NARROW IS THE WAY
There is but one way to Heaven, and it is through the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. A Psalm describes it beautifully, "You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." (Psalm 16:11) But, the road there is a strait gate and a narrow way.
"Because strait {is} the gate, and narrow {is} the way,
which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."
The way to eternal life is not difficult to find, but the "way" in which humans desire to walk is the issue. Human beings desire to walk unconfined, uncontrolled, with freedom to do evil, if they so choose. This, then, makes the passage to the Holy of Holies very narrow in their eyes. Isaiah said it best, "And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness. The unclean will not journey on it; it will be for those who walk in that Way..." (Isaiah 35:8) It is a choice; a path to eternal life and joy, or a path to eternal torment in Hell.
The Lord Jesus Christ left a roadmap to this strait and narrow Way; it is the Bible Book of Acts; when the people asked Peter what they should do; Acts 2:38,39 states, "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and unto all that are afar off, {even} as many as the Lord our God shall call." Peter gave the people the formula for eternal salvation.
There is a light behind the gate, beckoning all who are tired of the life of guilt, shame, sickness and disease, corruption and addiction, loneliness and despair, and the ever-haunting feeling of being lost. The only reason the path is "narrow" is that the "flesh" runs from Holiness. It is the innate nature of man to walk proudly, without thought of his/her Creator, in an "if it feels good, do it" Age. But, the happiest life, the most joyful existence, is that of "pure innocence" where sins are washed away and man is restored to a precious place of mercy, forgiveness, and humility before Almighty God, the Lord Jesus Christ.
The evil flesh of carnal man does not fit through the strait gate and narrow way. When we walk through the gate of salvation, that narrow little passage opens to an infinite expanse of Joy, Love, Beauty, and Peace. You say, "Peace, in this world?" Yes, the Lord gives peace, "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:7)
There is no God beside Him, the Lord Jesus Christ, "And immediately I was in the Spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne." (Revelation 4:2) Only Jesus Christ can promise you eternal life, can heal your body, cleanse your soul, fill your spirit, and give you peace.
"Come unto me all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)
By Sheryl Fowler
(Visit promiselandchurch.net and theexperience238.com. PromiseLand Church,
Austin, Texas, Pastor Kenneth Phillips)
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