Choose the narrow road
Adobe
"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it" (Matthew 7:13-14).
Most people looking at the photo above would assume it was taken from the west side of I-65. Not so. It's actually from the east, approaching downtown Louisville on I-71. Here's what makes it tricky: I-71 ends right there and forces you to choose one of two ramps for I-65 north toward Indianapolis or south toward Nashville.
If you've never driven it, this part of town is nicknamed "Spaghetti Junction," and for good reason. Multiple interstates and ramps crisscross over and under each other like a plate of tangled noodles. The counterintuitive twist is this: if you want to go south to Nashville—which is to your left—the signs direct you to turn right. If you want to go north to Indianapolis—which is to your right—the signs point left. At first, it's only a few degrees' difference, but those two ramps will eventually carry you hundreds of miles in opposite directions.
It's easy to miss the signs if you're not paying attention. It's even easier to ignore them if you assume you already know which way to go. But trusting your instincts here will send you the wrong way.
Initially, the two roads Jesus pictured in the Sermon on the Mount don't seem much different. They're just a few degrees of variance. But they soon turn in totally opposite directions and end up in dramatically different destinations—the magnificent freedom of heaven or the horrifying confines of hell.
It's imperative you trust God's signs. The gate that leads to heaven is narrow, like a one-lane toll booth, because there's only one person who provides the way to heaven: Jesus. In our age of relativism and tolerance, that sounds counterintuitive. Popular talk-show host Oprah Winfrey once said, "There are many ways to God, and we need to be tolerant of all faiths. One way is just as good as another."
But Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6).
- Only Jesus was born of a virgin and lived a sinless life.
- Only Jesus claimed to be God in the flesh and proved it with supernatural miracles.
- Only Jesus voluntarily gave His life on the cross as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. He said, "No one takes my life from me; I give my life up as a ransom for many."
- Only Jesus walked out of the tomb alive after three days to live forever.
- Only Jesus can say, "I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me will live, even though they die."
- Only Jesus can say, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Now go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned"(Mark 16:15–16).
Mohammed didn't live a perfect life or die an atoning death or come back from the grave. Neither did Moses or Confucius or Buddha—or Oprah. Jesus alone is worthy of our total allegiance. Jesus alone is King of kings and Lord of lords.
In a world that demands precision, we shouldn't be surprised that there's only one way. If the winning lottery numbers are 5-6-78-10 and your ticket reads 5-6-78-11, you don't get partial credit. You're out. Close doesn't count.
Scripture is clear, "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).
The other gate Jesus described is wide and easy to enter. You can drift through without slowing down. Most people take it simply because it's where the crowd is headed. It's the path of self-indulgence and least resistance—just do what feels right. I call it "S-I-666"—Satan's Indulgent Highway. It's the path of least resistance—just follow the fun-seeking sheep who are easily led. Just do what you feel like doing.
But eventually, the broad road narrows into confinement. Along the way, you pass wrecked lives, broken relationships, and people enslaved to destructive habits and addictions. Jesus warned it's "the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it."
The horrors of hell are the last stop on the broad road. Jesus described hell as a place where "the fire is not quenched" and "the worm does not die." He further warned, "There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." (See Mark 9 and Matthew 11).Those who end up there will spend eternity regretting their decision.
So choose your road wisely. Don't rely on feelings or instincts. Follow God's clear directions in His Word, because "…the wages of sin isdeath, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23).
 | Bob Russell became the pastor of Southeast Christian Church at just 22 years old. That small congregation of 120 members became one of the largest churches in America, with 18,000 people attending the four worship services every weekend in 2006 when Bob retired. Now through Bob Russell Ministries, Bob continues to preach at churches; conferences throughout the United States, provide guidance for church leadership, mentor other ministers and author Bible study videos for use in small groups. Learn More » |
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