“I Also Beheld a Strait and Narrow Path”

K. Douglas Bassett

2 Ne. 9:41; 3 Ne. 14:13-14; D&C 22:4; 132:22, 25; Matt. 7:13-14; Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pp. 197-198

“To enter the straight gate implies obedience to gospel requirements, and the narrow way that leads to life connotes additional requirements, rites, and ordinances for all who desire salvation and exaltation… . I should like to ask, ‘What is the straight gate spoken of by the Savior by which we should enter?’ All who have repented and then been baptized and received the Holy Ghost by authorized servants of God have entered in by the strait gate. The narrow way can only be followed by obedience and faithfulness to all the sacred ordinances and requirements of the higher gospel plan, obtained in the holy temples of God.” (Delbert L. Stapley, Conference Report, Apr. 1955, pp. 66-68)
“The strait and narrow path, though clearly marked, is a path, not a freeway nor an escalator. Indeed, there are times when the only way the strait and narrow path can be followed is on one’s knees! And we are to help each other along the path.” (Neal A. Maxwell, Ensign, May 1982, p.38)
“Mark you, this word strait is spelled s-t-r-a-i-t and not s-t-r-a-i-g-h-t. While no doubt, that path which leads into the presence of God is straight, it is also strait, which means that those who enter into it will find it restricted; it is narrow; they cannot take with them that which does not apply, or which does not belong to the kingdom of God. All such things must be left behind when we enter into this narrow way which leads into the presence of God, where we can receive life eternal. ‘Few there be that find it.’” (Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, 2:13-14)

Latter-Day Commentary on the Book of Mormon

References