THE ONLY DOOR TO HEAVEN
"I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture." John 10:9
Many evening television talk shows are given to the discussion of who can and will be saved. Although there are some Christians on the various programs that stand fast in the Word and declare that Christ Jesus is the only way to salvation, unfortunately there are others who are willing to compromise the Scriptures and allow for some other way to be saved. They do this to appear scholarly and broad-minded. But as difficult as it may be for a person to be considered “narrow, bigoted and culturally deficient”, we must stay with the Word of God.
The Bible makes it very clear that there is only one way to be saved and that is through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Although there are many Scriptures that declare this truth, John 3:36 should leave no doubt in anyone’s mind when we read, “He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him."
Our text today depicts three distinct aspects of Christ as the Door to heaven. There is a great blessing that we will receive if we look carefully into what Jesus said in John 10:9.
I. THE EXCLUSIVENESS OF CHRIST THE DOOR: "I am the door"
Many of us remember the little chorus often sung in Sunday School: "One door, and only one, and yet the sides are two; inside and outside…on which side are you?"
"Jesus said to him, ’I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me." John 14:6
“And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12
“For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all.” 1 Timothy 2:5-6
II. THE INCLUSIVENESS OF CHRIST THE DOOR: "If anyone enters through Me…"
“Everyone the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will never cast out.” John 6:37
"I assure you, anyone who believes in Me already has eternal life.” John 6:47 NLT
“And the Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.” Revelation 22:17
III. THE CONCLUSIVENESS OF CHRIST THE DOOR: "He shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture."
1. "He shall be saved!" Our eternal destiny is forever secured:
"Hence, also, He is able to save completely and forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them." Hebrews 7:25
2. "…and shall go in and out…" This speaks of the perfect freedom is given to the true believer. Jesus said: "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." John 8:32
Paul continued this line of thought when he wrote, "For law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death." Romans 8:2
3. "…and find pasture." This phrase tells us that our Shepherd provides His sheep ample provision for every need which is constantly provided.
“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.” Psalm 23:1-2
(David pictures himself as a sheep in the LORD’s flock)
“And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19. In Him, the child of God has:
Grace for every trial
Strength for every task
Wisdom for every decision
Courage for every battle
Light in every dark place through which we pass
Comfort in every sorrow
Encouragement in every disappointment
Sustenance for every daily need
What a wonderful Savior! AMEN.
