The Signs of the Times
September 17, 1902
The Strait Gate
Enter ye in at the strait gate; for wide is the gate, and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat; because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” ST September 17, 1902, par. 1
He who would enter in at the strait gate must put away all love of the world. There is not room to walk in the narrow way carrying the things of the world. He who would walk in this way must make an entire consecration of his all to God. Christ says, “If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” Those who love wealth, worldly honor, high position, can not enter in at the strait gate unless they part with these idols. ST September 17, 1902, par. 2
Our besetting sins must be laid aside. There is no room to walk in the narrow way, and at the same time cherish evil surmisings, doubts, criticisms, envy, unkindness. To enter the strait gate and travel the narrow way demands firmness of purpose, perseverance, steadfastness; for on every hand there are voices inviting the soul into forbidden paths. It demands that we give the future life our first attention. We are to cut away from our lives everything that would hinder our progress. Every inclination to evil must be denied, every habit not in harmony with the word of God must be overcome. We are to be one with Christ. We are to refuse to turn into the path of transgression, even tho natural inclination would lead us to take a course in opposition to God's will. Those who thus strive to follow Christ will hear His voice saying to them, “He that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” ST September 17, 1902, par. 3
An entrance to the strait gate does not depend on the possession of riches or learning, but it does depend on the possession of a teachable spirit. We are to search the Scriptures with a determined purpose to know the will of God. He who comes to the Bible with a humble, teachable spirit, with a heart that prefers truth to error, and the favor of God to the friendship of the world, will know of the doctrine. He will not be left to be deceived by the enemy, or to be swayed hither and thither by false doctrines. Christ will guide him day by day, and he will enter the strait gate, to walk in the narrow path that leads to life. ST September 17, 1902, par. 4
Let us not refuse to enter the strait gate because we can not see the whole of the path to the Paradise of God. He who receives the first ray of light sent him, and walks in it, bringing his actions into harmony with God's Word, will receive more light. He who walks in the light as it comes, not waiting to have every doubt removed, every mystery solved, will follow on to know the Lord. For him the light will shine brighter and brighter unto the perfect day. His path will be illuminated as he advances. God's Word will be a lamp to his feet and a light to his path. ST September 17, 1902, par. 5
Let us follow our Leader. He has trodden the way before us, and He will lead us safely. With unquestioning confidence in our Guide, let us go forward as children of light. ST September 17, 1902, par. 6