The Eye of the Needle: Part Four
The Eye of the Needle, a narrow passageway through which camels had to pass to enter Jerusalem, is indeed akin to the narrow doorway Christ offers us.
In Matthew 7:14, Jesus told us, “Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”
That narrow way is the only path into eternal life. John 10:1 tells us that “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.”
There is only one way to Christ. As born again believers, we know that the only way into heaven in this dispensation is to obey the Acts 2:38 message, but then we are to “go on unto perfection” (Hebrews 6:1).
The way does not suddenly broaden nor another gate open once you’ve been baptized and received the Holy Ghost. We still approach His throne in humility and reverence. We still need His righteousness to cover us.
Indeed, we will face hard trials—each of us will face our own individual eye of the needle at some point in our lives—but it is doable!
Revelation 3:8 says, “I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.”
The Eye of the Needle Will Define You
Your passage—or inability to pass—through the eye will review which kingdom you truly belong to: the Kingdom of God (Israel) or the excesses of Egypt!
Many religions use doorways in their symbolism:
• Buddhism In Buddhism, doorways are channels through the mind that lead to enlightenment and a higher state of being or self. In short, these doorways lead to self-exaltation and doubt in all else, including God. When we ”trust in the arm of flesh” rather than God, are we not in danger of such “enlightenment?” Sadly, such doorways only open into more and more pathways through one’s mind, leading back time and again to where you started. There is not beginning and no end. Indeed, you’ve only exercised your mind rather than saved your soul or fulfilled your destiny.
• Taoism In Taoism, a faith practiced largely in Japan, there are beautiful, vaulted archways known as spirit doorways. They are supposed to represent mankind entering differing levels of the spirit realm and becoming more and more god-like in nature. Once again, such philosophies lead to self-exaltation as followers of Taoism seek godhood. In Isaiah 44:8, God said, “Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any.” Sadly, such mental gymnastics lead to false visions of grandeur.
Having taught a college course of the ‘Foundations of World Religion’ and also utilizing such philosophies in my literary studies for my Master’s, I have studied countless religious beliefs.
Indeed, the eye of the needle is the only doorway that leads to humility and a need for more of God.
All are surely welcomed into the Buddhist channels and the Taoist doorways to the spirit realm, but only God can bring you through the eye of the needle!
If you are facing such a tight squeeze right now, our next segment is the perfect end to your search! Catch our final chapter in Part 5 of The Eye of the Needle!
