Scripture

[13] “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. [14] For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. (ESV)

[21] “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. [22] On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ [23] And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ (ESV)

Engaging the Scripture

1. Compare this passage with the following scriptures:

John 14:6

Acts 4:12

2. What is the “narrow gate” that leads to life?

3. What is the “wide” gate that leads to destruction?

4. The Bible clearly teaches that a person is forgiven by faith in Christ rather than by faith in his/her works (Romans 3:28; Acts 16:30-31; Ephesians 2:8; Galatians 2:15-16).

When these religious people appeal to the fact that they had done some pretty amazing things “in the name of Christ”, what are they evidently trusting will get them to heaven?

Living as a Kingdom Citizen

1. If you were to stand before God and He were to ask you “Why should I let you into my heaven?” how would you respond?

2. How should my identity in Christ shape how I live? How should my eternal destiny affect the choices that I make today?