WHY MUST THE DOOR be narrow? Certainly, there will be more than ample room in heaven for everyone. Its vastness is beyond anything we can imagine. Scripture tells us that God desires everyone to be saved. Paul urged Timothy to make supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for all people, for God our Savior desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (see 1 Tim. 2:1-4). So, why this “narrow door” image of the way to salvation? What is this urgency that we stay on the narrow way? Let’s take a look.
“He went on his way through towns and villages, teaching and journeying toward Jerusalem. And someone said to him, ‘Lord, will those who are saved be few?’ And he said to them, ‘Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able'” (Luke 13:22-24).
It is not about the mathematics of who gets into heaven and who does not; neither the number nor the percentage of earth’s population are what matter here. It requires a humble and repentant heart to respond properly to the gospel. When Jesus says, “Strive to enter through the narrow door,” He is urging people to respond properly to Him before it is too late and the Father (“the owner of the house”) closes the door. This is why Jesus contrasts the narrow gate to the “broad road.” The broad road (the “freeway of this world”) will always be crowded with people on a highway to hell.
Our citizenship in heaven comes when we enter into a relationship with Christ.
Only Certain People
When Jesus was asked whether only a few will be saved, He did not directly answer with “yes” or “no.” The point is not how many individuals make it into heaven. Rather it is about a proper response to the gospel, for it is only through believing in Christ that we can take the next exit off the broad road and head toward the narrow gate. Citizenship in heaven, if you will, is made possible by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, but our entrance is not guaranteed. Although Jesus died for our sins, we have the responsibility of believing that we were crucified and raised up with Him to new life. We must believe that His death removes our sin and guilt.
The way to destruction is easy, but the way that leads to life is narrow and hard (see Matt. 7:13-14).
Concluding Thoughts
Jesus is the narrow way. He is the only way to the Father (see John 14:6). He is the only way of salvation (see Rom. 10:9-11). He lived and ministered on earth to provide detailed instructions for us to follow Him. We are to walk as He walked. Following in His footsteps, living as He lived, is the way to progressive sanctification. He is the gate of the sheep (see John 10:7); the bread of life (John 6:35); and the resurrection (John 11:25). L. Thompson writes, “The Gateway to Life is small. It is filled with many trials designed to refine and reveal our faith…It is not a selective process but a daily slaying of our flesh to allow God’s Spirit to resonate through us.” He added, “… I find that the more I seek to know the Lord, serve Him, and live for Him that the road has become less crowded.”1
God desires for all men to be saved. The parable of the narrow door reminds us of the harsh truth that not everyone will make it into heaven. Jesus tells us to strive, yearn for, pursue, chase after the narrow gate. The gate is “narrow” because the opportunity for entrance into heaven is meant only for those who call upon the Name of Jesus and be saved.
Steven Barto, BS PSY, ThM
Unless otherwise specified, all Scripture references contained herein are from the English Standard Version (ESV).
References
1 L. Thompson, The Narrow Road, July 8, 2020, retrieved Dec. 10, 2023, https://lthomason.wordpress.com/2020/07/08/the-narrow-road/