Monday 30th September
Read Matthew 7:13-14
“‘Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” (NIVUK)
In Pilgrim’s Progress, the first step Christian takes on the narrow path to the celestial city is through the ‘wicket gate’. A long journey follows where he finally finds himself at the foot of the cross and his burden falls away. Theologians have debated whether John Bunyan meant Christian was saved when he entered the gate or at the foot of the cross. What do you think?
One thing to consider is a passage we have reflected on quite recently. “Therefore Jesus said again, ‘Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture.” (John 10:7-9) (NIVUK)
Sometimes we think we are saved by believing that Jesus died for us on the cross. Salvation does indeed flow from the finished work of Jesus on the cross but we are actually saved by Jesus. Jesus is the gate. We are saved by Him. All that is necessary for salvation is to believe in Him, and His life, and death, will be graced to us. Enter the narrow gate and be saved.
