Which Road Leads to Heaven?

When I was in high school, my deskmate lent me a book about heaven and hell. After reading it, I became afraid because I was haunted by the hell described in that book. I felt that I did not have enough to get to heaven.

So I replaced my favorite songs at that time with spiritual songs and praise songs, and I also played radio broadcasts of sermons and Bible verses. I thought that by doing that, I was already on the right road.

Yet, deep in my heart, I felt something was missing. Even though since childhood I had gone to Sunday school and believed in Jesus, my heart and mind were still filled with evil and impurity. I wanted to change, but I could not and did not know how.

Are you experiencing this? Are you wondering whether you have already taken the right road to heaven?

2 Roads in the World According to the Bible

“Enter through the narrow gate, for wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.” – Matthew 7:13

1. The Broad Road to Destruction

Some people think the road to Heaven is an easy one. The reason is that Jesus has died for us so that we may have eternal life (John 3:16). We are saved by grace (Romans 3:24). As long as the way we live is not too bad at all, as long as we believe in Jesus, pray, read the Bible, and go to church every Sunday, that is enough. Especially if it is combined with serving in church, everything will be fine.

However, Jesus never said that the road to heaven is easy and simple. But Jesus went on to say, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God.” – Mark 10:24

If so, then who can enter heaven?

Those who can enter heaven are those who do the Word of the Lord.

“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 in heaven.

“On the last day many will say to Me: Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and drive out demons in Your name, and perform many miracles in Your name as well?

“At that time I will tell them plainly: I never knew you! Away from Me, all you evildoers!”

– Matthew 7:21-23

Those referred to in the verse above are not ordinary Christians. They diligently mention the name of the Lord (Matthew 15:8), have the gift of prophecy, even cast out demons and perform miracles (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12). Surely these are extraordinary people.

Sadly, to Jesus they are evildoers, because they do not do the Word of the Lord (Matthew 15:9). Outside of those extraordinary works, they lie, selfish, smoke, drink alcohol, gamble, engage in sexual immorality, have affairs, justify any means, are deceitful, do not forgive, lack self-control, are full of anger, and speak filthy words.

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” – James 1:22

Being a Christian and merely having the status of a church member is not enough. That broad road, that easy way you are taking, is not the right road. On the road marked Road to Destruction, you will not arrive at the destination you desire.

2. The Narrow Road to Life

“But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” – Matthew 7:14

Generally, people tend to avoid the narrow and tight road. The path is uncomfortable and tiring, and it takes time and struggle. Yet this road is marked Road to Life. Jesus Himself had to go through the via dolorosa to prove His perfect obedience to God the Father. Jesus carried His cross along that painful road. He was insulted, mocked, reviled, flogged, and even crucified, so that we might be saved.

Just as Jesus has been crucified to the world, we too must crucify the world (our sins) (Galatians 6:14). The Road to Life requires self-denial. When we are hurt, we forgive (Matthew 6:14). We deny ourselves against temptations and bad habits (Matthew 16:24). We struggle against laziness: laziness to repent, laziness to do the word, and laziness to build a relationship with the Lord (Jeremiah 9:5).

On this narrow road, you cannot be selfish or focused on yourself. You must love others as you love yourself (Matthew 22:39). It seems very difficult, doesn't it? But do not worry. Jesus Himself has become our example, in that He was not selfish and loved us more than Himself.

Every day, throughout this life, we are faced with two roads. The broad road and the narrow road, Destruction and Life. You alone decide which one you want to take. Therefore, do not forget to pray and ask for the guidance of the Lord so that you may walk the right road to heaven (Proverbs 14:12). Amen!