In Matthew 7:13-14, we read the words of Jesus: “Enter ye in at the strait gate; for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”

The two gates are the places of making decisions to begin a journey. To take the wide gate or the narrow gate is a choice that is set before all people. This is a choice everyone will have to make. The strait gate is narrow, and one cannot enter with ease. This is the decision for conversion and regeneration in which one begins a life of faith and godliness (John 3:3,5). This decision is with a new heart and spirit. Old things must pass away (2 Corinthians 5:17). This conversation is not setting man against the world but against himself. (Luke 13:3,5) In the strait gate, one must humble himself and become as a child. He must deny himself and strip off the world and the old man within himself. (Colossians 3:8 and Ephesians 4:20-24) The wide gate stands open and has no check on carnal appetites. As the strait gate is narrow and calls for the denying of self, the wide gate is open to the pleasures of the flesh. In this gate, one walks in the way of one’s heart and in the sight of its own eyes. (Judges 21:25) Since it is wide open, it allows the multitude to enter in with their pleasures and preferences. The two gates or decisions leads to two roads of life. The broad or wide road is full of travelers. This road allows the indulgencies of self and does not require sacrifice or surrender. The road is wrong, although it is the rule of the majority (Proverbs 14:12). The narrow road contains few travelers. It is a life of dedication and separation. And it is not a popular one. The two gates lead to the two roads which end in two destinies. The end of the wide road is destruction. And the end of the narrow road is life eternal. Everyone will enter at either gate and travel at either road and end at either destiny.