Enter in at the strait gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in threat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it, MAT 7:13-14

These are very solemn truths. Yet how seldom do we seriously examine ourselves to be positive of which way we are in? The Saviour first referred to a wide gate and broad way, wherein many are traveling to eternal destruction.

Second, He directs our attention to the strait gate and narrow way which is found by only a few. It is of utmost importance to note that the way that is found by only a few is the way to eternal life. So lets examine well in which way we are!

I must hasten to point out that if we hold our text in its full context, we will see that Jesus in speaking of those in the broad way referred to them as very religious people, who claim many spiritual gifts. They are the ones He was referring to in M't 7:21-23.

There He said, "Many shall say to me Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?" O, see what Jesus' answer was!! "And then I will profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."

Then where is the distinction between the broad way and the strait and narrow way? Mark what Jesus said to those in the broad way. "Ye that work iniquity."

The way was broad enough that nothing had to stay behind. They could take all their worldly pleasure, pride, rebellion against God and His revealed will, hatred for their fellow man, lust of the flesh and spiritual adultery. All could go along.

They were assured that the blood of Christ would cover it all, but there was no repentance, no true remorse for sin, as the highest insult to the majesty of God.

Jesus was warning too, "Beware of false prophets . . .," who comfort you with promises of salvation while you are still in the broad way without repentance or following Jesus in the way of the cross. See M't 7:15-21 where Jesus concludes by saying, "Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them."

In speaking of the strait gate and narrow way which leadeth unto life Jesus said, ". . . and few there be that find it." So where is it to be found? It is not to be found in a pardon through the blood of Christ without repentance! Repentance is the sign of His perfect righteousness and/or obedience being imputed unto us, which becomes apparent in our lives by taking up our cross and following Jesus in the way of the cross. There is no pardon without repentance! Lu 13:3, 5, 24:47.

We are told in Ga 5:24, "And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts." Also see Col. 2:20, Ro. 6:2, 7, 11.

The effect of the imputed righteousness of Christ is so beautifully set forth in I Pe. 2:24, "Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes we are healed." Walking in the strait and narrow way is to fellowship with Christ's death. See Ro. 6:6, 8:36, II Co. 4:11, Ga. 2:20, Col. 2:20, II Ti. 2:11.

 Amen.