As children, we loved to go to the playground directly behind our homes. The gate that led to the separate playground area for the tots was usually locked with a thick, heavy chain. My friend always managed to squeeze her body through the slight opening of the locked gate to get inside. Eventually, as we got older, she couldn’t fit through the locked gate anymore. Then she would just hop the fence to get in!
Getting in to the Kingdom of Heaven won’t be so easy. We won’t be able to squeeze our way through the gate or climb over it either. There won’t be a shortcut into Heaven’s narrow gate! We must seek the narrow path to get through the narrow gate, or we won’t get in at all.
“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.” (Matthew 7:13) (my addition in bold and red lettering).
The famous rock and roll song lyrics may have used those same words, “highway to hell,” but there truly is a road that leads to hell. This road leads to eternal separation from God. It’s very dark and scary in hell. There is always a fire burning with constant suffering for those who end up there. It’s a horrible place! Why would anyone logically choose that road knowing where it leads?
Actually, I don’t think anyone really chooses that road believing it’s so bad. Those who say they know they’re going to hell just assume it’s no big deal there. They don’t believe in God or a loving God who would send anyone to such a terrifying place. Instead, they think it will be one great big party with all their friends. However, misery and horror will be their true fate with enormous regret.
I tell you the truth! There is a Heaven and a hell, and where you end up is your choice. Hell was created for the fallen angels who followed Satan, but anyone who rejects God will go there, too.
The path to Heaven can be a struggle and the road leading to it is just as narrow as the gate, but it’s definitely worth the ultimate destination. I can’t imagine why anyone would reject a place where there’s no pain, no tears and only eternal peace, love, and joy. Yet many will not get into Heaven.
“… The gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.” (Matthew 7:14)
Jesus said: “Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’ ” (Matthew 7:21-23)
The choice to go to Heaven not only requires our belief in God and Jesus Christ, and accepting the sacrifice of Christ for our sins and through His resurrection, but it also requires a struggle that’s well worth it.
“Strive to enter the narrow door to God’s Kingdom, for many will try to enter but will fail. (Luke 13:24)
We must believe in God and Jesus Christ by receiving the free gift of salvation. We must live a life honoring God, and we must do our best not to sin. We must love God and one another!
“… Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” (Philippians 2:12)
If you have questions or would like to know more, feel free to write to me through this blog and provide your email address. It would be my pleasure to reply to you.
Until we virtually meet again, may God call you to Himself.
God’s Word for Today: “Open for me the gates where the righteous enter,
and I will go in and thank the Lord. These gates lead to the presence of the Lord,
and the godly enter there. I thank you for answering my prayer and giving me victory.” (Psalm 118:19-21)
Copyright © 2016 Patricia Shehan
All scripture is quoted from various translations of the Holy Bible (God’s Word) and is set it italics.
