Which Gate Are You Striving to Enter? The Broad Gate that Leads to Destruction? Or the Narrow Gate Leading to Eternal Life?

Those seeking to enter "The Straight Gate" of Eternal Life!

A Devotional for May 1, 2025

From the Pen of John Bunyan, author of Pilgrim's Progress

The Strait Gate[1]

“Strive to enter in at the strait gate; for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able” Luke 13: 24 (KJV).

These are the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and are, therefore, in [an] especial manner to take notice. Besides, the subject matter of the words is the most weighty, in other words; how we should attain salvation and therefore [it is] also to be considered.

The occasion of the words was a question which one that was at this time in the company of the disciples put to Jesus Christ; the question was this, “Lord, are there few that be saved?” (Verse 23) A serious question, not such as tended to the subversion of the hearers, as too many now-a-days do. But such as in its own nature tended to the awakening of the company to good, and that called for such an answer that might profit the people also. This question was also well pleasing to Jesus Christ. And he prepared and gave such an answer as was without the least retort or show of distaste. Such an answer . . . as carried in it the most full resolve to the question itself and help to the persons questioning. “And he said unto them, strive to enter in.” The words are an answer, and an instruction also. First. An answer . . . that [is] in the affirmative. The gate is strait—many that seek will not be able therefore, but few shall be saved. Second. The answer is an instruction also; “strive to enter in”—good counsel and instruction. Pray God help me, and my reader, and all that love their own salvation to take it!

[1] “Strait Gate” is a narrow door.