What is the “Narrow Gate” Jesus talked about?
“You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. 14 But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.” – Matthew 7:13-14
In the book of Matthew, Jesus describes a gate that’s narrow and leads to life. In the same passage, He describes the alternative as a broad road. But instead of leading to life, it leads to hell. Other translations will use the word “destruction.”
We live in a world that believes all roads lead to Heaven. How is that possible? In this article, we’ll dissect this passage of scripture and help clarify what it means.
Is it exclusive?
Notice how in Matthew 7, Jesus only describes two paths. He does not indicate that there are several paths leading to Heaven. In fact, of the two paths described, only one of them leads to “life.”
If we dissect that passage even further, we can see that the word “life” Jesus is talking about referenced in other scriptures too.
Starting with John 14:6, “Jesus told him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.’” Jesus is saying that He is life.
He also specifies that His Father is in Heaven. Consider the start of the “Lord’s Prayer.”
“Pray, then, in this way: Our Father who is in Heaven, Hallowed be Your name.” – Matthew 6:9
Jesus refers to Himself as many things, including the gate to salvation (John 10:9), and the good shepherd (John 10:11-18) that tends His flock. John’s gospel refers to Him as being life which was/is “the light of all mankind.”
“In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.” – John 1:4
Perhaps some take that out of context to believe that because He’s the light of all mankind, that everyone enters into the light. But that’s not at all what John is saying. He’s showing a contrast here. The difference between light and darkness. While the light is life the darkness is death.
We know that because the next verse shows us the contrast.
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” – John 1:5
In his gospel, John uses the word “life” more than any other New Testament writer. Throughout his gospel, he uses it not only to describe our temporal life here on earth and our eternal life. Take probably the most memorized verse in the Bible, as an example.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16
Nowhere in scripture does Jesus say that there are multiple paths to Heaven. Another example is also found in Matthew 7.
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” – Matthew 7:21-23
To answer the question, is it exclusive? Yes, it is. Very much so.
Is it easy to find?
In one word, yes!
What makes me say it’s easy to find? God has imprinted it in our very being and everything around us.
“The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” – Romans 1:18-20
“When the Gentiles sin, they will be destroyed, even though they never had God’s written law. And the Jews, who do have God’s law, will be judged by that law when they fail to obey it. 13 For merely listening to the law doesn’t make us right with God. It is obeying the law that makes us right in his sight. 14 Even Gentiles, who do not have God’s written law, show that they know his law when they instinctively obey it, even without having heard it. 15 They demonstrate that God’s law is written in their hearts, for their own conscience and thoughts either accuse them or tell them they are doing right. 16 And this is the message I proclaim—that the day is coming when God, through Christ Jesus, will judge everyone’s secret life.” – Romans 2:12-16
Romans 2 is talking about God’s law. The law that Moses brought down from the Mount of Sinai. But the Bible tells us that if we break one law, we’ve broken all of them.
“For the person who keeps all of the laws except one is as guilty as a person who has broken all of God’s laws. 11 For the same God who said, ‘You must not commit adultery,’ also said, ‘You must not murder.’ So if you murder someone but do not commit adultery, you have still broken the law.” – James 2:10-11
Jesus says we’re guilty if we even think about it.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” – Matthew 5:27-28
Therefore, if we function based on the law, then we’ll all be guilty and never make it to Heaven. Which is why Jesus’ atonement for our sins is so important.
However, the gospel must be heard to be saved.
“13 For ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ 14 But how can they call on Him to save them unless they believe in Him? And how can they believe in Him if they have never heard about Him? And how can they hear about Him unless someone tells them? 15 And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, ‘How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!’
16 But not everyone welcomes the Good News, for Isaiah the prophet said, ‘Lord, who has believed our message?’ 17 So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.” – Romans 10:13-17
Is it easy to follow?
Unlike being able to find the path, following it is a little more complicated. We must understand that it’s not by our will that we’re saved.
“Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. 2 You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God.” – Ephesians 2:1-2
God is the one who has drawn each of us to Him.
“For no one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them to me, and at the last day I will raise them up.” – John 6:44
And just because we’re drawn doesn’t mean it will be an easy journey or smooth sailing. In fact, Jesus tells us in John 16 that we will have troubles as long as we follow Him and live on this earth. However, He ends that statement with a word of hope.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33
James, Jesus’ half-brother, takes it a step further. He tells us in his letter that we should be joyful when trials come our way. Why? Because they make us stronger.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” – James 1:2-4
The writer(s) of Hebrews tells us to prepare for it. And if we are to persevere, it’s because we kept our eyes on Jesus.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. 3 Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.” – Hebrews 12:1-3
Is it worth it?
Finally, is it even worth the effort? Confessing and believing is one thing. But living it out is a whole new ball of wax. Why go through it if we are told to expect problems along the way?
Because just like athletes who go through grueling years of pain to win the gold medal, we too will receive a reward. Not a material possession that will fade over time. Ours will be an eternal reward.
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.” – 1 corinthians 9:24-25
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” – James 1:12
At times, it will probably seem hard. Perhaps you might feel like it would be easier to just give up. But don’t do it.
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9
Perhaps you’d rather understand the contrast between the two places your soul will go after you die. Because, according to the Bible, it will only go to one of two places. Heaven or Hell.
Descriptions of Heaven
It will be a place of paradise.
“Jesus answered him, ’Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.’” – Luke 23:43
It’s a place free from the worries of this world.
“But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” – Matthew 6:20
There will be praising.
“Each of these living beings had six wings, and their wings were covered all over with eyes, inside and out. Day after day and night after night they keep on saying, ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty – the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come.’” – Revelation 4:8
And there will be a place specifically for you.
“My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.” – John 14:2-4
Descriptions of Hell
Everywhere you look in the Bible, Hell is described as a place of eternal torment.
The rich man, in the parable of Lazarus in the rich man (Luke 16:19-31), describes it as a place of fire.
“In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24 So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue because I am in agony in this fire.’” – Luke 16:23-24
Revelation 20 refers to it as the Lake of Fire.
“And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. 13 The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done. 14 Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. 15 Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.” – Revelation 20:12-15
In Matthew 13, Jesus describes it as a burning furnace.
“The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the people of the kingdom. The weeds are the people of the evil one, 39 and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels. 40 ’As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil.42 They will throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’” – Matthew 13:38-42
Perhaps knowing your soul will go to Hell otherwise, is enough for you to choose to follow Jesus Christ.
If you don’t know how to do this, consider reading “Christians” Who Will Be Denied Heaven (Part 3). It will help walk you through the steps necessary for salvation.
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