Matthew 7:14 Strait Is The Gate

Matthew 7:14 (KJV) Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

The gate is strait because it also expresses the difficulty to find. Why is it difficult to find? Because only Jesus saves! There is no other gate to salvation except in Jesus – The Bible tells us in Acts 4:12 “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” 

Jesus said in Luke 13:24, a parallel passage “Strive (agonize, it speaks of a conflict, it is a struggle) to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.” Why is this so? Because it will cost us our pride! Jesus tells us at the beginning of the sermon “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3) We need to have a poverty of spirit as opposed to a proud spirit to enter this gate. 

This strait gate leads to the narrow way. We are not transported to heaven as soon as we get through the strait gate. There is not only difficulty in entry but there is also difficulty to remain. This word “narrow” is used in the New Testament to describe the afflictions, trials, troubles and sufferings of the Christian life. This is the narrow way.  Amen.