The Narrow Way

The Narrow Way

“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 (Matthew 7.13-14).”

Introduction: According to a recent survey, 70% of adult American Christians believe there are no moral or ethical absolutes that apply to everyone. In other words most Christian adults have been poisoned by the drug of moral relativism. Most Christians have joined the non-Christian culture and believe we set our own standards. In essence this survey reveals that 70% of Adult American Christians have decided that God is not capable or worthy of establishing guidelines for living.

In a similar survey only 20 % of Adult American Christians said that living a life according to God’s will is the single most important thing in their lives. So, the flip side is that 80% of Adult American Christians are telling God to take a number. I’m not really surprised by these facts. These facts are lived out before our eyes everyday. As a matter of fact they are more than likely lived out to some degree by the man or woman we see in the mirror every morning.

The people of the Way have strayed off course. The people of the Book have relegated it to a spot on the coffee table or mantle and they rarely open the Book. Those who call themselves Christians no longer seem to understand the nature of the call. We have lost sight of the narrowness of the Way. We are quickly becoming that which we despise most in the New Testament World – Pharisees. We are becoming the blind leaders of the blind.

It is high time that we return to the nature of the Narrow Way. It is high time we learn again the cost of Christianity. Let us look at the principles of the Narrow Way.

Principle # 1 - It is a Narrow Way

We are quickly becoming a society of acceptance. We have given into the Opera-ti-zation of America. That is to say that we have accepted the old adage that “all roads lead to Rome”. Yet, we have transformed it to read, “all roads lead to Heaven.” No longer is it acceptable to suggest that there is only one truth, especially if that truth comes from the Bible. However, if we call ourselves Christians then we are suggesting that we espouse the beliefs of Jesus Christ, and if we espouse the beliefs of Jesus then we must accept the truth of God’s Word. It is a sad day when those who claim to be followers of “The Way” run contrary to that “Way”. Close minded though it may be, the Bible is the final authority for life and faith. Taking the chance of being criticized by the masses, I must inform you today that there are many paths in this world, but only one “way” leads to God and eternal life.

The Bible says, “Enter ye in at the strait gate … Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life (Matthew 7.13-14 KJV)”. The way to Christ and eternal life is a narrow one. Jesus said, “I am the door of the sheep (John 10.7 KJV).” Suggesting that if one wants to enter into the fold of Christianity one must come through the door way of Jesus Christ. This fact becomes clear when He says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but by Me (John 14.6 KJV).” In other words, all roads do not lead to the Kingdom of God, rather only one road leads to God and that is the road that passes through the person of Jesus Christ.

Friend, if you want to be a Christian you must come through Jesus Christ. If you want to have an eternal home in heaven you must come through Jesus Christ. He is the “way”. The “way” is straight and narrow. So, Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it (Matthew 7.13-14 KJV).”

Today you have been shown the “way”. Will you take it? I pray that you do.

Principle # 2 - It is a Confined Way

Do not be confused by the term “confined”. I do not mean that the way of Christ is confined in a legalistic sense. I believe very much that we have freedom in the person of Jesus Christ. In fact we are freed from the Law. We are not free in the sense that we are free to live contrary to the principles of the Law, because Jesus said that He did not come to destroy the Law, but to fulfill the Law (see Matthew 5.17). In fact, God said, “I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts (Hebrews 8.10 KJV).” No, we are not free from the practice of the principles of God’s Law, but in Christ Jesus we are free from the legal condemnation of the Law as it relates to our sin. Thank God that “there is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit (Romans 8.1 KJV).” “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us Galatians 3.10 KJV).” Therefore, as Christians we are free from the curse of the Law.