‘Enter in at the strait gate....’

“Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.” Luke 13:24 (Read v. 23-30)

Jesus said, “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” (Matt. 7:13-14). And so, like one who was following Jesus, we might wonder if only a few will be saved.

But, rather than answer that question with a number or percentage, Jesus points out how important it is for each of us to seek to enter into God’s kingdom through the strait and narrow gate.

While our first conclusion might be to think entrance by the strait and narrow gate means a life of strict obedience to God’s commandments and few, if any, sins in our lives, Jesus Himself tells us that He is “the way, the truth, and the life” and “no man cometh unto the Father, but by [Him]” (John 14:6). The only way to enter into God’s eternal kingdom is through faith in His Son (cf. John 3:16ff.; Rom. 3:19-26; 1 John 1:7ff.).

Thus, if we do not wish to find ourselves cast out, knocking at the door, and hearing Jesus say, “I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity” (Luke 13:27), it is time to repent of our evil deeds and place our faith and trust in Christ Jesus and His innocent sufferings and death on the cross for the sins of the world.

Though many seek to enter into God’s kingdom, only a few will find the narrow gate and enter in through the shed blood of Jesus. Though many - even church members - seek to gain entrance by their works and service for God, they will not be able. Only those who despair of their own righteousness under the law, acknowledge their sinfulness and look to the atoning sacrifi ce of Jesus will enter into life for “neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12; cf. Phil. 3:8-9).

O dearest Jesus, grant that I see my utter sinfulness and repent, looking to You and Your death and resurrection for my salvation. Grant that I enter in at the strait gate through faith in Your name. Amen.