John Bunyan: The Strait (or Narrow) Gate Part 4

About the Author

John Bunyan (1628-1688) was one of the greatest preachers of the seventeenth century, and despite his humble beginnings and lack of formal education, has also been called "the most wonderfully gifted spiritual writer since the days of the Apostles." Next to the Bible, his Pilgrims Progress has been translated into more languages, and has passed through more editions (about four hundred), than any other book in the world. That book, along with his Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners and Holy War, are the records of his own deep spiritual experience, in which a profane and sinful man after a number of false conversions was wonderfully tranformed. He was later asked to preach to a small congregation, and after preaching to the brethren five years, and working at his trade (as a "tinker," one who repaired pots and pans) for the support of himself and family, he was arrested and thrown into Bedford jail twelve years (1660-1672) for "teaching men to worship God contrary to the law." During those years he continued to write, his only books being the Bible and Concordance, and Foxe's Book of Martyrs. He would have been released any day if he had promised not to preach; but he felt called of God to the work of the ministry, and he continually replied to his jailors, "If you release me today, I will preach again tomorrow." The renowned John Owen said that he would gladly relinquish all his learning for the tinker's preaching abilities.

THE STRAIT GATE
OR,
GREAT DIFFICULTY OF GOING TO HEAVEN

Plainly proving, by the Scripture, that not only
the Rude and Profane, but many great Professors,
will come short of that Kingdom.

By John Bunyan

Part 4 : This Thing You Lack

"Enter ye in at the strait gate; for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." - Matthew 7:13, 14.

Table of Contents

Part 1: Introduction

Part 2: An Explanation of the Text

Part 3: Heaven, Hell, & the Professing Christian

Part 4: This Thing You Lack

Part 5: Called Out From the World

Part 6: Scriptural Illustrations of the Saved

Part 7: Many Are Called But Few Are Chosen

Part 8: Why Many Miss Heaven

Part 9: Words of Warning

Part 10: Concluding Thoughts

PART Four: This Thing You Lack

There are five things, for the want of which this people will not be able to enter.

This kingdom belongs to the elect, to those for whom it was prepared from the foundation of the world (Matthew 25). Hence Christ saith, when he comes, he will send forth his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to another (Matthew 24). And hence he saith again, “I will bring forth a seed out of Jacob, and out of Judah an inheritor of my mountains, and mine elect shall inherit it, and my servants shall dwell there.” “They shall deceive, if it were possible, the very elect.” “But the elect hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded” (Romans 11:7).

They will not be able to enter, because they will want the birthright. The kingdom of heaven is for the heirs, — and if children, then heirs; if born again, then heirs: wherefore it is said expressly, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.” By this one word, down goes all carnal privilege of being born of flesh and blood, and of the will of man. Canst thou produce the birthright? But art thou sure thou canst?

And there are many in the world of his mind to this day. Tush, say they, they talk of being born again; what good shall a man get by that? They say, no going to heaven without being born again. But God is merciful; Christ died for sinners; and we will turn when we can tend it, and doubt not but all will be well at last. But I will answer thee, thou child of Esau, that the birthright and blessing go together; miss of one, and thou shalt never have the other. Esau found this true; for having first despised the birthright, when he would afterwards have inherited the blessing, he was rejected; for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears (Genesis 25.; Hebrews 12:14-16).

They shall not be able to enter in who have not believed with the faith of God's operation; the faith that is most holy, even the faith of God's elect: "He that believeth on the Son of God hath everlasting life; he that believeth not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him” (John 3). But now, this faith is the effect of electing love, and of a new birth (John 11:12). Therefore, all the professors that have not faith which floweth from being born of God, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.

They shall not be able to enter in that have not gospel-holiness. Holiness that is the effect of faith is that which admits into the presence of God, and into his kingdom too: “Blessed and holy are they that have part in the first resurrection, on such the second death -- which is hell and eternal damnation (Revelation 20:14) -- have no power” (Revelation 20:6). Blessed and holy, with the holiness that flows from faith which is in Christ; for to these the inheritance belongs: “That they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them that are sanctified by faith (saith Christ) which is in me” (Acts 26:18). This holiness which is the natural effect of faith in the Son of God, Christ Jesus the Lord will, at this day of judgment, distinguish from all other shows of holiness and sanctity, be they what they will, and will admit the soul that hath this holiness into his kingdom, when the rest will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.

They shall not be able to enter in that do not persevere in this blessed faith and holiness; not that they that have them indeed can finally fall away, and everlastingly perish; but it hath pleased Jesus Christ to bid them that have the right to hold fast that they have; to endure to the end; and then tells them they shall be saved — though it is as true that none is of power to keep himself; but God worketh together with his children, and they are kept by the power of God, through faith, unto salvation, which is also laid up in heaven for them (1 Peter 1:3-5).

“The foolish shall not stand in thy sight; thou hatest the workers of iniquity.” The foolish are the unholy ones, that neither have faith, nor holiness, nor perseverance in godliness, and yet lay claim to the kingdom of heaven; but “better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right,” (Psalm 55.; Proverbs 16:8). What is it for me to claim a house, or a farm, without right? or to say, all this is mine, but have nothing to shew for it? his estate lieth in his conceit; he hath nothing by birthright and law, and therefore shall not be able to inherit the possession: “For many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.” Thus you see, that the non-elect shall not be able to enter, that he that is not born again shall not be able to enter, that he that hath not saving faith, with holiness and perseverance flowing therefrom, shall not be able to enter: wherefore consider of what I have said.



