|
SUBJECT: Matt. 7:12-14 Strait gate & Narrow way
QUESTION: Do not these verse tell us that most will fail in their quest for Salvation?
ANSWER:
First the verse in question:
Matt 7:12-14 12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. 13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
This set of verses is not saying exactly what you might think. It is not saying that most will be destroyed in the second death. These verse are focusing on the PROCESSES of good (which leads to Salvation and Eternal Life) and of evil (which leads to the second death)
Remember, Jesus is talking to new people to the gospel here. This is Introduction to the subject of Salvation. He is introducing the two processes (good and evil). He is not giving an end time prophecy or declaring that the lion's share of the masses would fail. Remember what God says elsewhere in the scriptures...
1 Tim 2:4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
Why would God say this if the other verses were saying that most would NOT be saved?
Notice a commentary on the subject:
Matthew 7:12-14
II. We must make religion our business, and be intent upon it; we must be strict and circumspect in our conversation, which is here represented to us as entering in at a strait gate, and walking on in a narrow way, v. 13, 14. Observe here,
1. The account that is given of the bad way of sin, and the good way of holiness. There are but two ways, right and wrong, good and evil; the way to the Kingdom of God, and the way to hell (grave-death) or the second death; in the one of which we are all of us walking: no middle place hereafter, no middle way now: the distinction of the children of men into saints and sinners, godly and ungodly, will swallow up all to eternity.
Here is, (1.) An account given us of the way of sin and sinners; both what is the best, and what is the worst of it.
[1.] that which allures multitudes into it, and keeps them in it; the gate is wide, and the way broad, and there are many travellers in that way. First, "You will have abundance of liberty in that way; the gate is wide, and stands wide open to tempt those that go right on their way. You may go in at this gate with all your lusts about you; it gives no check to your appetites, to your passions: you may walk in the way of your heart, and in the sight of your eyes; that gives room enough." It is a broad way, for there is nothing to hedge in those that walk in it, but they wander endlessly; a broad way, for there are many paths in it; there is choice of sinful ways, contrary to each other, but all paths in this broad way. Secondly, "You will have abundance of company in that way: many there be that go in at this gate, and walk in this way." If we follow the multitude, it will be to do evil: if we go with the crowd, it will be the wrong way. It is natural for us to incline to go down the stream, and do as the most do; but it is too great a compliment, to be willing to be damned for company, and to go unto death with them, because they will not go into the Kingdom with us: if many perish, we should be the more cautious.
[2.] that which should affright us all from it is, that it leads to destruction. Death, eternal death, is at the end of it (and the way of sin tends to it),-- everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord. Whether it be the high way of open profaneness, or the back way of close hypocrisy, if it be a way of sin, it will be our ruin, if we repent not. (from Matthew Henry's Commentary)
Now notice closely what the verses are saying:
broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction (verse 13) and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life (verse 14)
These are descriptions of those ways. Notice the key word, "leadeth". These ways lead somewhere but none of the text is promising that most will go there. Most WILL enter in at the beginning but God has a Plan to lead most to the way of life.
Most will find this entrance to the right, Godly way after the Second Resurrection in which all those who ever lived and who never were given the truth of God will have their opportunity at Salvation. After the Second Resurrection everyone will be given the absolute truth of God. This will be made easy because Christ will be in charge and not man.
Most will chose eternal life. It is a good plan. back to top back to Strait gate Bible Study 5 - Righteousness Bible Studies main page |