Narrow Gate Narrow Way

by Paul Washer

Talk is cheap, and so is a profession of faith apart from repentance. But we live in a day when people put more stock in a once-said prayer than a life reflective of a renewed heart. Taking Matthew 7:13–27 as his text, Paul Washer reminds us of Jesus’s insistence that His way is narrow, and that its travelers will bear good fruit and rest on the solid foundation of God’s Word. Neglecting these warnings from Christ have left many on the broad road to destruction. Don’t think you are heading to heaven if you are not following the way of the Master.

Table of
Author’s Prayer
Matthew 7:13–27
1. Test Yourself
2. Go Through the Narrow Gate
3. Walk in the Narrow Way
4. You Will Know Them by Their Fruit
5. Fruitless Professions of Faith
6. Does Jesus Know You?
7. Two Kinds of People
8. Real Holiness
9. What Is Your Response?
A Closing Prayer

Genres: Christian, Theology, Nonfiction, Christianity, Audiobook, Religion, Discipleship

35 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 28, 2018

About the author

Paul David Washer became a believer while studying at the University of Texas. He completed his undergraduate studies and enrolled at Southwestern Theological Seminary, where he received his Master of Divinity degree. After graduating, he moved to Peru and served there as a missionary.

Paul ministered as a missionary in Peru for 10 years, during which time he founded the HeartCry Missionary Society to support Peruvian church planters. HeartCry's work now supports over 165 indigenous missionaries in over 26 countries throughout Eastern Europe, South America, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

Paul now serves as one of the laborers with the HeartCry Missionary Society (www.heartcrymissionary.com). He and his wife Charo have three children: Ian, Evan, and Rowan.

Reviews

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read, especially for professing Christians. Washer hits the nail on the head in terms of how Christianity has morphed into a feel good experience versus true, Biblical salvation. He sugar coats nothing and shares the true gospel.

[Faye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very very good and exactly what you would expect from Paul Washer.

It seems like this was taken from his "Shocking Sermon to youth" but it's been a long time since I listened to that sermon.

This is a really great short book to read. It is sure to get your priorities back into proper alignment.

[Jonathan Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book combined with the Ten Indictments book by Washer are just the reminder that I needed. He cuts through the “way we do things” into what the Bible actually teaches. So so good! Recommended

[Liam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Without doubt one of the most convicting things I have ever heard! What a message!

Oh God work this word into my heart through your Spirit to lasting change in my affections. Awaken this sluggish soul to you. Draw me into both the glory and terror of your holy presence.

First Washer content I’ve ever heard. A sermon to rouse the soul from apathy & slumber, to the terrifying realities of God’s eternal word.


Found it here: https://on.soundcloud.com/s7fEJY7vRff...

[Benjamin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this so much. Grateful for brother Paul Washer. This is the book I would give every so called Christian in North America. A wake up call! Please read this and share with other fellow believers. Excellent.

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super quick little booklet could be read in one quick sitting. HIGHLY recommend

[Elizabeth Prata]

It's a very slim book, a small pamphlet, really. It is a reconstitution of a sermon he gave, you likely have heard it at some point. Mr Washer focuses on Matthew 7:21-23, the Lord, Lord, didn't we...and the Lord answers "Depart from me..." Mr Washer gives scriptural evidence for false and true conversion, and appeals to the reader to examine himself so that he is not put on the left on Judgment Day to be cast into torment forever.

An easy and quick read, though the subject matter is powerful and important.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Refreshing!

This book needs to be read by everyone who professes to be a Christian. The author spells out clearly how one can check the reality of their faith. A quick read. Very convicting. Read it if you dare!

[John Deissler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a written version of Washer's "Shocking Message" that some say is the sermon that made him famous. The sermon is one of my favorites and this little book is an excellent reminder of how we are to live Godly lives that contradict nearly everything that culture tells us is right

[HisPresence MyHome · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this book on audiobook. Such a powerful little book. It's one I will go back and listen to/read again. It is such a great summary of the gospel and the Christian life. I felt encouraged, challenged and wanting to live a life fully to Christ after listening to this book! Takes less than an hour to listen to on audible.

[Caleb Haynes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paul Washer absolutely knocks it out of the park in his charge to the modern Christian church to return to what the Word of God says regarding salvation. Not only this, but he walks the individual reader through eternally important questions that prove to be sharpening and engaging. If you are a professing, Christian, read this book. You’ll be very grateful that you did.

