Why is Heaven So Exclusive?
Why is Heaven So Exclusive?
Matthew 7:13-14 (NASB)
“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.”
This passage spoken by Christ in Matthew 7 describes the gates of heaven as a difficult entry for most in the world today. The path to destruction is wide and easy, while the gates to heaven is narrow. Does this seem to discourage me from being a good Christian or even trying?
Upon reading the passage found in Thoughts from the Mount of Blessings, pages 138-139, we can understand about these two paths, and discover that the wide path to destruction is actually much harder than the narrow path to life.
“In the road to death the whole race may go, with all their worldliness, all their selfishness, all their pride, dishonesty, and moral debasement. There is room for every man's opinions and doctrines, space to follow his inclinations, to do whatever his self-love may dictate. In order to go in the path that leads to destruction, there is no need of searching for the way; for the gate is wide, and the way is broad, and the feet naturally turn into the path that ends in death.” (138)
God has made it hard for the proud and wicked to destroy themselves. All along the way to destruction there is pain and death. There is no soothing care by the grace of God for those who have rejected the Creator. There is only trouble.
“It is true that Satan's path is made to appear attractive, but it is all a deception; in the way of evil there are bitter remorse and cankering care. We may think it pleasant to follow pride and worldly ambition, but the end is pain and sorrow. Selfish plans may present flattering promises and hold out the hope of enjoyment, but we shall find that our happiness is poisoned and our life embittered by hopes that center in self. In the downward road the gateway may be bright with flowers, but thorns are in the path. The light of hope which shines from its entrance fades into the darkness of despair, and the soul who follows that path descends into the shadows of unending night.” (139)
Remember that Satan is the master deceiver, and today, he is making it appear that those who are righteous live a life of distress and unhappiness. The deception is that those who live in the world have fun, glamour and excitement. Then the question remains. Is it difficult to enter into heaven? Here are God’s promises for us…
Matthew 28:20 “And lo, I am with you, always, even unto the end of the world.”
Isaiah 41:10 “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not look anxiously about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous hand.”
Romans 8:31 “What shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?”
Psalm 121:7 “The Lord will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul.”
The Bible is full of God’s promises for His people. The wicked have forgone the divine protection of heavenly angels. So if we are on God’s side, how could it be so difficult to enter into the heavenly gates? I would surmise that it is easy.
Finally, remember that the end time plagues will only hurt the wicked people of the world. Just as the 10 plagues of Egypt were only for Pharaoh and his people, while the Israelites were protected, so too in the end times, will the destruction of the earth be for those who have rejected the Creator. Keep your faith in Him! It is the easier path.