John Bunyan: The Strait (or Narrow) Gate Part 1

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 8: Why Many Miss Heaven

"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 Eight: Why Many Miss Heaven

I will now show you why the poor, carnal, ignorant world miss of heaven, and then why the knowing professors miss of it also.

Why the Profane Miss Heaven

The poor, carnal, ignorant world miss of heaven, even because they love their sins, and cannot part with them: “Men love darkness rather than light, because their deeds be evil,” (John 3). The poor ignorant world miss of heaven, because they are enemies in their minds to God, his word, and holiness: they must be all damned who take pleasure in unrighteousness, 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12. The poor ignorant world miss of heaven, because they stop their ears against convictions, and refuse to come when God calls: “Because I have called, and ye refused, I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded, but have set at nought all my counsels, and would none of my reproofs; I also will laugh at your calamities, and mock when your fear cometh as desolation, and your desolation like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish cometh upon you; then shall you call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but shall not find me” (Proverbs 1:24-29).

The poor ignorant world miss of heaven, because the god of this world hath blinded their eyes, that they can neither see the evil and damnable state they are in at present, nor the way to get out of it: neither do they see the beauty of Jesus Christ, nor how willing he is to save poor sinners (2 Corinthians 4:2-3).

The poor ignorant world miss of heaven, because they put off and defer coming to Christ, until the time of God's patience and grace is over. Some indeed are resolved never to come; but some again say, We will come hereafter, and so it comes to pass, that because God called, and they did not hear; so they shall cry, and I will not hear, saith the Lord, Zechariah 7:11-13.

The poor ignorant world miss of heaven, because they have false apprehensions of God's mercy. They say in their hearts, We shall have peace, though we walk in the imagination of our heart, to add drunkenness to thirst. But what saith the word? “The Lord will not spare him; but then the anger of the Lord, and his jealousy, shall smoke against that man, and all the curses that are written in this book shall be upon him, and God shall blot out his name from under heaven” (Deuteronomy 29:19-21).

The poor ignorant world miss of heaven, because they lean upon their own good meanings, and thinkings, and doings, and because they make light of the gospel that offereth mercy to them freely (Matthew 22:1-6; Romans 9:30, 31).

The poor carnal world miss of heaven, because by unbelief, which reigns in them, they are kept for ever from being clothed with Christ's righteousness, and from washing in his blood, without which there is neither remission of sin, nor justification. But to pass these till anon.

Why the Professing Christian Falls Short of Heaven

They Mistake False Repentance for the True.

There is an awakening about one’s spiritual condition that will not save. Have they that shall be saved, awakenings about their state by nature? So have they that shall be damned. They that never go to heaven, may see much of sin, and of the wrath of God due thereto. This had Cain and Judas, and yet they came short of the kingdom (Genesis 4.; Matthew 27:4). The saved have convictions, in order to their eternal life; but the others' convictions are not so. The convictions of the one doth drive them sincerely to Christ; the convictions of the other doth drive them to the law, and the law to desperation at last.

There is a repentance that will not save, a repentance to be repented of; and a repentance to salvation, not to be repented of, 2 Corinthians 7:10. Yet so great a similitude and likeness there is betwixt the one and the other, that most times the wrong is taken for the right, and through this mistake professors perish.

--In saving repentance there will be an acknowledgment of sin; and one that hath the other repentance may acknowledge his sins also (Matthew 27:4).

--In saving repentance there is a crying out under sin; but one that hath the other repentance may cry out under sin also (Genesis 4:13).

--In saving repentance there will be humiliation for sin; and one that hath the other repentance may humble himself also (1 Kings 21:29).

--Saving repentance is attended with self-loathing; but he that hath the other repentance may have loathing of sin too (2 Peter 2:22) — a loathing of sin, because it is sin, that he cannot have; but a loathing of sin, because it is offensive to him, that he may have. The dog doth not loath that which troubleth his stomach, because it is there, but because it troubleth him; when it has done troubling of him, he can turn to it again, and lick it up as before it troubled him.

--Saving repentance is attended with prayers and tears; but he that hath none but the other repentance, may have prayers and tears also, Genesis 27:34, 35; Hebrews 12:14-16.

--In saving repentance, there is fear and reverence of the word and ministers that bring it; but this may be also where there is none but the repentance that is not saving; for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man, and holy, and observed him; when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly, Mark 6:20.