[Matt Daq · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great! And is a must read for anyone wi grew up as an evangelical.

Paul uses Matthew 7 as is main text to discuss what it truly means to be “saved.”

I’ll be getting my church speaking team to read this book.

If you liked this then read ray comforts book “god has a wonderful plan for your life.”

[Josiah Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always try to avoid Washer’s works because I feel so convicted by them while I read them, which is a good reason not to avoid them. Here, Washer talks about the marks of a true believer, knowing that the gate means narrow, not because many do not pass through it, but because many never see it. Walking with Christ means walking the narrow path which leads through the narrow gate. Washer points to several warning signs we should be looking for on this journey to ensure we are not walking towards the wide gate, while thinking we are on the narrow path.

[Kenneth G · Rating 5 out of 5]

To put it simply, Paul Washer is a modern day puritan. This book will fill you with conviction as he calls the reader to a life of holiness and devotion to Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

[Deanna Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

When is the last time you read or heard it taught that both the gate and the path are narrow? Paul Washer beautifully brings this scriptural text to life and if you enjoy the book, let me just add here that you'll also love hearing his sermon message with the same title, which can be found on the YouTube platform. I couldn't tell you how many times I have listened to that sermon message over again! Paul Washer is brutally passionate be it in book form, or behind the pulpit! I honestly thank God that he placed a Paul Washer behind the pulpit in a society of weak, watered-down, feel-good messages commonly heard and taught today.

[Paul Silles · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re serious about being a Christian, read this.

[Dustin Merriman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Washer has some great points but I think he misses the mark here. I believe God approaches us all on different levels. We all have our own hang ups and we all have blind spots. The point for a Christian, I would think, would be continued growth towards maturity.

[Jimmy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you need a book that will preach the Gospel to someone who maybe grew up in the Church and need to be awaken with the seriousness of sin and the importance of trusting in Christ? Usually for evangelistic purposes I like something that is short, to the point and yet brings conviction of sin while preaching the Gospel and turning readers attention to Christ. This book by Paul Washer fits the bill. It is a call to repentance; it is a call to trust in the living God and believe in the Gospel of grace!
In a sense this is classic Paul Washer. He opens the book letting readers know he might say somethings that can offend many; yet if God is real and has spoken in the Word of God, one would either preach a message that saves or one is a preaching something else that amounts to being a false prophet. Washer wants to present the Gospel truth as it is given in the Scriptures. The book’s presentation reminds me a lot of his famous “Shocking Sermon” which the Lord has used to lead many to true saving faith and deliverance from their sins. There was a part of the book where Washer mentioned he can identify with Ravenhill of speaking at many places just once (because they don’t want him to come back given his message) that I thought about his famous “shocking message” famous on Youtube. As I read this the preacher side of me was much comforted and challenge to have the faithfulness to the Gospel when I preach just as Washer is faithful and passionate with biblical conviction.
Some memorable moment in this book include when Paul Washer drove the point home that an encounter with the living God would leave us changed, especially given who we know about God being so majestic, Holy and awesome. Washer gave the analogy of someone speaking in an ordinary matter that they just got hit by a big truck (meanwhile the person is in one piece and healthy) we would all think he is either a liar or crazy; no one encounter a truck like that would be left unchanged; even more so when one has finally say they know God. I also thought it was good he made the point to his readers not to compare themselves simply with others who are in youth group and fellow peers that just beause they act not perfect it is alright to be the same; our standard ultimately is what God says in His Word and not each other. It is sobering to think many can attend church and be truly not saved nor wanting to be saved. Sobering and convicting!
Worthwhile resource. I recommend this; use it evangelistically, use it as a tool of discipleship and use it as a small group reading; share this even with Christians, to edify and encourage and sometimes even evangelistically since there are some people who think they are Christians but are not.

[Steve Croft · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome. I'm going to send this book to as many as I can. A perfectly crafted sermon. It's very similar to Ray Comforts 'God has a wonderful plan for your life' however I think this one is better. It's a short 1hr book based on a sermon Paul preached, essentially about how the church is full of the unsaved. As we've bred a culture of consumer Christianity, not disciples.

"The biggest lie in the western church is that if you pray and ask Jesus into your heart, he will definitely come in. Salvation is by faith alone and faith is inseperable from repentance."

A must read for all.

I bought the audiobook, but just found the sermon here https://open.spotify.com/episode/56ew...

