Strive to enter in at the strait gate
What is meant by the strait gate, and by entering in at it,
(See Gill on Matthew
7:13). To "strive", is to be diligent in the use of
means; to search the Scriptures with care; to attend on the
preaching of the word with constancy, neglecting no opportunity;
to pray earnestly for spiritual light, knowledge, and grace; to
contend with every enemy that opposes the salvation of the soul,
as sin, Satan, and the world; to bear all reproaches and
persecutions, and press through all difficulties, for the prize
of the incorruptible crown: the metaphor seems to be taken from
the striving, wrestling, and combat in the Olympic games, for a
corruptible crown:
for many I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall
not be
able:
either when it is too late, when the door is shut; or else
before, very faintly, in a superficial manner, from a mere
natural affection, from a principle of self-love, which leads
every one to desire happiness; and by very indirect and improper
methods, by their own civility, morality, and righteousness; by
works of the law, moral, or ceremonial; or by a profession of
religion, and an outward compliance with the ordinances of the
Gospel, and not by Christ, and faith in him.
