30. The Broad Way

The Broad Way

For wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many are they that enter in thereby. Matthew 7:13.

This is a word from a sermon preached by Jesus many years ago. What a solemn warning! Many souls today are eternally lost because they have paid no attention to it. Let us note its contents.

The gate is wide that leads to the broad way, and it is easy to enter. It takes no effort to enter such a gate. In fact, one is hardly aware of going through it. "For the god of this world hath blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should not dawn upon them'' (2 Corinthians 4: 4) .

Several persons can enter a wide gate at one time. No one needs to give up his friends to go through such a gate, for there is plenty of room. They are often so many that he can not even see the gate posts because of them. "He hath blinded their eyes, and he hardened their heart; lest they should see with their eyes, and perceive with their heart, and should turn, and I should heal them'' (John 12:40).

The way is broad-there is plenty of room for swaying. Satan has to have such a way, for all his followers are top-heavy. They have everything in their heads and nothing in their hearts. "This people honoreth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me''
(Mark 7:6) . There is plenty of room on this broad way for all kinds of religious beliefs. One can haul any kind of a load on a broad way.

Those who travel this way are always hopeful. They are very faithful to the suggestions of the devil, for they believe his lies. "They receive not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God sendeth them a working of error, that they should believe a lie'' (2 Thessalonians 2:10-11).

This way is full of curves. The destination must be kept hidden or those on this broad way will see where it leads. Each tomorrow is hidden away behind a curve. This must be so, for who would continue on such a way if the last day could be seen? Those on this way have as their slogan, "Eat, drink, and be merry." As long as they can not see their doom, such a suicide slogan can be used.

There are "many" on this way. Jesus warned, ''Many are they that enter in thereby.'' How sad that these precious souls should be many! One day the question was asked Jesus, "Lord, are they few that are saved? And he said unto them, Strive to enter in by the narrow door: for many, I say unto you, shall seek to enter in, and shall not be able'' (Luke 13:23-24).

This way leads to "destruction." What a horrible ending for such an expectant group! Many a joy ride has ended in a fatal crash. It was in reality the beginning of a funeral procession. What a shock it must be for those on the broad way to wake up when it is too late and hear the words of Christ, "Depart from me, ye cursed, into eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels'' (Matthew 25:41) Thank God, it is still the day of grace! Souls on this broad way can still be rescued! God has said, "Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against Jehovah thy God and hast scattered thy ways to strangers . . . and ye have not obeyed my voice, saith Jehovah. . . Return, O back- sliding children'' (Jeremiah 3:13-14).