[McKenzie Carr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m thankful for pastors and brothers like Paul Washer who fear God more than man. His courage and zeal are encouraging and his words are challenging.

This book is a strong indictment against the modern American church and should encourage Christians to “make their calling and election sure”.

Washer exhorts his reader to strive for personal holiness and sanctification, to not love the world, and to fear being told at judgement “depart from me, I never knew you, you doer of iniquity”. He also paints a clear picture of the Gospel, and does not teach salvation by works but that salvation bears fruit.

I would highly recommend this as a sermon to remind and challenge American Christians, as well as a long tract to share with others.

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

There was a lot about this book that I absolutely loved. He starts out letting you know that he's going to say hard things. and the only reason they tend to be hard things is because they are things we should be doing and we're not doing. I didn't think any of it was difficult to hear or to understand because I've been taught pretty much the way he spoke. I love these various commands. And particularly pointing out that God will either allow persecution to you to turn to him, or allow you to study his word to turn to him. But either way you will need to turn to God eventually.

[Daevora Weger · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of THE BEST reads that I’d never regret reading. Paul Washer is one of my favorite preachers! Also, Every.Christian.needs.to.read.this! I don’t care if you’re a newly professed one or you’ve been a Christian for ten years or more. I’ve been saved by grace alone through Christ alone for many years but I have to hear this! Awesome book. This is so convicting and it churns my spiritual pride! May we continue seeking Christ Jesus and let us seek His holiness, and whatever it may cost our lives we should not love and act like the world.

[Quincy Merbis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably the shortest book I’ve ever read (35 pages), yet one that made a huge impact! It’s one that every Christian should read.

This book is a no nonsense, no sugarcoating (as were used to with Paul Washer) reality check for our modern Western church. He explains the core and the seriousness of the gospel. I think this book was taken from his sermon called ‘Shocking Message’ (also recommended, you can find it on YouTube), at least it reminded me of it.

He remains one of my favorite preachers for a reason. Definitely recommend!

[Scott Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Required reading for all Christians

This small booklet reminds me of MacArthur’s _Hard to Believe_. NGNW is a necessary warning against the “easy believism” so common in the West. By easy believism I mean those who believe they’re saved because they prayed a prayer—with no real conviction of sin and no real faith in Christ.

Please read this booklet if you call yourself a Christian and give it to your brothers, sisters and (young adult and older) children to read as well.

[Dominic Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book to read quarterly or as you see fit just to evoke that Many hold the title but narrow is the way and narrow is the gate. That a true encounter with Christ changes us (regenerates us) because whoever is in Christ is a new creation! New heart! New desire! New mindset! So with that newness comes new fruit! Better fruit! We don’t do good works to get saved we do them because we are! It’s a quick read. One day and done but it’s still powerful!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

“What you need to know is that salvation is by faith alone in Jesus Christ. And faith alone in Jesus Christ is inseparable from repentance. Repentance is a turning away from sin; a hatred for the things that God hates and a love for the things that God loves; and a growing in holiness and in the desire not to be like the latest popular idol, like the world, like the great majority of American Christians. It is a desire to be like Jesus Christ!”

[Louise Chavez]

God is faithful to forgive. This book reminds me that God must be glorified, He demands what is His

Thank you, Paul, for always preaching the truth and never being ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God unto salvation. This sermon brings true repentance and forces the reader to examine their hearts. I am grateful that God has raised up faithful men, such as you, for such a time as this. God bless you and keep you.

[Joel Rockey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Narrow Gate Narrow Way is a powerful, concise warning against casual professions of faith without true repentance. Paul Washer uses Matthew 7:13-27 as a foundation, delivering a message that struck a chord with me. It's a wake-up call and a must-read for the American church, encapsulating the uncompromising and challenging tone that Washer is known for. This book isn't just informative; it's a call to deeper, authentic faith.

[Eunice · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Necessary Read for all who claim to be Christian

Paul Washer has a true desire to see people saved. He also has a true desire to have you walking in line with Christ Jesus. If your church looks more like a concert or play than a place of teaching, leave. Examine your life. Read this book....if you dare to see your heart. Mostly, pray for the Church in this country while there is still time.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most convicting messages I have ever listened to. An absolute must read for every believer. This booklet and audiobook (on audible) is actually the same message that Paul Washer gave to a youth conference that can be found on youtube. But I am so glad I have the audible for it, so that I can relisten to it again and again. Truly a message for our times.