The narrow gate

Matthew 7:13-14

13Enter ye in by the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many are they that enter in thereby.14For narrow is the gate, and straitened the way, that leadeth unto life, and few are they that find it.

We often talk about the narrow road yet we don't talk about what being on the narrow road actually means. The above passage where Jehoshua says to enter into the narrow gate is within the context of His teachings on the sermon on the mount. Many Pastor's leave this out when quoting this passage. Why is this? Because entering the narrow gate is specific to keeping Jehoshua's commandments here in the sermon on the mount. The narrow gate is not about agreeing to certain facts about who Jehoshua is but rather it is actually picking up your cross and following His teachings.

Today many Christian's don't believe that keeping the commandments of the Son of God are a requirement to remain in the faith. Why is this? Jehoshua tells us in the verse right after the above passage:

"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep`s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves."

Jehoshua warns people to beware of false prophets within the context of His teachings. These prophets may look and smell like Christian's but they are actually wolves who sre trying to steer people away from the narrow gate of Jehoshua's commandments.

Matthew 16:24

"Then said Jehoshua unto his disciples, If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."

This statement by Jehoshua eliminates the false dispensaltional teaching that Paul was given a different revelation for the Gentiles that excuses them from having to follow the commandments of the Son of God. Anyone who comes after the Son of God and claims to represent Him must deny themselves, pick up their cross and follow Jehoshua. We are faced with two options, either Paul did what Jehoshua said to do here or he is one of the false prophets warned about in Matthew 7:15.

Thankfully brother Paul did indeed deny himself, pick up his cross and follow Jehoshua. Paul even warns against false prophets who do not consent to the words (doctrine) of Messiah.

1 Timothy 6:3

"If any man teacheth a different doctrine, and consenteth not to sound words, even the words of our Lord Jehoshua Messiah, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;"

The doctrine (instructions) of Jehoshua are according to godliness and Paul goes on to say if any man does not consent to the doctrine of Messiah they are proud, knowing nothing.

Matthew 10:37-38

37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.38 And he that doth not take his cross and follow after me, is not worthy of me.

Jehoshua demands absolute loyalty even above family relationships. Our loyalty to Jehoshua will often look like hatred towards our family members. Most professing Christian's simply don't have the stomach for this yet Jehoshua doesn't let them off the hook and even says that they are not worthy of Him because they don't take up their cross which in context is loving Jehoshua more than your children, parents and spouse.

Matthew 11:12

"And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and men of violence take it by force."

Entry into the narrow gate of the Kingdom is done with force and it is not a passive type intellectualism. Those who to be part of the Kingdom must step into it with violence and willingly forsake all, pickup their cross and obey the teachings of Jehoshua.

Luke 12:8-9

8 And I say unto you, Every one who shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God: 9 but he that denieth me in the presence of men shall be denied in the presence of the angels of God.

To confess Jehoshua is to obey His commandments, to deny Him is to disobey His commandments. To refuse to pick up your cross & follow the teachings of the Son of God is to deny Him.