--Saving repentance makes a man's heart very tender of doing any thing against the word of God. Balaam could say, “If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of the Lord” (Numbers 24:13).

Behold, then, how far a man may go in repentance, and yet be short of that which is called, “Repentance unto salvation, not to be repented of.” He may be awakened; He may acknowledge his sin; He may cry out under the burden of sin; He may have humility for it; He may loath it; May have prayers and tears against it; May delight to do many things of God; May be afraid of sinning against him; and after all this may perish, for want of saving repentance.

They Mistake False Faith for the True.

Have they that shall be saved, faith? Why, they that shall not be saved may have faith also; yes, a faith in many things so like the faith that saveth, that they can hardly be distinguished (though they differ both in root and branch). To come to particulars,

--Saving faith hath Christ for its object, and so many the faith have that is not saving. Those very Jews of whom it is said they believed on Christ, Christ tells them, and that after their believing, “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do” (John 8:30-44).

--Saving faith is wrought by the word of God, and so may the faith be that is not saving, Luke 8:13.

--Saving faith looks for justification without works, and so may a faith do that is not saving, James 2:18.
--Saving faith will sanctify and purify the heart, and the faith that is not saving may work a man off from the pollutions of the world, as it did Judas, Demas, and others — See 2 Peter 2

--Saving faith will give a man tastes of the world to come, and also joy by those tastes, and so will the faith do that is not saving, Hebrews 6:4, 5; Luke 8:13.

--Saving faith will help a man to give his body to be burned, if called thereto, for his religion, and so will the faith do that is not saving(1 Corinthians 13:1-5).

--Saving faith will help a man to look for an inheritance in the world to come, and that may the faith do that is not saving: “All those virgins took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom,” (Matthew 25:1).

--Saving faith will not only make a man look for, but prepare to meet the bridegroom,” and so may the faith do that is not saving: ‘Then all these virgins arose and trimmed their lamps," (Matthew 25:7).

--Saving faith will make a man look for an interest in the kingdom of heaven with confidence, and the faith that is not saving will even demand entrance of the Lord: “Lord, Lord, open unto us,” (Matthew 25:11).

--Saving faith will have good works follow it into heaven, and the faith that is not saving may have great works follow it, as far as to heaven-gates: “Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name, and in thy name cast out devils, and in thy name done wondrous works,” (Matthew 7:22).

Now, then, if the faith that is not saving may have Christ for its object, be wrought by the word, look for justification without works, work men off from the pollutions of the world, and give men tastes of, and joy in the things of another world: I say again, if it will help a man to burn for his judgment, and to look for an inheritance in another world; yea, if it will help a man to prepare for it, claim interest in it; and if it can carry great works — many great and glorious works, as far as heaven-gates, then no marvel if abundance of people take this faith for the saving faith, and so fall short of heaven thereby. Alas, friends! There are but few that can produce such for repentance; and such faith as yet you see, I have proved even reprobates have had in several ages of the church. But,

They Mistake Prayer for an Evidence of Salvation.

They that go to heaven are a praying people; but a man may pray that shall not be saved. Pray! He may pray, pray daily; yea, he may ask of God the ordinances of justice, and may take delight in approaching to God; nay, further, such souls may, as it were, cover the altar of the Lord with tears, with weeping and crying out, Isaiah 28:2; Malachi 12:13.

They Mistake Piety in the Church for an Evidence of Salvation.

Do God's people keep holy fasts? They that are not his people may keep fasts also — may keep fasts often — even twice a-week: “The Pharisee stood, and prayed thus with himself: God, I thank thee that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust adulterers, or even as this Publican: I fast twice a-week, I give tithes of all that I possess,” (Luke 16:11-12).

The church and best of saints sometimes hit, and sometimes miss, in their judgments about this matter; and the cause of our missing in our judgment is, (1) Partly because we cannot infallibly, at all times, distinguish grace that saveth from that which doth but appear to do so; (2) Partly also because some men have the art to give right names to wrong things; and (3) partly because we being commanded to receive him that is weak, are afraid to exclude the least Christian, by which means hypocrites creep into the churches. But what saith the scripture? “I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins.” And again, “All the churches shall know that I am he that searches the reins and hearts, and I will give to every one of you according to your works” (Jeremiah 11:20; Jeremiah 17:10; Revelation 2:23). To this searcher of hearts is the time of infallible discerning reserved, and then you shall see how far grace that is not saving hath gone; and also how few will be saved indeed. The Lord awaken poor sinners by these warnings and cautions.



