Mathew 7:12-14
12Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. 13Enter 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: 14Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. 15Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
This scripture is one of the most misunderstood scripture in the Bible. When we read this scripture verses we almost come to a conclusion that it is so hard to go to heaven, and we can get easily disqualified because of a silly sin that we committed. This sound's like our Christian life is like walking on a rope accross the Niagra falls, you can fall anytime. If you are preaching a message from this scripture without the understanding of the Pauline espistles, you are negating the work of Jesus on the cross. It will create fear in believer's mind and they will engage in all kinds of dead works to maintain their salvation.
Many of the teachings of Jesus are also inline with this kind of thinking. Let us take three scriptures
Mathew 5:22
"whosoever shall say to his brother, though fool, shall be in danger of hell fire".
Mathew 5:25 -
Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: 28But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. 29And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. 30And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
Mathew 19:24
"Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved? "
So how can we understand this scripture, since Jesus taught this, let us look at the very words of Jesus to dissect this verse. Mathew 19:26 "But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible". Here Jesus is talking about our salvation, it is impossible for men to get saved or maintain their salvation by their good works.
Jesus our representative, made it possible through the cross. Through the cross, he made a high way to heaven, but the tradition and religions of the world try their level best to narrow this high way with their philosophy. If we are going to get to heaven by our own performance, it is a narrow way and no man can reach their destiny.
work in progress