Knocking On Heaven's Door

(John 10:9–10)

9 a THIS DOOR IS A PERSONA. In bold language, Jesus declare Himself to be the door of the sheep. (Ill. The sheepfold was usually a circular enclosure surrounded by stone walls. There was only one opening in this wall allowing access into this enclosure and at night, when the sheep were all gathered in, the shepherd would lay himself in that opening and in effect, he would become the door. Nothing could get in or out without passing through the shepherd.)B. Jesus is saying that He is the Door! No one gets into God’s flock without going through Him. Verse 1 reminds us that to attempt entry any other way marks one as a thief and a robber!C. Simply stated, there is only one way to the Father and that is through the Lord Jesus Christ—John 14:6.(Ill. Salvation only comes about through faith in Jesus. Baptism won’t do it, church membership won’t do it, ritual and religious activity won’t get the job done. There is only one plan for man’s salvation and that is through faith in the finished work of Christ at Calvary. Salvation is simple, it is just very exclusive—D. The big question is this, “Have you ever been through the Door?”

THIS DOOR IS A PROPOSAL(Ill. In this statement from the lips of Jesus, we find a tremendous offer given to sinners. In these words, Jesus offers hope to everyone who is wandering in a life of sin. While Jesus wants to save you, He will never force Himself upon you! However, He gives you opportunities to come to Him. Notices what He proposes to fallen men this morning.)A. The Scope Of It—“any man”—Salvation is not a club for an elite few saints, but it is an offer of God to every man. No person alive today is beyond the reach of God’s saving love! (Ill. Rev. 22:17; John 6:37!) Many feel that there is no hope for them, yet the Bible is clear that God loves all men, John 3:16, and offers them salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ. You can be saved today if you are lost in sin!B. The Scheme Of It—“If any man enter in”—(Ill. A door serves one of two purposes. It can be a barrier designed to keep people out, or it can be a means of access allowing people in.) (Ill. Salvation is God’s gift to a fallen race! However, before this gift can be realized, it must be received! No one will ever be saved unless they personally and consciously come to Jesus and receive Him into their heart and life. What I am saying is this, God offers you salvation and He means it, but you will not be saved until you come to Him by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ!)C. The Supply Of It—“he shall be saved.”—When a person comes to Jesus for salvation, they find themselves completely transformed and eternally saved! They are instantly liberated and made new in Jesus.

THIS DOOR IS A PROMISE A. A Promise Of Pasture—In this “Pasture” we find:1. Rest—No longer are we searching for what we needed. We have found what our heart was longing for and His name is Jesus. Now, we are permitted to rest in His grace and anticipate our heavenly homecoming! (Ill. I’m not trying to be saved! Are you? I’m just resting on grace. It was grace that sought me, grace that bought me and grace that will lead me home! After all, what did Jesus say? Matt. 11:28!)

2. Refreshment—In Jesus, the saint of God finds all that his or her heart needs for absolute and perfect contentment, When we taste and find that the “Lord is good”, we loose our appetite for other things!3.

Rejoicing—In Jesus, we find that fullness of joy that was lacking when we wandered out in sin. He has promised us “fullness of joy”, . Yes, the child of God has ample reason to rejoice this morning In His pasture, there is “fullness of joy.”(Ill.

When we think of the Lord’s pasture, it reminds us that He is “The Sustainer”, and that He is “The Satisfier”, If you don’t believe me, just come to Jesus and give Him a try for yourself!)

Conc: Where do you find yourself today? Are you wandering around outside the blessings and family of God, but want to come inside where the blessings are? If that describes you, if you feel a lack of something in your life, or if you know for sure that you are unsaved, then I invite you to come to Jesus right now. If you will come to Him and confess yourself a sinner and receive Him as your Savior, then He will save you right now and forever. Will you do what you need to do this morning?