WHY FEW ENTER THE NARROW WAY
Reading from Matthew, chapter 7, verses 13 and 14. "Enter ye in by the narrowgate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many are they that enter in thereby. For narrow is the gate, and strait [ means restricted ] the way, that leadeth unto life, and few are they that find it."
You will notice in this passage that the Lord mentions two
paths, one leading to life, the other to destruction. One is a strait and narrow way, the other is wide or broad. Jesus states that only a few chose to enter the narrow way; while many chose to go in the broad way. Our question just here is:
Why is it that so few chose to enter the strait and narrow way where they may receive life. There no doubt are many reasons, but in the remainder of our time I wish to point out some of the reasons why few chose to enter the narrow way.
First, it is not because it is impossible for them to enter.
There is a doctrine taught among religious people that God predestined some to be lost, even before this world began, and there is nothing they can do to be saved. Such a doctrine did not come from God, nor is it taught in God's Word. If, indeed, God selected some to be lost even before they were born, would that not make God a respecter of persons.
Yet, Peter said, "Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: but in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is acceptable to him" (Acts 10:34-35). Note the statement made by the apostle Peter, "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering to you- ward, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to
repentance" (2 Peter 3:9).
No, God does not wish any to be lost. If one is lost it will be in spite of what God has done, not because of what God has done. Also, you will note that the Lord exhorts men to enter the strait and narrow path. If one can not enter, then that make Jesus a deceiver. He would be encouraging one to enter, but that one cannot enter, because he was chosen to be lost. My friends, that doctrine did not originate with God, but rather with Satan.
In Romans 1:16, Paul states, "I am not ashamed of the Gospel for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth, to the Jew first and also to the Greek" (Romans 1:16). No, Jesus did not die just for those chosen before the creation, but He died for all mankind. In giving the great commission, Jesus sent the apostles forth with the charge, "Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation" (Mark 16:15). No, people do not enter into the narrow way because it is impossible for them to enter.
Second, people do not enter because they can not know how to enter. Why say "Enter" and then make it so that man could not know how to enter. Such would be a reflection upon the very goodness of God, upon His mercy. If the Lord invites men to enter -- and surely He does -- then it is within the ability of all to enter. In John 8:32, Jesus said, "Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free."
Then in John 17:17, "Sanctify them in the truth: thy word is truth."
Man has the word of God, the truth. Jesus states that a knowledge of that truth will make one free, free from sin. But, it takes effort and study. It takes desire. Yes, each one can enter into the strait and narrow way. But some just do not wish to do so. They chose not to "know."
Some do not enter the strait and narrow way because of prejudice. They have heard the message of salvation, but because of some preconceived ideas and prejudices, they refuse the message. Prejudice is defined by Webster as "an opinion, usually unfavorable, formed before a careful examination." There are a number of prejudicial statement which people have allowed to cloud their judgment and refuse the truth of God's Word. The idea that one church is as good as another is a prejudicial statement that causes many to refuse to examine what God has said about the church. How can conflicting churches teaching different doctrines be pleasing unto the Lord? Paul taught that there is one body (Ephesians 4:4) and that the body is the church (Ephesians 1:22-23). Jesus built His church -- singular (Matthew 16:18).
Another prejudicial statement is, "What was good enough for my parents, is good enough for me." But, we do not reason like that in any other matter. All parents wish something better for their children. Also, how many generations would one need to go back to in order to find great grandparents and others who believed and practiced
something different. What if you find an ancestor who did not believe in Christ? Would what was good enough for them be good enough for you? Another prejudicial statement is "We are going to same place, just using different paths. Did the Lord's statement we began with suggest that there are many paths to heaven? He said there was a strait and narrow way. It behooves us all to find that strait and narrow path and to enter into it. Yes, prejudice will keep many souls out of the narrow path. And if one is not in the narrow part, then they are in the broad way. And that way leads to destruction.
Some do not enter the narrow path because they are following some preacher without investigating what he teaches. The inspired writers warned over and over about false teachers. Hear the apostle Peter, "But there arose false prophets among the people, as among you also there shall be false teachers, who shall privily bring in destructive heresies, denying even the Master that bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And man shall follow their lascivious doings; but reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And in covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you" (2 Peter 2:1-3). Will men make merchandise of their fellow men? Of course they do. Just turn your television on and you will see this happening on a regular basis. 1 John 4:1 warns us to "try the spirits, to see whether they are from God." What is the solution? We must compare what is taught with the revealed Word of God. If it is not founded therein, it must be rejected. And, just because one reads it from the Bible does not necessarily make it right. It may not be the proper meaning. It may not be the proper application. Many times verses are pulled out of their context and made to teach something which they do not teach. The Bereans were noble, in that, they searched the scriptures to see if the things they were hearing were indeed the word of God. (Acts 17:11). Paul told Timothy to study the Word. (2 Timothy 2:15). And remember the warning of our Lord. "If the blind shall lead the blind, then both shall fall into the ditch." (Matthew 15:14).
Then there are some who attempt to enter the narrow way with the world on their backs. They would like to walk in the narrow path, but they want to bring along all sorts of things. There are some things which they simply do not, nor will they give up. There are some who would like to be in the narrow way, but they continue frequenting the dance halls and other places of evil.
Others bring their bottles with them and think that they can continue to drink Satan's brew. There are others who attempt to walk in the narrow way, but they wish to buy that raffle ticket, or play the slot machines or roulette tables. And still others who continue to swear and curse. Many attempt to enter the narrow way, but their choice of clothing continues to be a shame and embarrassment to godly people.
And they then in turn accuse righteous people of being "narrow minded." You see, the narrow path is too narrow for them.
There are just some things which must be left behind if we truly desire to serve our God. Jesus states that if any man "puts his hand to the plow, and looks back, they are not fit for the kingdom of God" (Luke 9:62).
One just cannot drag the world in with them if they would serve God. Christ said that we must deny ourselves and follow Him, if we would be his disciple. Salvation is dependent upon one's repentance. A change of attitude, which results in a change of life. If one does not repent of those things which are evil, that one just cannot enter the narrow way.
Some fail to enter the narrow way because they desire to follow the majority. Some never seem to be satisfied unless they are popular. But, did you notice that the majority of people are in the broad path which leads to destruction. As we view the events of past history, we see that the majority has inevitably been on the wrong side of serving the Lord. Look at the world during the days of Noah, Genesis chapter 6.
There were only 8 righteous souls, whom Jehovah deemed worthy to escape the flood. Noah, his three sons, and their wives. The rest were in the broad way leading to destruction. Look at the large group who left the bondage of Egypt (600,000 men, not counting the women) and then see how many of them actually entered the promised land, only 2, Joshua and Calib. Only a very few followed Jesus when He was upon this earth in the flesh. I am not saying that many cannot serve the Lord, but that historically it has always been the few. No doubt this is why Jesus said, "Few there be that find it."
Others fail to enter the strait and narrow way because of
procrastination. They simply put off doing what they know to be the right thing to do. They meant to enter, but sought a more opportune, a more convenient time. Someone has said, "The road to hell is paved with good intentions." How sad, to be so near, yet so far. No doubt there are some in this listening audience this morning who intend to serve the Lord, but as yet you have put it off.
May I encourage each one to look deep within the heart and determine now, today, I shall serve the Lord. Paul states, "Now is the acceptable time; now is the day of salvation" (2 Cor 6:2). May I encourage each one; learn what the will of the Lord is, and then move to obey it. Why take a chance with eternity? The only time we have is NOW, the present.
Jesus Christ is the only way. He says, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." No one can come to the Father, except through Him. God will not force you to become His child. He invites, He pleads, yea, He died for you. But, it is your choice.
Jack Thompson