Jesus Christ, Study $1
by C. Michael Dudash
Among the many supposed wise men and prophets in history, Jesus Christ is unique in many ways. He performed miracles, and proclaimed that God’s Kingdom was coming, and we should all strive to enter into it. He also predicted his death and resurrection, and as far as we can determine historically, he did rise from the dead.
In describing the way into his Kingdom, he was remarkably candid about his view that not every path leads to God – but that the way is narrow and defined. Here’s what he is recorded to have said:
“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. ~ Matthew 7:13-14 NKJV
Then one said to Him, “Lord, are there few who are saved?” And He said to them, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many will seek to enter and will not be able.When once the Master of the house has risen up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open for us,’ and He will answer and say to you, ‘I do not know you, where you are from,’then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets.’But He will say, ‘I tell you I do not know you, where you are from. Depart from Me, all you workers of iniquity.’ ~ Luke 13:23-27, NKJV
This language is a little cryptic – what exactly does he mean by the narrow gate? As it turns out, he is referring to faith in Himself!
Jesus said to Thomas, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. ~ John 14:6 NKJV
“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber….I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. ~ John 10:1, 8-10 NKJV
Millions of people across history have had a personal encounter with Christ, and been transformed. If you are one of those people, we invite you to submit your own story so that we can all enjoy it, and you can share it with others.
