“If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself.” The Gospel is a call for self-denial; it is not a call for self-fulfillment. Some view Jesus as a utilitarian genie—you rub the lamp, He jumps out and says, “You have whatever you want.” You give Him your list and He delivers. There are those who tell you Jesus came just to give you peace and joy. Jesus makes you a better salesman and Jesus helps you hit more home runs. Jesus really wants to elevate your self-image and put an end to your negative thinking.
The familiar words “enter through the narrow gate” are from the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 7:13. Being a Christian means going through a narrow gate, a constricted passage that leaves no room for extra possessions, baggage, or needs. We have to be willing to give up everything. We aren’t going to get saved by dumping all our earthly goods and desires, but we have to be willing to do so. That’s how devoted we have to be to Christ, and that is the beginning of true discipleship.
– John MacArthur, adapted from Truth Endures (March 2011).
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