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Because Strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Matt. 7:14
The first object presented in the group is a reformed drunkard. See! he has thrown away strong drinks; he is determined to agonize-to enter in at the strait gate. Many tipplers seek to gain admission, but it will not do; over the gate is written, in characters of living light, "No drunkard shall inherit the kingdom of God."
The next figure shows a man professedly in the strait and narrow way, but he has such a large mass, or bundle of self-righteousness on his back, it will be seen at the first glance that it is impossible for him to get through the gate or passage. "All our righteousness," which we may bring with us when seeking salvation, "are as filthy rags;" and the more we have of them, the more impossible it will be for us to enter the strait gate. Man, in order to be saved, must feel himself to be a sinner; he must feel his poverty, and like the man seen in the engraving, must get down on his knees, in order to enter into the gates of life.
St. Paul, when a Pharisee, had a large load of self-righteousness, but when he became a Christian he discarded it; he desired to be found in Christ, saying, "not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith."
Partly in the background is one who fallen from the narrow way. This represents a lover of money; one who has committed "guilts, real blunder," and who is now a laughing-stock for devils. They that will be rich fall into temptations and a snare, which drown men in perdition. O, that men were wise! O, that they would attend to the words of Christ: "Ye can not server God and mammon; verily it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."
The last depicted is one who is carrying worldly honor and glory; who foolishly thinks he can love God and the world together. No man can serve two masters of opposite interest. "How," said Jesus, "can ye be saved who seek honor one of another, and not the honor which cometh from God only."
Perhaps it was on one of those beautiful evenings of surpassing loveliness, seen only in the Holy Land, that the Blessed Redeemer delivered his unexampled lessons of benevolence and wisdom from the mount made sacred by his presence. Then Jesus opened his mouth and taught them, saying, "Enter ye in at the strait gate; strait is the gate, and narrow is the way that leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." By which words the Savior would have us to understand the nature and requirements of Religion. Its nature-that it consists in change of heart. Its requirements-that we do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with the Lord.
Hence, by the "strait gate" we may learn that compliance with the first table of the Law is intended, viz.: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, with all thy mind, and with all thy strength. By the "narrow way," obedience to the demands of the second table is enjoined, viz.: Thou shat love thy neighbor as thyself; or , as it is expressed by the Savior, more copiously, "Therefore, all things whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, do ye even so to them."
As no man can love God, as required, without a change of heart, so neither can any one do unto others as he would they should do unto him unless he first love God; for "he that loveth not his brother abideth in death."
Source: The Bible Looking Glass
Friend if you are not saved, will you make that decision today. Will you believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and be saved. Jesus said “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”. Matt. 11:28
“All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that ccometh to me I will in no wise cast out”. John 6:37
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