The Two Ways

Two Religions in the World

There are only two religions in the world:

One that comes from the heart of man

One that comes from the heart of God

The religion of man is an imagination.

The religion of God is a revelation.

In these verses we see two gates, two ways, two companies, and two ends. Let’s look at the two ways Jesus talks about.

The Way Into Life

What does this life mean? “The gate” suggests the idea of a city, a place of safety, fellowship, and plenty. The life which is in Jesus Christ is a life of:

Safety from sin and God’s wrath

Fellowship with God

Satisfaction in the fullness of God

There must be a passing from death into life. Notice three things about the way into life:

It is an OPEN WAY

It may be straight, but its not shut. Revelation 3:8 says, “Behold, I have set before thee an open door”. This was was closed up by sin and surrounded by a fence called the law. Jesus opened it up by taking our sins upon him and becoming obedient through death on the cross. Now this way is consecrated (set apart) for us. In John 14:6 Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” There is no back door, side door, or any other way into the Kingdom of God.

It is a NARROW WAY

Jesus said, “Strait is the gate, and narrow is the way.” We need to strip everything off of us to enter this gate. Our self-righteousness will not fit through with us. We have to realize we are completely unfit and unable on our own to enter in this way. Even though the gate is narrow, it leads to a large place.

It is the WAY OF THE FEW

Jesus said, “few there be that find it,” because there are few that actually seek it. Many people shun it, preferring the darkness to the light, because their deeds are evil. Some put off (procrastinate) seeking it, others hope to stumble into it by chance. This is not a work that can happen by chance. We have to seek it out, but God tells us in Jeremiah 29:13 that, “ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.”

The Way of Destruction

The word destruction here means “loss,” and is really important. It is the loss of the only way that can save and satisfy us. Like a plant losing the earth from its roots, or a man losing all his privileges and hopes. Notice three things about this way:

It is a BROAD WAY

It suits the sinful mind because there is plenty of room in it for all our sinful likes and pleasures. It is a place “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” (1 John 2:16). It is broad enough for the drunkard, the dishonest and unclean, the scoffer, and the proud religious person.

It is a CROWDED WAY

“Many there be which go in thereat.” It is always easy to go downhill. Generally speaking, man’s first choice is usually the broad way. Jeremiah 17:9 says, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked.” Our nature prefers the pleasures of sin to the fellowship of God. Some are being pushed along in the crowd without giving it any serious thought. All are without God and without hope.

It is a FATAL WAY

There is only one possible end to this way, and that is destruction. As surely as a stone sinks in the sea will the man perish who loves and follows sin. Romans 6:23 tells us “the wages of sin is death.” Jeremiah 21:8 says, “Behold, I set before you the way of life, and the way of death.” We need to choose life.