Straight Gate and Narrow Way

 "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: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it"(KJV) Matt. 7:13-14,

The gate and the way represent the same thing. The context here in this verse is that many people choose the broad and easy way but very few choose the narrow and difficult way. The broad way has a wide gate and the narrow way has a narrow gate. It is not important here whether the gate comes first or is at the end of the road.

              Gate - Connotations 

1. A place of confrontation - Enemies are confronted at the gate, and battles are turned back at the gate. Isaiah 28:6.
2. A place of Recognition and Differentiation - At the gate the sheep are separated from the goats and the boys from the men.
3. A place of Determination and Judgement - cases are determined and judgement are passed at the gates.
4. A place of separation and Reward.

            Why is the Gate straight?

• It does not give room for your choice -there is strict observance of rules.
• It does not allow excess baggage.
• It allows only one man at a time.
• Entrance into the gate is only permitted based on a preset standard.

The way of the world, connoted as the "wide gate" and "broad way", is an easy to choose way. It is so easy to find it. The way of this world is everywhere; immorality, ungodliness, waywardness etc. are all around us. In fact, you don't even have to search the the "wide gate" and "broad way" that leads to destruction, because it's all around you. If don't want to follow Jesus Christ and carry your own cross, you have already chosen to go through the Broad Way.

The "Straight Gate" and the "Narrow Way" that leads to life, in contrast, is difficult to choose because our sinful nature always drag us towards the world. Following Jesus requires carrying your own cross, run your own race, obeying the word of God. Many people know this way but are not willing to choose it and go through it. Instead, many people love this world so much and can't just let go of it. Still, many people are blinded by Satan and choose to believe lies and false religions.

Jesus is the gate and the way to Heaven

When a gate is said to be straight, it may have any of the following connotations:

• Uneasiness
• It has a very high standard set for the users
• The quality of life is higher
• The lifestyle of the kingdom is not fashionable to the world.

 What does heaven require of us?

Heaven requires us to "Die". The problem with many Christians is that they have refused to die, and how do we die? We are to die to the principles that negate God's law no matter how appealing and fashionable they seem. Die to the flesh, the world and the enticement thereof. We should also submit our will to God's eternal purpose and take up God's will and run the race without any form of compromise.