The Narrow Gate
Though Jesus beckons the entire world, His invitation is also exclusive. Because all paths, all religions, and all good intentions do not lead to God.
Jesus isn’t implying that we can earn our own salvation by searching the hardest or climbing the highest or praying the longest to find some elusive gate. Instead, Jesus makes it clear in John 10:7, saying, “I am the gate…”
The way to the one true God, the Creator of this world and the Sustainer of your life, is through Jesus Christ—who loves you, gave His life for you, and was raised from the dead so that you could live.
You can’t earn His love or salvation, but you can accept His gift of grace and enter through the narrow gate.
Yes, it’s easier to scroll social media than to think about the deeper meaning of life. It’s easier to stay busy and distracted than to confess and repent of your sins. It’s easier to dismiss God altogether than to trust Him with your soul.
But the harder road is worth it. The narrow gate leads to life, and there is no other way than our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Jesus Does The Impossible
Jesus’ statement in Matthew 19:26 is often taken out of context. Many people have taken this verse to mean that they can do anything they want in life because God can do the impossible. Often this can lead to selfish prayers and a small view of God.
In order to understand what Jesus is saying, we should read the preceding verses. In Matthew 19:16-22, a young man comes to Jesus asking for eternal life. Jesus tells him that he must give up all of his earthly possessions—something the young man is not willing to do. Because he failed the test, the young man failed to inherit eternal life.
Jesus says in Matthew 19:23 that it is very difficult for a rich man to enter heaven. The point is that loving Jesus requires everything we are. Our ultimate love cannot be split between Jesus and something else.
The disciples then ask, “Who can be saved?” Jesus responds in Matthew 19:26 that it is impossible for man to save himself—but it is possible with God. God can do the ...