To a generation that loves “easy” and “You’re pre-approved!” Jesus said something shocking about “the Kingdom of Heaven”…
“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. But the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” (Matthew 7:13-14 ESV)
Sure, Jesus paid the price for our salvation! You cannot enter the “Kingdom of heaven” by buying your way in or working your way in! It is a costly gift that Jesus Himself purchased by giving His very life! But entering the Gate demands complete commitment, repentance (a change of mind and heart) and self-renunciation! And once inside the door, nothing changes – it’s His will and way all the way to Heaven’s gates! But the eternal benefits are out of this world!
That’s what caused me to pause this morning, reflect and write in the margin of my Bible… “LeRoy, never, never forget this!