Matthew 7:13 – 14 (NASB)
13 “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it.

14 “For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.

Real Salvation = Only One Name + Only One Way

Acts 4:12 (NLT) 12 There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.”

John 14:6 (NLT)
6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.

Christians preach an exclusive Christ in an inclusive age. Because of that, we are often accused of being narrow-minded, even intolerant. Many paths, it is said, lead to the top of the mountain of religious enlightenment. How dare we insist that ours is the only one? In reality, however, there are only two religious paths: the broad way of works salvation leading to destruction, and the narrow way of faith in the only Savior leading to eternal life (Matt. 7:13–14).

Many people react negatively to salvation is found in Christ alone (“There is salvation in no one else!”).

Matthew 7:13 – 14 (ESV) 13 “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. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.

Luke 13:24 (ESV) 24 “Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.

John 10:9 (ESV) 9 I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.

1 John 5:11 – 12 (ESV) 11 And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.

Ephesians 4:5 – 6 (ESV) 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Sermon Summary

Main Theme: There is only one path to salvation, and it requires genuine conversion and continued faith in Jesus Christ.

Key Points:

1. One Way: There’s only one path to salvation, and that is through Jesus Christ. Other religions, philosophies, or beliefs cannot save. This exclusivity is supported by scriptures emphasizing Jesus as the sole mediator between God and humanity.
   
2. Two Gates: There are two paths people believe lead to heaven: one is wide and easy, leading to destruction, while the other is narrow and requires effort, leading to life. The sermon emphasizes that both groups of people believe they are going to heaven, but only those who choose the narrow gate, through Christ, will truly find it.
   
3. Three Cs of Salvation: True salvation involves three crucial elements:
   • Contrition: Genuine repentance and a broken heart, acknowledging one’s sin and need for forgiveness.
   • Conversion: Accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, demonstrated through a changed life and commitment to following Him.
   • Continuation: Persisting in faith and obedience to God’s Word, proving the genuineness of one’s conversion.
     
4. Four Arguments & Responses: The sermon addresses common arguments against the exclusive nature of salvation through Christ:
   • Argument 1: Salvation is private, and no one can judge. Response: True faith is confessed openly.
   • Argument 2: There are many roads to heaven. Response: Paths that seem right may lead to destruction.
   • Argument 3: You don’t need Jesus to be saved. Response: This contradicts core Christian doctrine.
   • Argument 4: What about those who haven’t heard the Gospel? Response: God’s existence and attributes are evident in creation, leaving everyone without excuse.

Conclusion:

The sermon concludes by emphasizing the importance of genuine conversion, continued faith, and action reflected in caring for the vulnerable. It reiterates that salvation is found only through Jesus Christ and encourages listeners to examine their own path and ensure they are walking through the narrow gate.

Scripture References:

• Matthew 7:13-14
• Acts 4:12
• Philippians 2:9-11
• John 14:6
• Romans 10:9-10
• Luke 13:24
• Ephesians 4:5
• John 6:44
• 1 Timothy 2:5
• Isaiah 66:2
• Psalm 51
• Acts 16
• John 6:66
• John 8:31
• 1 John 2:19
• Matthew 13
• Matthew 10:32
• Proverbs 14:12
• 2 Corinthians 11:3
• James 1 (last verse)
• Romans 1:18-20
• Deuteronomy 29:29