	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 8: Why Many Miss Heaven "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 Eight: Why Many Miss Heaven I will now show you why the poor, carnal, ignorant world miss of heaven, and then why the knowing professors miss of it also. Why the Profane Miss Heaven *The poor, carnal, ignorant world miss of heaven, even because they love their sins, and cannot part with them: “Men love darkness rather than light, because their deeds be evil,”* (John 3). The poor ignorant world miss of heaven, because they are enemies in their minds to God, his word, and holiness: they must be all damned who take pleasure in unrighteousness, 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12. The poor ignorant world miss of heaven, because they stop their ears against convictions, and refuse to come when God calls: “Because I have called, and ye refused, I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded, but have set at nought all my counsels, and would none of my reproofs; I also will laugh at your calamities, and mock when your fear cometh as desolation, and your desolation like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish cometh upon you; then shall you call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but shall not find me” (Proverbs 1:24-29). *The poor ignorant world miss of heaven, because the god of this world hath blinded their eyes, that they can neither see the evil and damnable state they are in at present, nor the way to get out of it: neither do they see the beauty of Jesus Christ, nor how willing he is to save poor sinners (2 Corinthians 4:2-3). The poor ignorant world miss of heaven, because they put off and defer coming to Christ, until the time of God's patience and grace is over.* Some indeed are resolved never to come; but some again say, We will come hereafter, and so it comes to pass, that because God called, and they did not hear; so they shall cry, and I will not hear, saith the Lord, Zechariah 7:11-13. *The poor ignorant world miss of heaven, because they have false apprehensions of God's mercy.* They say in their hearts, We shall have peace, though we walk in the imagination of our heart, to add drunkenness to thirst. But what saith the word? “The Lord will not spare him; but then the anger of the Lord, and his jealousy, shall smoke against that man, and all the curses that are written in this book shall be upon him, and God shall blot out his name from under heaven” (Deuteronomy 29:19-21). *The poor ignorant world miss of heaven, because they lean upon their own good meanings, and thinkings, and doings, and because they make light of the gospel that offereth mercy to them freely (Matthew 22:1-6; Romans 9:30, 31). The poor carnal world miss of heaven, because by unbelief, which reigns in them, they are kept for ever from being clothed with Christ's righteousness, and from washing in his blood, without which there is neither remission of sin, nor justification. But to pass these till anon. Why the Professing Christian Falls Short of Heaven* *They Mistake False Repentance for the True.* *There is an awakening about one’s spiritual condition that will not save.* Have they that shall be saved, awakenings about their state by nature? So have they that shall be damned. They that never go to heaven, may see much of sin, and of the wrath of God due thereto. This had Cain and Judas, and yet they came short of the kingdom (Genesis 4.; Matthew 27:4). The saved have convictions, in order to their eternal life; but the others' convictions are not so. The convictions of the one doth drive them sincerely to Christ; the convictions of the other doth drive them to the law, and the law to desperation at last. *There is a repentance that will not save,* a repentance to be repented of; and a repentance to salvation, not to be repented of, 2 Corinthians 7:10. Yet so great a similitude and likeness there is betwixt the one and the other, that most times the wrong is taken for the right, and through this mistake professors perish. --In saving repentance there will be an acknowledgment of sin; and one that hath the other repentance may acknowledge his sins also (Matthew 27:4). --In saving repentance there is a crying out under sin; but one that hath the other repentance may cry out under sin also (Genesis 4:13). --In saving repentance there will be humiliation for sin; and one that hath the other repentance may humble himself also (1 Kings 21:29). --Saving repentance is attended with self-loathing; but he that hath the other repentance may have loathing of sin too (2 Peter 2:22) — a loathing of sin, because it is sin, that he cannot have; but a loathing of sin, because it is offensive to him, that he may have. The dog doth not loath that which troubleth his stomach, because it is there, but because it troubleth him; when it has done troubling of him, he can turn to it again, and lick it up as before it troubled him. --Saving repentance is attended with prayers and tears; but he that hath none but the other repentance, may have prayers and tears also, Genesis 27:34, 35; Hebrews 12:14-16. --In saving repentance, there is fear and reverence of the word and ministers that bring it; but this may be also where there is none but the repentance that is not saving; for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man, and holy, and observed him; when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly, Mark 6:20. --Saving repentance makes a man's heart very tender of doing any thing against the word of God. Balaam could say, “If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of the Lord” (Numbers 24:13). Behold, then, how far a man may go in repentance, and yet be short of that which is called, “Repentance unto salvation, not to be repented of.” He may be awakened; He may acknowledge his sin; He may cry out under the burden of sin; He may have humility for it; He may loath it; May have prayers and tears against it; May delight to do many things of God; May be afraid of sinning against him; and after all this may perish, for want of saving repentance. *They Mistake False Faith for the True.