International Bible Teaching Ministries
The Broad Way and the Narrow Way
Many people don’t want to think about this, but there are sobering questions. They will face us in the judgment day, no exceptions. Only the Bible, God’s inspired Word, has the correct and final answer. Hear what the Lord, Jesus Christ, said. “Enter by the narrow gate; for 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.” (Matthew 7:13-14).
There are also sobering truths which face man today. Which “way” are you in? It is so easy to get in the “broad way”. However, it takes lots of effort, studying God’s Word, searching to find the “narrow way”. Notice: “Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21). To be saved one MUST do God’s will or obey God’s Word. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6) “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” (Mark 16:16). “…those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord…” (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9). These are the Bible answers to the above questions. Obey God and be saved.
Beware of False Teachers
The Holy Scriptures reveal that the many in the “broad way” would be destroyed, and only a few would be in the “narrow way”. This is sad indeed! Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6). Jesus has all power, or authority. (Matthew 28:18). There is no other name by which one can be saved, except the Name of Jesus. (Acts 4:12). Why are so many in the “broad way”, the way to destruction? Jesus gives the reasons. “Beware of false prophet, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.” (Matthew 7:15). That is – false teachers, who deceive, lie, and hypocrites, seek to keep honest souls from following Jesus, “the way, the truth, and the life.” Those in the “broad way” are following Satan! The “broad way” is easy, they enjoy the pleasures of sin in the world; and they love the commandments of men. The apostle Peter wrote, “But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed.” (2 Peter 2:1-2). Peter stated that they “bring on themselves swift destruction.” God saves in the “narrow way”, only Jesus’ way. Think seriously. In which way are you?
Why So Many in the Broad Way?
It is important that one be in the “narrow way” as God’s Word has revealed (Matthew 17:13-14); but how does God’s word tell one to get into the “narrow way”? What must one do? The first thing one must do is hear! Learn! One cannot do something that he/she does not know. Must have faith in God. Where does one get faith? “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17) “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6). Must believe in Christ (John 8:24). Must confess Christ. (Romans 10:9-10; Matthew 10:32). Must repent of all sins. (Luke 13:3-5; Acts 2:38; Acts 17:30). Must be baptized for the forgiveness of sins. (Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3-4; Acts 22:16). Now, the Lord himself will add you to His church, not some man-made church. (Acts 2:47). Now you are in the “narrow way”, safe in Jesus’ way. “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10). Note once again – the “narrow way” leads to life eternal and the “broad way” leads to eternal destruction. But one can be saved if you will obey God. God loved man so much, “…while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8; John 3:16). “For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.” (Romans 5:6). A sinner has no excuse! Who is saved? Only those that obey God. (Matthew 7:21; Mark 16:16).