Sunday Evening / July 22, 2007
“Heaven is Not Automatic”
Matthew 7:13-14
Here our Lord presents us with two ways: the way of sin and the way of holiness. One takes us to Heaven, the other to Hell. There are roads to purgatory, no middle ground.
I. Road to Hell (destruction)
1. This is the more popular of the two roads “many go in by it” – Matthew 7:13
2. It is popular because it is broad / wide
A. There is a sort of sinful freedom allowed in this way. You may enter the wide gate with all your sinful lusts and passions.
B. It is the broad way, because there is nothing in it to hem you in, no 10 Commandments, no specific light needed for your path – Psalm 119:105
3. It is also popular because it is not “difficult” like the narrow way – Matthew 7:14
4. Yet, according to Christ it leads to destruction –
II. Road to Heaven (life)
1. Not popular “few find it” – Matthew 7:14
2. Narrow: It requires the New Birth to even see it – John 3:3
3. It requires faith in Christ as the only way of salvation – Acts 4:12; John 14:6
4. It is difficult, it means you take up your cross daily and follow Christ – Matthew 10:37-39
III. Yet, this is the Command of Christ, the way to Life –
1. Will we obey Christ or the crowd? – 1 John 2:15-17; Romans 12:1-2
2. Will we obey Christ when things in this world grow “difficult – John 15:8; Acts 14:22
3. We show our love for Christ by our diligent obedience to His commands – John 14:21
