The Narrow Road versus Broad

The Narrow Road versus Broad is a short article about the contrast of the two roads by Jesus.

By David Cox

The Narrow Road versus Broad is presented by Jesus in Mat 7:13-20. When we see what Christ is presenting the people, it is on which road do they want to go down? The broad road to destruction or the narrow road to heaven.

Matthew 5:20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

True doctrine is always tied tightly to righteous conduct, righteous lifestyle. Note that the Pharisee and Scribes also pretended before the people to be righteous, but they were hypocrites.

The Error of Assuming Somebody is Saved

Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

We should always firmly and openly declare our salvation. But understand that not everybody that says that they are a Christian really is. Many people “within Christianity” are not really in Christianity. They float along with the current, but they are as unsaved as the world.

If a person really is a Christian, they must be fighting the same battle as all of us, or they are not really saved.

Ephesians 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

The Christian that grasps his or her salvation is also the person that is slowly being transformed into the image of Christ. Instability and lack of correction or of even the lack of trying or caring is a good indicator of an unsaved person.

Marks of the Broad Way

First of all, it goes to hell, people on this road do not look forward to seeing where it is taking them. They are just joyfully on it. Because they have so much company, it is “fun”.

Secondly, there are a lot of people going that way, it is popular and well accepted. The great number of people on this road presents the question, “can so many people be wrong about something?” The answer is yes, but the multitude says no.

Thirdly, the breadth of the road. It is very easy. There are not so many obstacles to following it. You do it naturally.

Fourth, the road and the people on it are very persuasive for others to join them. While they speak of how easy and great it is, in reality for the multitudes on it, you see the consequences of these people’s sins right quickly. They are suffering as much as the people in the narrow way or worse really.

Proverbs 16:25 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

Psalms 1:6 For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

Marks of the Narrow Way

First, it is tight. There are restrictions and pressures on the route. The narrow road has its difficulties but that is part of it going to heaven.

Secondly, it is lightly traveled. You will not be in great crowds on this road. Few there are that get into heaven.

Thirdly, it is filled with persecution and suffering. The whole point is that the “good things” on the narrow road await the person on this trail at the end. In the meantime we are walking it, there is much suffering. Pain now, pleasure later at the end. We endure suffering in the walking of the trail, but in the end, we will be blessed by our Lord.

Conclusion

Which road are you on?

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