The Hard Gospel Matthew 7:13-14

The Text Notice the different words used: KJV, NASB, NIV Narrow - - NKJV, CSB Difficult - - ASV Straitened Then there is the ESV: Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is HARD that leads to life, and those who find it are few “Hard” means: “to press” (Vine); “a compressed way” … “contracted” (Thayer); “to crowd” (Strong); “involves straits and afflictions” (RWP)

There are only two destinations: One is “life” and the other is “destruction” There is no third destination that is some mixture of the two There is no crossover between ways and destinations Contrary to popular religious thought and practice A constant call for an “easy” gospel (cf. Isa. 30:9-11) A corresponding effort to provide one (cf. 2 Tim. 4:3-4) However, Jesus is her offering something different

Hard Sayings In The Gospel “This is a hard saying, who can hear it?” (Jn. 6:60) This refers to His disciples They were complaining over His teaching (Jn. 6:61) When correction becomes the subject, it is hard for people to accept John the Baptist (Mk. 6:17-19) Jesus (Matt. 15:12) Stephen (Acts 7:54)

When the doctrines and practices of the New Testament become the subject, it is hard for people to accept Singing (Eph. 5:19) Baptism (Acts 2:38) Lord’s Supper (1 Cor. 11:25; Acts 20:7)

Hard Demands Of The Gospel Such as: Faith in God is essential (Heb. 11:6) Repentance is necessary (Lk. 13:3, 5) Baptism is required for salvation (Mk. 16:16) The commandments of Christ are to be kept (Matt. 28:20)