The Path
Luke 16:19-23; Matthew 7:13-20
In this portion of scripture, we have a familiar passage. One that is preached but not really understood. We see Christ talking of two ways. There are two distinct ways but both are in the same path. Let me explain.
Many will find a broad way. This is the way that we all are born onto and are all heading to a life and eternity of destruction without God as the rich man found out. Along on our journey we see Christ, the narrow gate, lifted up and we repent and enter into the narrow way, as did Lazarus.
The key to the narrow way is Christ. John 14 tells us that Christ said He is the way, the truth and the life. No one can come to the Father, or inherit eternal life in heaven, accept by the blood of Jesus Christ. We all need Christ and once we are in the right relationship with Him, we need to show others that narrow gate.
Along the journey, some will try to walk in the narrow way but they did not enter by way of the strait gate vs. 21-24. Many will prophesy and do many wonderful works in the name of Christ, but they did not enter through Him. If we do not enter through Christ, we are not His. We will be cast into the lake of fire that burns forever and our torment will be unquenched. We must enter into the narrow way by
the strait gate.
The Christian life is not about doing “spiritual” things. It is about doing ministry which is living whole-heartedly for Christ and allowing Him to have free reign in our lives as we show others the way. It is not about doing things but it is rather about being a witness. Ministry in the Bible is only defined as leading people into a relationship with Him. We need the church cleaned, buses run, music lead, nursery offered, etc. But ministry is the work of evangelism.
In verses 16 and 20 we are told that those who enter into the narrow way properly through the strait gate will be known by their fruit. What is this fruit? Our fruit is the witness that we have in this lost world. Are you actively witnessing? If not, maybe you are not His. Maybe you are walking on the narrow way bit missed the strait gate. Make you election, or salvation, sure.