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The bible doesn't mention scenic routes, or detours, it says strait, and I believe He meant strait. IMO:) Just as God told the guy in Numbers not to pick up sticks on the Sabbath, or for that matter when he told Eve not to eat of the fruit on the tree. We always want to take the bible and say "God didn't really mean that, he meant this. He meant you could go the scenic route or take a detour, that's OK." But God has proven numerous times, He says what he means, and he means what he says.

Becky:

Some of us may wander in circles for a long time before we find that straight and narrow way. It makes no difference if that "straight" path was the last inch of the journey. Does it?

I admire both your and Big Mack's sincerity. I seem to recall both of you telling of how you wandered before you finally found the "straight and narrow" gate.

Of course, our life path would be clearer and simpler if we found the "straight and narrow" early on. That is not the way it is however.
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Galations 1:

11 For I would have you know, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not man's gospel.

12 For I did not receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through a revelation of Jesus Christ.

13 For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it;

14 and I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers.

15 But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and had called me through his grace,
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Paul found Jesus - Jesus found Paul. The journey wasn't always straight. There is hope for us all.

But we don't know if we will be saved while we are still searching for that straight gate. Yes, my husband and I took to the scenic route to salvation, but until we got to the gate, I don't believe I whould have went to heaven if I had died.

I personally wouldn't want to take the chance, or tell someone they are OK when they haven't accepted the straight way.

Maybe God will accept those who he know is truly searching but not arrived yet. But the bible doesn't say he will. He says there is one way, and the way is straight. He says what he means and he means what he says:) If you start accepting the smallest bend then nothing is absolute. Give and inch take a mile. God knew we were that way, so he never gave an inch according to the OT. Why should we beleive he will now.

Becky