* Have they that shall be saved, faith? Why, they that shall not be saved may have faith also; yes, a faith in many things so like the faith that saveth, that they can hardly be distinguished (though they differ both in root and branch). To come to particulars, --Saving faith hath Christ for its object, and so many the faith have that is not saving. Those very Jews of whom it is said they believed on Christ, Christ tells them, and that after their believing, “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do” (John 8:30-44). --Saving faith is wrought by the word of God, and so may the faith be that is not saving, Luke 8:13. --Saving faith looks for justification without works, and so may a faith do that is not saving, James 2:18. --Saving faith will sanctify and purify the heart, and the faith that is not saving may work a man off from the pollutions of the world, as it did Judas, Demas, and others — See 2 Peter 2 --Saving faith will give a man tastes of the world to come, and also joy by those tastes, and so will the faith do that is not saving, Hebrews 6:4, 5; Luke 8:13. --Saving faith will help a man to give his body to be burned, if called thereto, for his religion, and so will the faith do that is not saving(1 Corinthians 13:1-5). --Saving faith will help a man to look for an inheritance in the world to come, and that may the faith do that is not saving: “All those virgins took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom,” (Matthew 25:1). --Saving faith will not only make a man look for, but prepare to meet the bridegroom,” and so may the faith do that is not saving: ‘Then all these virgins arose and trimmed their lamps," (Matthew 25:7). --Saving faith will make a man look for an interest in the kingdom of heaven with confidence, and the faith that is not saving will even demand entrance of the Lord: “Lord, Lord, open unto us,” (Matthew 25:11). --Saving faith will have good works follow it into heaven, and the faith that is not saving may have great works follow it, as far as to heaven-gates: “Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name, and in thy name cast out devils, and in thy name done wondrous works,” (Matthew 7:22). Now, then, if the faith that is not saving may have Christ for its object, be wrought by the word, look for justification without works, work men off from the pollutions of the world, and give men tastes of, and joy in the things of another world: I say again, if it will help a man to burn for his judgment, and to look for an inheritance in another world; yea, if it will help a man to prepare for it, claim interest in it; and if it can carry great works — many great and glorious works, as far as heaven-gates, then no marvel if abundance of people take this faith for the saving faith, and so fall short of heaven thereby. Alas, friends! There are but few that can produce such for repentance; and such faith as yet you see, I have proved even reprobates have had in several ages of the church. But, *They Mistake Prayer for an Evidence of Salvation.* They that go to heaven are a praying people; but a man may pray that shall not be saved. Pray! He may pray, pray daily; yea, he may ask of God the ordinances of justice, and may take delight in approaching to God; nay, further, such souls may, as it were, cover the altar of the Lord with tears, with weeping and crying out, Isaiah 28:2; Malachi 12:13. *They Mistake Piety in the Church for an Evidence of Salvation.* Do God's people keep holy fasts? They that are not his people may keep fasts also — may keep fasts often — even twice a-week: “The Pharisee stood, and prayed thus with himself: God, I thank thee that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust adulterers, or even as this Publican: I fast twice a-week, I give tithes of all that I possess,” (Luke 16:11-12). The church and best of saints sometimes hit, and sometimes miss, in their judgments about this matter; and the cause of our missing in our judgment is, (1) Partly because we cannot infallibly, at all times, distinguish grace that saveth from that which doth but appear to do so; (2) Partly also because some men have the art to give right names to wrong things; and (3) partly because we being commanded to receive him that is weak, are afraid to exclude the least Christian, by which means hypocrites creep into the churches. But what saith the scripture? “I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins.” And again, “All the churches shall know that I am he that searches the reins and hearts, and I will give to every one of you according to your works” (Jeremiah 11:20; Jeremiah 17:10; Revelation 2:23). To this searcher of hearts is the time of infallible discerning reserved, and then you shall see how far grace that is not saving hath gone; and also how few will be saved indeed. The Lord awaken poor sinners by these warnings and cautions.