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What is the narrow gate? How narrow is the narrow gate?

What is the narrow gate? How narrow is the narrow gate?
Redemption Theology

TL;DR:

The narrow gate refers to salvation that is only available through belief in Jesus Christ. The narrow gate is a metaphor that contrasts the exclusive path to eternal life with the broad, easy path that leads to destruction.

what does the bible say?

Jesus taught about the narrow gate in Matthew 7:13-14 and Luke 13:23-24. In both passages, entrance through the narrow gate is limited to only a small group of people. This has caused concern among some readers, who may wonder how narrow is the narrow gate?

Jesus tells us in John 10:9 that He is the gate (or door) through which all must enter eternal life. Jesus alone is "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6). The deciding factor is whether a person will believe in Jesus, entering through Him as the gate.

By narrow, Jesus means exclusive. He claimed to be the only way to know God (John 14:6). Most people, even in Christianity, find it difficult to believe that God's indescribable gift of eternal life is absolutely free and that the only way to obtain it is to take Jesus at His word (John 11:25-26).

from the old testament

from the new testament

  • In Matthew 7:13-14, Jesus exhorts us to discern between the two paths. The narrow path requires intentionality and discernment. The wide path, although easy and popular, leads to destruction. The very next verse, 7:15, warns of false prophets who can mislead us.
  • When Jesus was asked if only a few people will be saved, He replied, "Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able" (Luke 13:23-24). Merely seeking to enter differs from striving to enter.
  • Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). Christ is the only way to salvation—but anyone who believes in Him can be saved (Romans 10:9).
  • In John 10:9 Jesus declares that He is the gate (or door) to salvation. We must choose that Door to be saved (Luke 13:24).
  • Jesus said in John 11:25-26, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?" When we believe in Christ, He gives us the free gift of salvation.

implications for today

If the gate to eternal life is narrow and hard, and only a few find it, does that mean there will not be many people in heaven? Not at all. In John's vision of heaven , he saw a great multitude that no one could number, from all parts of the world in God's presence in eternity (Revelation 7:9-10). Though not all will enter through Jesus (so not all will be saved), many will, and will receive eternal life.

Like those who asked Jesus if only a few will be saved (Luke 13:23), many people today wonder about others’ salvation. But in His reply ("strive to enter through the narrow gate"), Jesus pointed back to the only person's salvation we can really know, asking, "Are you saved?" We must strive (literally "agonize") in order to enter and come in. Striving to enter through Jesus does not mean you can save yourself through good works. Salvation is not based on our works, but on faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-10).

understand

  • The narrow gate Jesus refers to in Matthew 7:13-14 and Luke 13:23-24 is a metaphor for the exclusive path to eternal life through Christ.
  • Jesus describes Himself as the door through which people attain eternal life (John 10:9).
  • Though Jesus is the only way to eternal life, He invites all to believe in Him.

reflect

  • How does understanding the exclusivity of salvation impact how you share the Gospel with others?
  • How do you respond to those who think that many paths can lead to heaven?
  • How is your own worship impacted by knowing that your salvation is not based on your works?

engage

  • How can Jesus’ teaching about the narrow gate address challenges from heresies like universalism?
  • How does the exclusivity of belief in Christ impact the urgency of sharing the Gospel?
  • How can Christians convey the exclusivity of salvation while also communicating the free gift of salvation?

More Resources

Salvation Is it true that Jesus is the only way to heaven?

Is it true that Jesus is the only way to heaven?

Jesus is the only way to heaven because only He bridges the gap that sin created between humankind and God. Trusting in Jesus’ death and resurrection restores our relationship with God and secures eternal life.
Father How does God judge people raised in non-Christian cultures?

How does God judge people raised in non-Christian cultures?

God judges all people justly, based on the light they have received and how they have responded to it. Since no one is sinless, all will be judged and thus no one is saved apart from faith in Christ.
Other How does God judge people raised in other religions or non-Christian cultures?

How does God judge people raised in other religions or non-Christian cultures?

Everyone sees God’s truth through creation and conscience, so all are accountable, but salvation comes only through Christ. Still, God judges each person fairly based on the knowledge they’ve received.
Salvation What is the eternal destiny of those who have never heard of Christ?

What is the eternal destiny of those who have never heard of Christ?

God is good and righteous and reveals Himself to everyone so that no one is without excuse; even those who have never heard of Christ are accountable to the truth God reveals to them. Salvation has always come only through faith in the one true God and is fulfilled in the saving work of Christ; all who respond in faith will go to heaven and all who reject Him will go to hell.