Matthew 7:13-14 Enter through the narrow gate

[Jeff Saunders]

On this forum I have seen so many times that this is out of context or that is out of context, my question is this in Matt 7:13-14 most people say it is talking about heaven or hell , but if you look at the context of the chapter Jesus is talking about earthly things, log in your eye, getting bread, fish , knowing people by their fruit ect . I think this is Jesus telling the people He is the narrow gate and by following Him we have life now in this life , not talking at all about heaven. And those who do not follow Him their life will lead to destruction and we can see this every day just look at the destruction that is going on in this world from those who refuse to enter into the narrow gate. So for all of you who use this verse for a heaven or hell verse how is that in context?

 

[2PhiloVoid]

On this forum I have seen so many times that this is out of context or that is out of context, my question is this in Matt 7:13-14 most people say it is talking about heaven or hell , but if you look at the context of the chapter Jesus is talking about earthly things, log in your eye, getting bread, fish , knowing people by their fruit ect . I think this is Jesus telling the people He is the narrow gate and by following Him we have life now in this life , not talking at all about heaven. And those who do not follow Him their life will lead to destruction and we can see this every day just look at the destruction that is going on in this world from those who refuse to enter into the narrow gate. So for all of you who use this verse for a heaven or hell verse how is that in context?

Which scholarly source on literary context(s) are you drawing from in making this exegetical assessment, Jeff?

 

[Maria Billingsley]

On this forum I have seen so many times that this is out of context or that is out of context, my question is this in Matt 7:13-14 most people say it is talking about heaven or hell , but if you look at the context of the chapter Jesus is talking about earthly things, log in your eye, getting bread, fish , knowing people by their fruit ect . I think this is Jesus telling the people He is the narrow gate and by following Him we have life now in this life , not talking at all about heaven. And those who do not follow Him their life will lead to destruction and we can see this every day just look at the destruction that is going on in this world from those who refuse to enter into the narrow gate. So for all of you who use this verse for a heaven or hell verse how is that in context?

Jesus Christ of Nazareth does focus on our actions while in the flesh however, His teachings were always about the Kingdom of God which can not be inherited through the flesh. Though our fruits are seen through the flesh it is the condition of the heart that brings us into the Body of Christ when and only if His Holy Spirit dwells in us. The wide road of destruction would have to be a metaphor for unrighteousness while the narrow gate is for the rightious. But most importantly Christ points out that few will find that narrow gate which tells us an even more disturbing prophecy and warning! Blessings.

 

[Jeff Saunders]

Which scholarly source on literary context(s) are you drawing from in making this exegetical assessment, Jeff?

I read the words on the page!

 

[Freth]

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Matthew 7:13-14 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.

Conclusions:

• Jesus is the way, the truth and the life; the narrow way, which leads to life.
  • Life is in fact ultimately eternal life.
• The broad way leads to destruction.
  • Destruction is in fact ultimately the second death, in the lake of fire.

The two go hand in hand and cannot be separated. If you don't have Jesus (the way), you don't have (eternal) life, and face destruction as the verses state. The narrow way then can be considered pointing to heaven, and the broad way pointing to "hell" or destruction, which is the second death in the lake of fire as per Revelation 20:14.

 

[2PhiloVoid]

I read the words on the page!

But so does everyone else. And here we are, with competing interpretations. Why is this the case today?

Is it because some special Christian is reading the Bible and has the Holy Spirit and other Christians don't?

Or is it because one Christian might use a Synchronic approach to reading the Bible while another uses a more Diachronic approach, and yet another resorts to a more individualized, even Existential approach when reading and considering what it is he/she thinks is being read?

 

[Blade]

On this forum I have seen so many times that this is out of context or that is out of context, my question is this in Matt 7:13-14 most people say it is talking about heaven or hell , but if you look at the context of the chapter Jesus is talking about earthly things, log in your eye, getting bread, fish , knowing people by their fruit ect . I think this is Jesus telling the people He is the narrow gate and by following Him we have life now in this life , not talking at all about heaven. And those who do not follow Him their life will lead to destruction and we can see this every day just look at the destruction that is going on in this world from those who refuse to enter into the narrow gate. So for all of you who use this verse for a heaven or hell verse how is that in context?

Yeah I can see how some say heaven hell but I also take it as this life. He came to give us life and give it to us more abundantly. So that path is narrow.. The other path wide, we can look out side and see how wide and how it leads to destruction.

