The Gate to Heaven is a powerful salvation drama illustrating the choice between eternal life and separation from God. The stage is set with a closed door, representing the entrance to Heaven. Throughout the performance, angels open and close the gate as various individuals approach—some enter joyfully, while others are turned away based on their spiritual state.

The drama follows a progression of worship songs and Scripture readings that emphasize the urgency of salvation. Sinners in black garments approach the gate, representing lost souls. Some accept Christ and are transformed, while others hesitate or reject the invitation, symbolizing missed opportunities for redemption. In contrast, children dressed in white are welcomed into the Kingdom, illustrating Christ’s words: "Let the little children come to Me."

This production combines music, movement, and scripture to convey the Gospel message, inviting the audience to consider their own response to God's call.

Biblical References:

• Matthew 7:13-14 – "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."
• Revelation 22:17 – "And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely."

Estimated Run Time:

• Total Performance Length: Approximately 30-40 minutes, depending on pacing and song durations.
• Breakdown:
  • Opening Scene & Songs – 5 min
  • First Sinner’s Redemption – 5 min
  • Second Sinner’s Hesitation & Rejection – 5 min
  • Self-Righteous Sinner Turned Away – 5 min
  • Children Enter the Kingdom – 5 min
  • Closing Invitation & Final Hymn – 5 min

This drama is well-suited for revival services, evangelistic outreach events, or special church programs focusing on salvation and the urgency of responding to Christ's call.

Cast Number for The Gate to Heaven

• Speaking Roles:
  1. Voice (Narrator) – Reads scripture and spoken parts
  2. Angel #1 – Stands inside the gate, beckoning souls
  3. Angel #2 – Guides the sinners toward the gate
  4. Sinner #1 – Dressed in black, repents, and enters Heaven
  5. Sinner #2 – Hesitant, ultimately rejects salvation and walks away
• Non-Speaking Roles:
  6. Background Singers (Choir or soloists) – Sing hymns throughout
  7. Additional Sinners (Optional) – More individuals representing lost souls approaching the gate
  8. Children (Optional) – Represent those welcomed into Heaven at the end

Total Cast Size:

• Minimum: 5 (if one actor plays multiple roles)
• Ideal Cast Size: 8-12 (including additional sinners and children for the final scene)

The Gate to Heaven

A Salvation Drama

Setting:

The stage is set with the door to heaven closed.

Opening Scene:

(The hymn “The Gate Ajar for Me” plays as two angels enter and open the gate, allowing the audience to reflect on its significance.)

Song: The Gate Ajar for Me (First verse and chorus are sung in the background.)

Verse 1:
There is a gate that stands ajar,
And through its portals gleaming,
A radiance from the cross afar,
The Savior’s love revealing.

Chorus:
Oh, depth of mercy! Can it be
That gate was left ajar for me?
For me, for me?
Was left ajar for me?

(As the song continues, the angels stand on either side of the gate. A narrator reads the following Scripture passages.)

Scripture Reading:

Voice Reads:

• “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14)
• “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” (Revelation 22:17)

Song: “Whosoever Will”

(Immediately following the Scripture reading, the background singers begin singing.)

Chorus:

Whosoever will, whosoever will!
Send the proclamation over vale and hill;
‘Tis a loving Father calls the wanderer home:
“Whosoever will may come.”

(Angel #1 enters the gate and closes it from the inside. She stands on an elevated platform inside the gate, visible to the audience, beckoning toward those who will approach. Angel #2 exits momentarily.)

Voice Reads:

• “Are (the angels) not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” (Hebrews 1:14)

Song: “Bring Them In”

Verse 1:

Hark! ‘Tis the Shepherd’s voice I hear,
Out in the desert dark and drear,
Calling the sheep who’ve gone astray,
Far from the Shepherd’s fold away.

Chorus:

Bring them in, bring them in,
Bring them in from the fields of sin;
Bring them in, bring them in,
Bring the wandering ones to Jesus.

(As the song is sung, Angel #2 lovingly brings in a sinner dressed in black, representing a soul lost in sin. Angel #1 stands with outstretched arms, welcoming the sinner to the altar. The sinner kneels as the song transitions to the next hymn.)

Song: “Just As I Am”

Verse 1:

Just as I am, without one plea,
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bidd’st me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God, I come! I come!

Last Verse:

Just as I am—Thou wilt receive,
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve,
Because Thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come! I come!

(During the final verse, the angel removes the sinner’s black garment, revealing a white robe underneath, symbolizing his redemption and cleansing from sin. The sinner rises from his knees and enters the gate. Angel #1 opens the gate from inside and closes it behind him.)

Song: “Ring the Bells of Heaven”

Verse 1:

Ring the bells of heaven! There is joy today,
For the wand’rer now is reconciled;
Yes, a soul is rescued from his sinful way,
And is born anew a ransomed child.

Chorus:

Glory! Glory! How the angels sing;
Glory! Glory! How the loud harps ring!
‘Tis the ransomed army, like a mighty sea,
Pealing forth the anthem of the free.

(The angels celebrate joyfully, waving their arms or clapping as they welcome the redeemed soul into Heaven.)

Voice Reads:

• “Likewise I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.” (Luke 15:10)