Truth is Narrow
Yesterday, we contrasted mathematics and religion. In math, there is often more than one way to solve a problem. In religion, there is only one way to solve mankind's problem with sin. We considered a couple passages that show the exclusive nature of salvation through Jesus Christ and Him alone.

Today, I want to pursue this subject further by noting that truth is narrow. We've already seen such to be the case regarding salvation. Let's consider Matthew 7:13,14 to emphasize the point further. Jesus said therein - "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it."

Jesus contrasts two gates: wide and narrow. He contrasts two ways: broad and difficult. He contrasts two destinations: destruction and life. He contrasts two groups of people: many and few. Jesus vividly states that the way to eternal life is narrow and difficult. The path is not easy, and consequently, relatively few will find it (and remain on it until the end). He depicts the way to eternal destruction in just the opposite fashion. Getting to that destination is simple, and tragically, that is why many will make it.

Truth in religion is narrow, and many are bothered by that fact. Many prefer a message that is not so exclusive or absolute or demanding, but that's not the kind of message Jesus preached. It should be noted, however, that those who are offended by the narrowness of truth in religion demand narrowness in other areas. For instance, if one takes offense to the truth that he can only get to heaven through submission to the Christ, is he also offended when I affirm that 2 plus 2 only equals 4? I doubt that such would offend anyone. People are close-minded when it comes to simple addition, and rightfully so. There is only one correct answer, but there are an infinite number of incorrect (or false) answers. 2 + 2 = 4; it does not equal 3, 5, 10, 1,000,000, etc. It only equals 4, period. Truth is narrow. We expect it in the secular realm. Shouldn't we expect it in religion too?

Let's carry the analogy further. If someone wants to believe that 2 + 2 = 3, then they are free to believe such, but they are wrong. It doesn't matter if they believe with all their heart that 2 + 2 = 3. They're still wrong. It doesn't matter if they were raised believing that 2 + 2 = 3. It doesn't matter if a math teacher taught them that 2 + 2 = 3. It's simply not true, and it never will be. Likewise, if someone believes they can be saved without Jesus, they are free to believe such, but they are wrong. It doesn't matter if they believe with all their heart that they can be saved without Jesus. They're still wrong. It doesn't matter if they were raised believing they could be saved without Jesus. It doesn't matter if a religious leader taught them they can be saved without Jesus. It's simply not true, and it never will be because the Bible says otherwise (as we saw yesterday in John 14:6 and Acts 4:12).

Friends, truth is narrow, and not just in religion. There are many different religions one could practice, but Christianity is the only true religion. There are many different denominations or churches one could attend, but Jesus is the founder and foundation of only one true church (cf. Matt. 16:18; I Cor. 3:11). Dear listeners, truth is objective, and the Bible is to be our guide (not man-made religions, denominations, or traditions). God wants you to be saved (II Pet. 3:9). He wants you to be on the narrow path that leads to life. He wants you to believe and obey the truth of His word.