 

[Jeff Saunders]

Jesus Christ of Nazareth does focus on our actions while in the flesh however, His teachings were always about the Kingdom of God which can not be inherited through the flesh. Though our fruits are seen through the flesh it is the condition of the heart that brings us into the Body of Christ when and only if His Holy Spirit dwells in us. The wide road of destruction would have to be a metaphor for unrighteousness while the narrow gate is for the rightious. But most importantly Christ points out that few will find that narrow gate which tells us an even more disturbing prophecy and warning! Blessings.

Matthew said repent because the kingdom of heaven is at hand , not just off in the future.

 

[ElenaMaria_9]

Perhaps it could pertain to both? I've heard both these views before and they both seem to make sense

 

[Maria Billingsley]

Matthew said repent because the kingdom of heaven is at hand , not just off in the future.

The Kingdom of God is Jesus Christ of Nazareth.

 

[Jesus is YHWH]

The Kingdom of God is Jesus Christ of Nazareth.

Yes wherever Jesus is the Kingdom is whether its now in heaven , this earth dwelling in believers or when He returns at His 2nd Coming.

 

[ElenaMaria_9]

I was thinking about this a lot The other day in regards to deliverance and healing for example. These things are His children's bread, which suggests it isn't about us struggling through with our demons and sicknessesuntil we reach heaven and are delivered of them there (which we certainly will be!) but He wants to give us a chance of experiencing that healing and deliverance now! Ditto with sanctification, why would He want us to continue in on going sanctification if His kingdom is just for the next life?

Why does He want us to be spotless brides with oil in our lamps now? because it's hard to see the light in a guttering (sin filled, lukewarm) lamp and He wants Holy channels to pour His spirit into so we glorify the father in heaven and make Him known on earth!

Disclaimer: I know not everyone gets healed in their mind and body on earth, and I don't pretend to know why but I know for a lot of believers we do see miracles

 

[Hillsage]

Which scholarly source on literary context(s) are you drawing from in making this exegetical assessment, Jeff?

1JO 2:27 but the anointing which you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that any one should teach you; as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie, just as it has taught you, abide in him.

 

[ReverendRV]

On this forum I have seen so many times that this is out of context or that is out of context, my question is this in Matt 7:13-14 most people say it is talking about heaven or hell , but if you look at the context of the chapter Jesus is talking about earthly things, log in your eye, getting bread, fish , knowing people by their fruit ect . I think this is Jesus telling the people He is the narrow gate and by following Him we have life now in this life , not talking at all about heaven. And those who do not follow Him their life will lead to destruction and we can see this every day just look at the destruction that is going on in this world from those who refuse to enter into the narrow gate. So for all of you who use this verse for a heaven or hell verse how is that in context?

You are correct Sir...

 

[Jeff Saunders]

1JO 2:27 but the anointing which you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that any one should teach you; as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie, just as it has taught you, abide in him.

Someone who gets it!

 

[2PhiloVoid]

1JO 2:27 but the anointing which you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that any one should teach you; as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie, just as it has taught you, abide in him.

mmm hmmm. Now, you and @Jeff Saunders add in the similar verses from the Gospel of John that we're all so very familiar with and answer the questions I presented back up in post #6.

I'd love to see how far you both get with it and remain consistent in your "charismatically endowed" argumentation ...

 

[Hillsage]

The Kingdom of God is Jesus Christ of Nazareth.

How does this verse line up with your post?

LUK 9:27 But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God.

 

[Jeff Saunders]

But so does everyone else. And here we are, with competing interpretations. Why is this the case today?

Is it because some special Christian is reading the Bible and has the Holy Spirit and other Christians don't?

Or is it because one Christian might use a Synchronic approach to reading the Bible while another uses a more Diachronic approach, and yet another resorts to a more individualized, even Existential approach when reading and considering what it is he/she thinks is being read?

What is diachronic ?

 

[Hillsage]

What is diachronic ?

I am of the persuasion that it is a fundamentalist's version of speaking in tongues to most of the church today. When I came to my first "Christian" forum 20+ years ago, I was amazed at all the 'religious categories' you could join for discussion. Most of them were words I never even understood back in those days.

 

[Maria Billingsley]

How does this verse line up with your post?

LUK 9:27 But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God.

Jesus Christ of Nazareth was referring to the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. Gods judgment on Isreal reigned down on them during this time. The Kingdom of God came in judgment and wrath. The end of the age of Temple Judaism.