In our county, everyone likes having a choice. Who would want to only have one set of clothes to buy? or only have one make and model of car to purchase: Or have to eat the same food day after day after day: We want to have the opportunity to decide for ourselves, to determine what course we will follow.
While we have the ability to make choices, when it comes to faith we all by the lives we live, make one of two choices. There are not many options available as some would have us believe, as seen in the phrase "there are many paths that lead to heaven." Scripture reveals there are only two paths one can take, and each of us is walking on one of these paths. "Enter ye in by the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many are they that enter in thereby. For narrow is the gate, and straitened the way, that leadeth unto life, and few are they that find it" (Matthew 7:13-14).
Jesus tells us the way is broad that leads to destruction. It's broad enough to accommodate any error one wants to believe, any sinful lifestyle one wants to live. Choosing to follow this path leads to judgment, eternal condemnation. We should not be surprised by this, as Jesus follows this statement by saying, "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven" (Matt. 7:21). It is His word that will judge us on the last day (John 12:48), on whether we have lived by His will or chosen to live by our own. There are not many paths to heaven, but many take the path that leads to destruction.
On the other hand, Jesus tells us the way is straight and the gate narrow that leads to life. It is straight and narrow because it's well defined. It will accommodate all who choose to take it, but those who walk it must be obedient to the will of God (Hebrews 5:9). Such a walk doesn't deny the grace of God; indeed, it is dependent on it. God's grace is seen in Christ offering us this path for life, instruction us in how to live (Titus 2:11-12), warning us not to fall short of grace, nor to fall from grace (Hebrews 12:15; Galatians 5:4). Few make the choice to follow this path, but those who do find life.
God gives us free will, so you have a choice in how to live, which way you will take spiritually. The choices are not equal; they do not lead to the same destination. The life you now live shows the choice you're making for eternity. Which choice will you make, to destruction or life?
Robert Johnson
Longview TX
"And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;"
"He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day."
