“Strait is the Gate, and Narrow is the Way, Which Leadeth Unto Life”

Ed J. Pinegar, Richard J. Allen

The way to perfection is narrow and precisely defined. The gateway is the covenant of baptism. As we come unto Christ, we take His name upon us through the baptism of water and of fire—the only way to enter the kingdom and be born again. The pathway leading to eternal life is defined by the principles and commandments of the gospel. Our modus operandi is obedience and enduring to the end. “Strange as it may appear, there are few people, very few in the world, who believe, if we are to judge them by their acts, in these words of our Redeemer. 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, 3 vols., ed. Bruce R. McConkie [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1954–1956], 2:13).

Commentaries and Insights on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 2

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