Matthew 7:13 – 14

13 “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.

14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is. the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.

These verses, along with Luke 13:23 – 30 describe the ways to enter eternal life and the way to eternal death. The two different options are “different” the way to eternal death is described as a wide way because it consists of many different routes established for the purpose of taking people to eternal death.

While the way to eternal life is described as narrow and a gate which limits the access to those who qualify to enter eternal life.

In Luke 13:23 -30 it shows these believers are ones who will not be allowed access to eternal life because they chose the routes of no resistance, they made the choice to take the easy route to heaven. There will be many believers who think they are following the narrow way because they have been deceived into following a way which contrasted to the true doctrine taught by Jesus and his Apostles.

Who would want to lead Christ's followers down a wrong path, one that will lead to destruction?

Paul tells us that Satan and his angels can appear to be from God as “angels of light.”

2 Corinthians 11:12 – 15 (12 But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast. 13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.)

These angels of Satan who appear as ministers of righteousness, do this to lead believers of Christ down a wide path to destruction.

This narrow gate and the path which leads to eternal life is only found in God's word. God's word is the truth which exposes the deceptions of those “ministers of righteousness” which want us to end up in destruction along with them.

True faith in Christ comes from knowledge of His word. Romans 10:17 (So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.)

Faith is knowing the word of God so we recognize the true route to eternal life.

The word of God is the weapon to defeat the deceptions of Satan. Hebrews 4:12 (For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.)

The only way to heaven is by following the road map, God's word, Paul told Timothy that God's scriptures lead to salvation 2 Timothy 3:14 - 15 (But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.)

Paul told Timothy to study it. He told him this so he could appear before God knowing and understanding the Word. 1 Timothy 2:15(Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

The word of God is ours to use, to make sure we follow the right path. We can trust it because it is from God and for a reason. 2 Timothy 3:16 – 17 (16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.)

Use God's word to lead you to salvation, do not rely on “ministers of righteousness” to show you the way.