Believers or Followers: The Narrow Gate to Heaven

Good morning, Church!

Today, we’re tackling a question that hits at the heart of our faith: Why do so many people believe in God, but so few truly follow Him? Why is righteousness—a life lived in total surrender to God—so rare in a world where billions claim belief? And what does this mean for you and me as we walk our journey with Christ?

Belief Is Easy, Following Is Hard

Let’s get real: Believing in God is the easy part. Even James 2:19 says:

“You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.”

Acknowledging God exists doesn’t make you righteous. Even Satan himself knows God is real. Belief alone doesn’t change your heart or save your soul.

Following God, though? That’s where the rubber meets the road. Following means living a life that aligns with His Word, surrendering your desires, and walking in obedience. It’s not a one-time decision; it’s a daily act of faith.

The Days of Noah: A Sobering Warning

Let’s rewind to Noah’s time—a stark reminder of just how rare true righteousness is. Genesis 6:5-6 tells us how wicked the world had become:

“The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time.”

God sent the flood to cleanse the earth, but out of the entire population, only eight people—Noah and his family—were spared. Imagine that! The rest ignored God’s warning, mocked His message, and chose the wide road to destruction.

Jesus reminds us in Matthew 24:37-39:

“As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.”

Just like then, the last days will be marked by people ignoring God’s call. If only eight were saved in Noah’s time, what does that tell us about the rarity of true followers today?

The Narrow Road Few Will Travel

Jesus makes it clear in Matthew 7:13-14:

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”

Why do so few choose the narrow road? Because it’s uncomfortable. It demands sacrifice. It requires you to deny yourself and take up your cross daily. The wide road is easy. It’s where you do what you want, justify your sin, and still convince yourself you’re “good enough.” The narrow road, though? That’s the path of surrender, obedience, and transformation.

You Must Trust the Bible as God’s Word

Here’s the thing: If your foundation isn’t rooted in trusting the Bible as God’s absolute truth, you’re building your faith on sand.

People argue, “The Bible was written by men, so how can it be God’s Word?” But let me tell you this: God used men to write His Word, just as an artist uses a brush to create a masterpiece. The Bible isn’t a collection of human ideas—it’s divine truth breathed out by God Himself.

2 Timothy 3:16 says: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.”

This book isn’t just a book. It’s a miracle. Over 40 authors wrote it across 1,500 years, on three continents, in multiple languages, yet it tells one unified story of God’s love and redemption. No human could orchestrate that.

If you pick and choose what parts of the Bible you believe, or if you twist its words to suit your opinions, you’re not following God—you’re following yourself. God’s Word is absolute. It’s unchanging. It’s truth. And without trusting it, you cannot truly follow Him.

God’s Wrath and God’s Mercy

The flood is a reminder of God’s justice. He doesn’t tolerate sin, but He always provides a way out. In Noah’s time, that way was the ark. Today, that way is Jesus Christ.

But just like in Noah’s day, most people ignore the warning. They mock the call to repentance. They choose their way over God’s way, thinking they have all the time in the world.

Don’t be fooled, Church. God’s patience isn’t eternal. There will come a day when the door to the ark closes, and those who chose the wide road will face the consequences.

Belief vs. Following: Here’s the difference

• Belief says, “I know God is real.”

  
  

• Following says, “I will surrender my life to Him.”

  
  

Belief costs nothing. Following costs everything. Jesus warns us in Matthew 7:21-23:

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”

If you don’t trust God’s Word, how can you know His will? If you’re not living in obedience to Scripture, how can you call yourself a follower?

The Rarity of Righteousness

True righteousness is rare because it demands transformation. Romans 12:2 says:

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

This isn’t easy. It’s painful. But it’s God refining you, like silver in the fire, until He can see His image reflected in you.

A Call to Action: Church, the choice is yours

Will you settle for belief, or will you truly follow? Will you trust God’s Word as the absolute truth, or will you keep twisting it to suit your preferences? Will you walk the narrow road, or will you stay on the wide road to destruction?

The flood was a warning. Jesus’ words about the last days are a warning too. Few will find the narrow path, but those who do will experience eternal life with Christ.

Closing Prayer

“Father, we thank You for Your Word, for Your truth that never changes. Forgive us for the times we’ve doubted, twisted, or ignored Your commands. Help us to trust You completely, to walk the narrow road, and to live lives that reflect Your righteousness. Refine us, Lord, until we see You face to face. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Church, remember: The road is narrow. Few will find it. But the destination is worth it. Trust God’s Word. Walk in righteousness. Truly follow Him.