	About the Author John Bunyan (1628-1688) was one of the greatest preachers of the seventeenth century, and despite his humble beginnings and lack of formal education, has also been called "the most wonderfully gifted spiritual writer since the days of the Apostles." Next to the Bible, his Pilgrims Progress has been translated into more languages, and has passed through more editions (about four hundred), than any other book in the world. That book, along with his Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners and Holy War, are the records of his own deep spiritual experience, in which a profane and sinful man after a number of false conversions was wonderfully tranformed. He was later asked to preach to a small congregation, and after preaching to the brethren five years, and working at his trade (as a "tinker," one who repaired pots and pans) for the support of himself and family, he was arrested and thrown into Bedford jail twelve years (1660-1672) for "teaching men to worship God contrary to the law." During those years he continued to write, his only books being the Bible and Concordance, and Foxe's Book of Martyrs. He would have been released any day if he had promised not to preach; but he felt called of God to the work of the ministry, and he continually replied to his jailors, "If you release me today, I will preach again tomorrow." The renowned John Owen said that he would gladly relinquish all his learning for the tinker's preaching abilities. THE STRAIT GATE OR, GREAT DIFFICULTY OF GOING TO HEAVEN Plainly proving, by the Scripture, that not only the Rude and Profane, but many great Professors, will come short of that Kingdom. By John Bunyan Part 4 : This Thing You Lack "Enter ye in at the strait gate; for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." - Matthew 7:13, 14. Table of Contents Part 1: Introduction Part 2: An Explanation of the Text Part 3: Heaven, Hell, & the Professing Christian Part 4: This Thing You Lack Part 5: Called Out From the World Part 6: Scriptural Illustrations of the Saved Part 7: Many Are Called But Few Are Chosen Part 8: Why Many Miss Heaven Part 9: Words of Warning Part 10: Concluding Thoughts PART Four: This Thing You Lack There are five things, for the want of which this people will not be able to enter. *This kingdom belongs to the elect,* to those for whom it was prepared from the foundation of the world (Matthew 25). Hence Christ saith, when he comes, he will send forth his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to another (Matthew 24). And hence he saith again, “I will bring forth a seed out of Jacob, and out of Judah an inheritor of my mountains, and mine elect shall inherit it, and my servants shall dwell there.” “They shall deceive, if it were possible, the very elect.” “But the elect hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded” (Romans 11:7). *They will not be able to enter, because they will want the birthright.* The kingdom of heaven is for the heirs, — and if children, then heirs; if born again, then heirs: wherefore it is said expressly, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.” By this one word, down goes all carnal privilege of being born of flesh and blood, and of the will of man. Canst thou produce the birthright? But art thou sure thou canst? And there are many in the world of his mind to this day. Tush, say they, they talk of being born again; what good shall a man get by that? They say, no going to heaven without being born again. But God is merciful; Christ died for sinners; and we will turn when we can tend it, and doubt not but all will be well at last. But I will answer thee, thou child of Esau, that the birthright and blessing go together; miss of one, and thou shalt never have the other. Esau found this true; for having first despised the birthright, when he would afterwards have inherited the blessing, he was rejected; for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears (Genesis 25.; Hebrews 12:14-16). *They shall not be able to enter in who have not believed with the faith of God's operation; the faith that is most holy, even the faith of God's elect: "He that believeth on the Son of God hath everlasting life; he that believeth not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him”* (John 3). But now, this faith is the effect of electing love, and of a new birth (John 11:12). Therefore, all the professors that have not faith which floweth from being born of God, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. *They shall not be able to enter in that have not gospel-holiness.* Holiness that is the effect of faith is that which admits into the presence of God, and into his kingdom too: “Blessed and holy are they that have part in the first resurrection, on such the second death -- which is hell and eternal damnation (Revelation 20:14) -- have no power” (Revelation 20:6). Blessed and holy, with the holiness that flows from faith which is in Christ; for to these the inheritance belongs: “That they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them that are sanctified by faith (saith Christ) which is in me” (Acts 26:18). This holiness which is the natural effect of faith in the Son of God, Christ Jesus the Lord will, at this day of judgment, distinguish from all other shows of holiness and sanctity, be they what they will, and will admit the soul that hath this holiness into his kingdom, when the rest will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. *They shall not be able to enter in that do not persevere in this blessed faith and holiness; not that they that have them indeed can finally fall away, and everlastingly perish; but it hath pleased Jesus Christ to bid them that have the right to hold fast that they have; to endure to the end; and then tells them they shall be saved — though it is as true that none is of power to keep himself; but God worketh together with his children, and they are kept by the power of God, through faith, unto salvation, which is also laid up in heaven for them (1 Peter 1:3-5). “The foolish shall not stand in thy sight; thou hatest the workers of iniquity.”* The foolish are the unholy ones, that neither have faith, nor holiness, nor perseverance in godliness, and yet lay claim to the kingdom of heaven; but “better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right,” (Psalm 55.; Proverbs 16:8). What is it for me to claim a house, or a farm, without right? or to say, all this is mine, but have nothing to shew for it? his estate lieth in his conceit; he hath nothing by birthright and law, and therefore shall not be able to inherit the possession: “For many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.” Thus you see, that the non-elect shall not be able to enter, that he that is not born again shall not be able to enter, that he that hath not saving faith, with holiness and perseverance flowing therefrom, shall not be able to enter: wherefore consider of what I have said.