Entering the Gate

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us.

TITUS 3:5

When you enter the narrow gate of salvation, you must do so alone. A turnstile perhaps best represents the concept of the narrow gate. Just one person at a time--with no baggage--can pass through a turnstile. God has ordained that people enter His kingdom singly, not in groups. You can't ride in on the coattails of your church, your family, on your friends, no matter how godly those people are.

God's gate is so narrow that you must go through it not only alone but naked. You can't go through the gate clothed in sin and self-will. As the hymn writer said, "Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to Thy cross I cling." That's the way of the cross, which is the gospel. And the gospel is the narrow gate, which involves self-denial. Jesus said, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it" (Matthew 16:24-25).


From: John MacArthur, Truth for Today, A Daily Touch of God's Grace.