By Craig Ward
Dictionary.com defines destiny as, something that is to happen or has happened to a particular person or thing; lot or fortune. Another definition given is the predetermined, usually inevitable or irresistible course of events.
Jesus said all of us are destined for one of two places: Heaven or Hell. He said in Matthew 7:13-14, You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.
The Bible teaches we travel this life on one of two roads: one leads to hell and the other leads to heaven. The New American Standard Bible calls the road leading to hell, “the road to destruction.” Jesus described this road as wide and spacious with a very large gate. This road is easy to travel and has plenty of room.
The vast majority of people in the world travel this road. You can take anything you want on this road. You can take your pride, ambition, lusts, or any other sin of choice. Those who travel this road have few rules, few requirements and few restrictions.
The road leading to heaven is called, “the narrow road” in the New American Standard Bible. The New Living Translation calls this road, “the difficult road.” This road has a very small gate and is very difficult to travel. Few people in this world travel this road. You cannot bring any baggage with you on this road. You have to leave your pride. You have to leave your prestige. You have to leave your position and power.
The key to which road you travel is Jesus Christ. Jesus, Himself, said, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” The Apostle Paul said, There is one God and one mediator who can reconcile God and humanity – the man Christ Jesus. Yes, we all have a road to travel ... the road to heaven or the road to hell. The road we travel is determined by what we do with Jesus.
Our world wants to take a universal approach to salvation. Universalism is the belief that everyone will be saved and that all go to heaven. Everything has become relative. There are no absolutes. All things are okay. It doesn’t matter what you believe, just be sincere in your belief. But remember the words of Christ, You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The gate is Jesus. He gave testimony to this when he said, Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. (John 10:9).
What is your destiny? Have you committed your life to Christ? The road may be narrow and the gate may be small but the reward is great.
Dr. Craig Ward is pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Clarkesville.