Topical Bible: Gates: (Wide) the Entrance to Ruin

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In biblical literature, gates often symbolize points of entry or access, both physically and metaphorically. They serve as significant locations in ancient cities, functioning as places of commerce, legal proceedings, and social interaction. However, the concept of gates also carries a deeper spiritual meaning, particularly when considering the metaphor of the "wide gate" as an entrance to ruin.

The imagery of gates is prominently featured in the teachings of Jesus, who contrasts the "wide gate" with the "narrow gate" in the Gospel of Matthew. In Matthew 7:13-14 , Jesus warns, "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." Here, the "wide gate" represents the easy, popular path that ultimately leads to spiritual ruin and separation from God.

The wide gate is emblematic of the choices and lifestyles that are contrary to God's will. It signifies the allure of worldly temptations, moral compromise, and the pursuit of self-indulgence. This path is often appealing because it requires little resistance or sacrifice, aligning with the desires of the flesh rather than the spirit. The broad road is traveled by many, indicating its acceptance and prevalence in society, yet it is a deceptive path that leads away from eternal life.

In contrast, the "narrow gate" symbolizes the challenging yet rewarding path of righteousness and obedience to God's commandments. It requires intentionality, discipline, and often, counter-cultural decisions. The narrow road is less traveled, reflecting the commitment and perseverance needed to follow Christ faithfully.

The concept of gates as entrances to ruin is further illustrated in the Old Testament. In Proverbs 14:12 , it is written, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." This proverb underscores the danger of relying on human wisdom and understanding, which can lead to spiritual destruction. The wide gate, therefore, is a cautionary symbol, urging believers to seek divine guidance and to choose the path of life.

Throughout Scripture, gates also serve as places of judgment and decision-making. In ancient Israel, city gates were where elders and leaders gathered to render judgments and conduct important business (Deuteronomy 21:19, Ruth 4:1). This reinforces the idea that gates are pivotal points of choice, where individuals must decide which path to take.

In conclusion, the metaphor of the "wide gate" as the entrance to ruin serves as a powerful reminder of the spiritual choices that confront every believer. It calls for discernment and vigilance in navigating the complexities of life, urging a commitment to the narrow path that leads to eternal life with God. The imagery of gates challenges individuals to examine their lives, align their actions with God's will, and strive for the righteousness that comes through faith in Jesus Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 7:13
Enter you in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Song of Two Cities
... calling on unnamed attendants to fling wide the gates. ... the righteous can enter through
the gates into the ... description of the qualifications for entrance to the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the song of two cities.htm

Our Strong City
... passes in his view into a world-wide judgment; and ... we know not"'Open ye the
gates'"the city ... be all righteous.' The one qualification for entrance into the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/our strong city.htm

A Preservative against Unsettled Notions, and Want of Principles ...
... is of little importance, if we are equally wide of the ... you, is built on a firm rock,
"and the gates of hell ... will combine in vain to force an entrance into your ...
/.../a preservative against unsettled notions.htm

The Massacre
... to the Danube, would there reoccupy the wide regions of ... the back of the church, and
the entrance to it ... were within; they had barred the gates; they determined ...
/.../chapter xxxiii the massacre.htm

Greek and Jew
... sufficiently effective to close all the gates on three ... Far and wide were wandering
crowds, surly, defiant, discourteous ... was thrown out from the entrance to the ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter viii greek and jew.htm

Humbly Inscribed to his Grace the Duke of Newcastle, one of his ...
... For, lo! her twice ten thousand gates thrown wide,. ... Black brow'd, and vaulted high,
and yawning wide. ... No flaming sword denies our entrance here; ...
/.../young/youngs night thoughts/humbly inscribed to his grace.htm

Law and Grace
... second part of the subject, and that is THE ENTRANCE OF THE ... divine grace, you may
walk without fear the wide world over. ... With golden streets, and pearly gates. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/law and grace.htm

Farewell
... not more than 300 feet from the entrance-buildings just ... Palatine Hills: it was eight
hundred feet wide, and adorned ... Its gates were of brass, and it was adorned ...
/.../conversion of a high priest into a christian worker/chapter i farewell.htm

The First Day in Passion-Week - Palm-Sunday - the Royal Entry into ...
... the Son of David to make triumphal entrance, but as ... and, lastly, how, as from the
gates of Jerusalem ... the long defile,' carrying evidence far and wide, that, so ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter i the first day.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... of the Oroatis"the modern Tab"as far as the entrance to the ... thy people in the midst
of thee are women; the gates of thy land are set wide open unto ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm