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The Narrow Gate: Why Many Who Think They're Saved May Not Be

"Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few." — Matthew 7:13-14

These are not the kind of words that make for comfortable sermons. But they are the words of Jesus Christ Himself—words that should shake us, sober us, and send us to our knees in self-examination. According to Jesus, the majority are on the path to destruction. The way to life is hard, the gate is narrow, and few find it.

In an age of easy believism and feel-good faith, these verses cut through the noise like a sword. Many believe they are saved because they once repeated a prayer, walked an aisle, or attended church for a season. But Jesus says there will be people who call Him “Lord” and even perform miracles in His name—whom He will cast out on Judgment Day.

"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven." — Matthew 7:21

This is a deeply unsettling truth: there are people who feel spiritually secure but are deceived. They’ve substituted religious activity or cultural Christianity for true conversion. They know about Jesus, but they don’t know Him. They speak His name, but their lives bear no fruit of obedience, repentance, or sanctification.

Jesus didn’t teach that salvation was a vague belief or shallow emotional response. He taught that following Him meant death to self, daily surrender, and endurance. "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me" (Luke 9:23).

The narrow gate requires a new birth (John 3:3), a transformed heart (Ezekiel 36:26), and a pattern of life that reflects the holiness of God (1 Peter 1:16). It demands repentance, not mere regret. Obedience, not occasional inspiration. Love for God above all else, not just comfort in times of crisis.

This is not works-based salvation; it’s evidence-based faith. Scripture is clear: "By their fruits you shall know them" (Matthew 7:20). If we claim to be born again, our lives should give unmistakable proof—not perfection, but direction. A genuine Christian will sin, but not make peace with sin. They will fall, but not remain fallen. They will struggle, but they will not abandon the fight.

In a culture where salvation is marketed as an emotional decision or a convenient ticket to heaven, the gospel has been cheapened. But Jesus never softened the call. He told the rich young ruler to sell everything. He told the crowd in John 6 to eat His flesh and drink His blood, knowing many would walk away. He turned no one away who came in faith—but He made it clear that following Him would cost everything.

So what about us? Have we entered the narrow gate—or are we simply near it? Are we living on borrowed faith, secondhand spirituality, or shallow assurances? These are not questions of self-doubt—they are acts of obedience to 2 Corinthians 13:5: "Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves."

Jesus gave us the truth not to terrify us, but to save us. He doesn't hide the narrow path—He calls us to it. He walks with those who choose it. And He promises that though the road is hard, it leads to life.

Few find it. Will you?


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