“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.” (Matthew 7:13-14 ESV). This command relates to our salvation. When we
are born physically we are by default on the way that leads to destruction and
unless we obey this command and enter by the narrow gate we will continue on to
eternal destruction.
A verse that adds meaning is: “For the wages of sin is
death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans
6:23 ESV). In Romans 3:23, Paul tells us that “all have sinned and fall short
of the glory of God,” and the wage of that sin death. We are born spiritually dead
and as we live out life we continue to sin until we die physically, but while
we are physically alive we have the opportunity to enter by the narrow gate,
which is Jesus Christ, and be born spiritually and receive eternal life.
In countries of persecution, that choice could result in
great hardship, even death. The way that leads to life is hard and those who
find it are few. Here in the west very little is said about the Christian life
being difficult. Here salvation is seen by many as a ticket to heaven and a
life of safety, security and comfort here on earth. An emphasis is not made
that as new creatures in Christ we have an assignment to carry out. As members
of the kingdom of God, we have kingdom work to do, part of which is to go and
make disciples. We are to pick up our cross daily and remember that by faith we
have been crucified with Jesus Christ and we are to allow him to live his life
in and through us (Galatians 2:20).
Prayer
Father, thank you that through Jesus Christ you have
provided a way of salvation. It is given as a free gift, which we must accept if
we are to obey the command to enter through the narrow gate. It is a gift that
comes with responsibility and as your children we can expect times of discipline
as you develop a Christ like character in us. Yes, the gate is narrow and the
way is hard, but Father, the benefits are more than worth the hardship. Thank you
for the gift of salvation.
See "The Commands of
Jesus" Index to view other commands.
No comments:
Post a Comment