Ans. This figurative expression means that they owe all their salvation in common with all other saints to the blood of the Lamb. This company form the Gentile inhabitants of the millennial earth, and are doubtless the same as the "sheep" of Matt. 25.
Ques. Please say what is meant by following Christ, and what is the difference between suffering for Christ's sake and for righteousness' sake.
Ans. Treading in His footsteps as recorded in the four Evangelists. Suffering for righteousness' sake is spoken of in Matt. 5:1010Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:10) and 1 Peter 3:1414But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; (1 Peter 3:14), suffering for Christ's sake in Matt. 5:1111Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. (Matthew 5:11) and 1 Peter 4:1313But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. (1 Peter 4:13). The former is connected with the light of God shining on the conscience, the latter with the love of Christ attracting the heart. Hence I suffer for righteousness when I act in daily life according to the divine standard of truth and rectitude; I suffer for Christ when I follow Him in a path of trial and rejection.
Ans. "Strait" of course means narrow, and is in contrast with the broad way. Many will seek to enter in when it is too late (vv. 25-27). It is not only necessary to come, but to come in time.
Ans. The Pharisees who "need no repentance," who said "we see," and therefore their sin remained, (John 9:4141Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth. (John 9:41)). Observe these are never brought home "rejoicing", but are left in the wilderness.