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
You are holding a map of life. Our life is a journey. We are just passing through this world. When God brings your journey to an end, what kind of destination awaits you in eternity? You will see by the scriptures and on the map that there are only two ways. These two paths arrive at very different destinations. God loves you and has your good in mind. He wants you to be with Him in heaven, but He leaves the choice to you. This map shows which choice the Bible teaches will lead to heaven.
The Crossroads of Decision
Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision. Joel 3:14
At the fork in the road, there is a signboard written, “CHOOSE.” There are many people standing at this place of decision. They are trying to decide which path to take. Heaven or hell is the destination. This decision is not easy because the path to heaven is narrow and steep. Hell is a terrible destination, but the way is easy to travel and pleasing to the flesh. Jeremiah 6:16 says, “Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls.”
The Wide Path
Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
This path starts very pleasantly with a big wide gate and a broad path. This big gate means there are no restrictions—any pleasure you like can pass through. The path to hell is crowded with pleasure seekers. There are many empty promises of fame and fortune, popularity and love. Alcohol causes you to forget the responsibilities and the weariness of your day. Loud music and entertainment help you forget your worries and fears.
As you continue down this path you will at times become uneasy. You notice everyone is carrying a heavy burden. These burdens are the sins people commit, telling a lie, allowing a lustful thought or deed, stealing, anger, or hatred. These sins add more burdens to their heavy load. Appetites for pleasure are never satisfied; they lead deeper and deeper into sin. Despite the company of many friends, the travelers are often quarreling and fighting. As you listen, you hear their cries of despair and pain. They are shocked to find that instead of freedom, they are tightly bound by the chains of sin and cannot escape! It is a trap made by Satan to destroy the souls of mankind. This path leads to hell—the eternal fire that is never quenched!
Take another look at the Map. There is hope for the sinner. See the few people who have turned around and are traveling back up the path? These people are so tired of their sinful life that they have turned around, leaving friends and family behind. They are leaving the allurements and pleasures of sin. They are determined to acknowledge their mistake before they reach hell. They have decided to choose the narrow way.
The Shortcut Ladder
John 10:1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.
Unfortunately, some try to escape their doom by their own strength. Do you see the ladder leading out of this terrible path? This ladder is Satan’s shortcut to salvation—it is a lie. He has made this shortcut to deceive people into believing that they can be saved without passing through the narrow gate. This shortcut is used by those trying hard to be saved by their own efforts without repentance. Maybe you think you are saved because you have been baptized in water or prayed over by a pastor. Unless you repent, even miraculous healings or having evil spirits cast out cannot save you. Read Matthew 7:21-23. You may think you can earn your salvation by leaving your bad deeds and doing good deeds. What about the sins you have committed? God will not forget them. Time does not erase your sins. Prayers and miracles from the pastor cannot erase sins. Water baptism cannot erase sins. You must pass through the narrow gate!
The Door to God
John 10:7, 9 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you,…I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
Sin is the great chasm between God and man. Jesus, God’s Son, was crucified on a cross and gave His life as the sacrifice for our sin. He laid Himself down (on the cross) as a bridge that we could pass over to reach God. Jesus is the only way to eternal life, and the One Who can heal the soul from the disease of sin. The Bible says He is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).
Do you see the narrow gate and the cross? This is the gate to true repentance. Every traveler who passes through this gate has caught a glimpse of Jesus on the cross. The cross is where Jesus died for our sins. The weary traveler hears Jesus calling, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). By faith accept that Jesus is the sacrifice for your sins. Confess your sins to Him in prayer. His blood will wash your burden of sin away. Do you see how small the gate is? All the proud, boastful attitudes must be left at the gate. We can only be free as we humble ourselves and admit how sinful we really are. Everything must be surrendered to Jesus. The Bible also teaches us to confess our sins to the people we have wronged (James 5:16). This is difficult because we are ashamed of our sins and want to cover them. Read John 3:19-21 and 1 John 1:8-9.
The Narrow Way
Isaiah 35:8, 10 And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness;…And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
The road that leads to the cross and through the narrow gate leads to heaven and eternal bliss! If we remember this, it will give us courage and determination to endure whatever hardships and temptations we encounter. This path is narrow and steep. It is a life of self-denial. To travel this way you may need to leave behind your friends and family. But there is joy and peace in your heart because God has forgiven you and removed your burden of sin. Those who have passed through the narrow gate have found true freedom through Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17.
The Bible is a roadmap for travelers on their journey. We need to read the Word of God daily for direction. It is a light for the path and will sanctify our lives. We are also given the gift of the Holy Spirit. He calms our hearts and gently leads us in the narrow way. He helps us bear the fruit of love, joy, peace, longsuffering, and kindness. We can live in harmony with our fellow man and even love our enemies. If we follow and obey the Holy Spirit together with the Bible, we are assured of safely reaching heaven. We will make mistakes. If we humble ourselves and confess our sins, God will forgive us.
When the way is difficult, some travelers become discouraged and turn around. Possibly they have quit reading the Bible and praying. They have lost their relationship with God. Read Luke 14:28-30. Some may fall back into their old sins and slip off the narrow way. Although we are Christians, we still live in a body with sinful tendencies. We must deny ourselves of these or we will be outside of the grace of God. “And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved” Matthew 10:22.
Accept Jesus today. Confess your sins, surrender your life to God, and you too can walk on the narrow road to heaven. Gone is the despair and fear. Gone is the endless thirst for sinful desires. Instead your heart is at rest and peace. There is courage and strength to walk the narrow way, the path to heaven.
There are only two ways—which one are you on?