THE TWO GATES OF DESTINY.

In the first sermon of Jesus Christ on the mount, He made mention of the two gates of destiny set in front of all humanity. These doorways lead to different destinations in life; one to eternal destruction and the other to eternal life. Each of us must choose which gate and pathway wherein we must walk.

Jesus admonished everyone to strive to “enter by the narrow gate”. He said “wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Mat 7:13, 14 NKJV)

Why do many walk into the gate that is wide and broad which routes to destruction and death? Well, because it offers a temporary life of ease and prosperity. There is a fleeting sense of contentment in this world which blinds our eyes not to see, and blunts our will not to walk in the narrow gate and strait path.

A certain individual asked Jesus Christ whether there will be a few people who will gain salvation and His answer confirmed that there will indeed be less than a few that will be saved. He said “strive to enter in at the strait gate for many I say unto you, will seek to enter in and shall not be able. (Luke 13:23,24).

These two discourses of Jesus should be an eye opener to all Christians who claim to be walking the Christian journey. How do we know we have entered in through the right gate and pathway and how do we distinguish the gates from each other? In order to know, we should study the characteristics of the people that walk each pathway.

Those who walk in the narrow way.

“The roads are opposite; one is broad and smooth, the other narrow and rugged. So the parties that travel them are opposite in character, in life, in dress, and in conversation. Those who travel in the narrow way are talking of the joy and happiness they will have at the end of the journey. Their countenances are often sad, yet often beam with holy, sacred joy. They do not dress like the company in the broad road, nor talk like them, nor act like them. A pattern has been given them. A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief opened that road for them, and traveled it Himself. His followers see His footsteps, and are comforted and cheered. He went through safely; so can they, if they follow in His footsteps”. (EGW, 1Testimonies 127.1 – 128.2).

Those who walk in the broad way.

“In the broad road all are occupied with their persons, their dress, and the pleasures in the way. They indulge freely in hilarity and glee, and think not of their journey’s end, of the certain destruction at the end of the path. Every day they approach nearer their destruction; yet they madly rush on faster and faster. Oh, how dreadful this looked to me!” (EGW, 1Testimonies 127.1 – 128.2).

Many Christians who claim to be led by Christ are self-deceived. Why so? Because they think like the world thinks, walk like the world walks, talk like the world talks and act no differently than the world. They love what the world loves and are entranced by worldly music, novels, games, movies, education, parties and amusements. They seek to amass all the wealth and properties their hands can grasp and think little of matters that will lead them into eternal life. These are all strategies devised by Satan to hold men in his snares till the end of this road of destruction is reached.

God warns men in His mercy and love to not “love the world or the things in the world”. Divine counsel says “If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever”. (1 John 2:15-17).

Brethren in Christ, we need to repent of our love for the world and cling to our Lord Jesus Christ. In order to walk on the right and strait pathway, let us spend more time with God. Let’s love the Bible more than we do social media; enjoy talking about God and His word than we do worldly amusements. Sing spiritual songs, and live a life of prayer.  When we do these, the things of this world will pale into insignificance. Our Lord Jesus Christ will guide your steps into the strait gate, onto the narrow way and into life eternal.

 MAY GOD BLESS US ALL. AMEN.