TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL PASSAGE

DEVOTIONAL

by Elder Chris Beltran

Matthew 7:13–14 states, “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide, and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow, and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.”

        In this passage, the Lord is teaching that the only way to the Father is through the narrow gate. The gate represents “Christ.” In John 10:9, Jesus declared, “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out and find pasture.” It is narrow because it is exclusively through Christ alone; there is no other way. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. He is saying that the gate to heaven is “narrow” in the sense of having a particular requirement for entrance, authentic faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ. Some will say that if you do more good works if you attend our church, be a member of our religion, and pray in a certain way; you may get to heaven. However, God’s way of salvation is found only in the person of Jesus Christ; He is the only way. The “wide” gate calls for all kinds of human effort, all kinds of ways, and all other of the world’s religions. But, in the end, it will lead to destruction.

John 1:12 says it clearly, “But as many, as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God.” If we believe in His name, we become children of God if we receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior.

Jesus likewise says that as you enter the narrow gate, which means you have decided to follow God’s way, this will lead to a  narrow road—a road that will take us through hardships and difficulties. Following Jesus requires us to deny ourselves, to take up our cross and crucify our old nature before following him. Narrow means there is no other way to salvation, no other way to follow Him but in his requirements alone.  

Then Jesus said to all the people: “If any of you want to be my followers, you must deny yourself. You must take up your cross every day and follow me” (Luke 9:23).

When faced with the choice between a narrow, bumpy road and a wide, paved highway, most of us choose the easier road. Human nature moves toward comfort and pleasure. When faced with the reality of denying themselves to follow Jesus, most people turn away. Jesus never sugar-coated the truth, and the truth is that not many people are willing to pay the price to follow Him. Are we the few who have chosen to enter the narrow gate that leads to life or the wide gate that leads to destruction? We are free to choose whatever roads, but we are not free to choose whatever outcome that comes with our choice. 

REFLECTION

God offers the gift of salvation to everyone who accepts and receives it—but it is on His terms. We must come only through the way He has provided, which is the cross. And because He resurrected from the dead, we are assured that one day, we will likewise be resurrected, too—if we belong to Him. We cannot create our own paths or come to a holy God based on our own efforts. So in Christ alone, let us place our trust. 

PRAYER

Lord, You are the only way, the absolute truth, and the eternal life. Help me not to put my trust in teachings that are contrary to Your written word, the Bible. As I repent of my sins, I want to receive Your gift of salvation through Christ Jesus alone. Help me to be Your faithful follower from now on, willing to deny myself, ready to take up my cross and follow You, wherever You may lead. In Jesus’ name, Amen.