethren, from all parts of the planet, can be a support as they go through the same trials and tribulations that you go through. Together, we can travel the same path and arrive at the same destination; encouraging each other along the way.

 

Conclusion

There are only two ways to go; the right way and the wrong way. Jesus said in (John 14:6) Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” If you are not following Jesus, and being obedient to the Father (Mt. 7:21), then you are on the wrong road heading the wrong way.