Christian enters the Narrow Gate

Happy Memorial day!

Our friend Christian finally makes it to the narrow gate where he finds a closed door. Repeatedly he knocks upon it for entrance. Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you Matthew 7:7-8 To me, this symbolizes those of us who desperately seek the truth and want to know God. Many people may knock once or twice (attend church now and then, maybe say a prayer or two, take a Bible class) but if the door doesn't open right away, they give up and walk away.

But Christian is persistent. Finally a man named Goodwill opens the door, but he doesn't allow Christian entrance right away. He aks him 3 important questions

Who are you?

Where are you from?

What is your purpose?

Christian quickly answers that he is a burdened sinner from the City of Destruction heading toward the Celestial city in order to escape the wrath to come. Perfect answer! If he had instead responded that he heard going this way would give him an easy life filled with blessings (His best life now!), I don't believe GoodWill would have allowed him to enter. For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation. 2Cor 7:10

At this point Goodwill grabs Christian and pulls him quickly through the gate, giving Christian the explanation that Satan's has a strong castle close to the gate where he shoots arrows toward people trying to enter. And why wouldn't he? Satan knows when people are seeking God. He knows when they are close to going through the narrow gate, and he will do everything in his power to keep people from turning to God, even if it means killing them. In my own personal experience, I can honestly say that he tried to kill me several times before I came to Christ. And if it wasn't for God's protection, he would have suceeded.

What is the biggest lie of Satan? (See the end of this post for the answer)

Finally Christian is through the narrow gate! But he is still carrying his burden. Why? Shouldn't his burden of sin fall off right away? To me, this means that our salvation is not achieved by one act of faith. It is not achieved by saying a prayer or answering an altar call. Christian must perservere in order to rid himself of his burden.

Goodwill then instructs Christian to follow the narrow path. It is a path already laid out by the patriarchs, prophets, apostles and Jesus himself. There are many side paths which are crooked and wide but the way to distinquish the right path is that is is narrow and straight.

You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it

Our culture today describes this narrow path as narrow-minded, prejudiced, uptight, restrictive, old-fashioned. Have you ever been called those things? Get used to it. If you're committed to Christ, it's going to get worse.

Another thing to note here is that even though Christian entered the narrow gate, he isn't finished. He has only just begun. How many Christians commit their lives to God and then think that's all they need to do? Christianity is a journey, not a one time event.

So what is the greatest lie perpetrated by Satan?

That he doesn't exist.

By the way, I'm taking a poll. Is my walk through Pilgrim's progress helpful to you at all? Or would you prefer a simple devotional on Mondays? Let me know, because the purpose of this blog is to bless those who read it, not necessarily promote my books.