Life Through the Open Door: Trusting Jesus for Salvation
Journey Through the Gospel of John • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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Introduction
Introduction
Introduction: The Need for a True Path in a Confusing World
- Picture yourself scrolling through Facebook, lured by an ad promising instant wealth and a dream life with a “get-rich-quick” online course—only to find it leaves you broke and still empty inside.
- In a world chasing quick fixes like money schemes, trendy lifestyles, and empty promises, we’re left disconnected from God, longing for true salvation and a life that truly satisfies, not just another broken dream.
- Today, in John 10:7-10,
Jesus reveals he is the only true path to salvation and a fulfilling life, the open door offering hope and security amidst these misleading alternatives.
- Our purpose this morning is to discover how trusting Jesus as the door brings us into God’s family and abundant life, guiding us to reject false paths and embrace His promises.
- Let’s begin by seeing how Jesus declares this truth, as we turn to our first point: Jesus Declares the True Path of Salvation.
Jesus Declares the True Path of Salvation
Jesus Declares the True Path of Salvation
7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.
9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
In both verses, Christ unequivocally states, “I am the door.” In doing so, He establishes that He alone is the exclusive path to God.
Note that the word “door” is singular. There are not many doors to life; there is only one door. Thus, Christ alone is the one true way.
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
I do not think that there is any other way to state this. It is pretty simple. He is the only way. I have said repeatedly that we have a choice. We can do things God’s way or continue doing things our way. No matter our choice, the truth is that God’s way is the only correct way, and this universal will never change.
Why the analogy of a “door?” This answer is also found in Scripture. We, as people, are born into this world already “alienated” from God. This is a word we find in two different New Testament texts.
17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: 19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled
This word “alienated” is fascinating. As the word implies, it means God considers all people to be aliens. In other words, God sees every person who has not accepted His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, as foreign to Him and estranged from Him. The verse in Colossians 1:21 indicates we are not just strangers; we are, in fact, enemies of God. This is the condition that every person is born into this world. We are not just “condemned already,” but we are also not a part of God’s family or even citizens of His abode, Heaven. We are destined from the get-go to be eternally separated from God, destined for a place of extreme torment and pain. Yet, Christ came, and He is the “door.” He is the only entrance into God’s family and to Heaven. He is the only means by which a person can escape their already appointed destiny. He is the One who became sin for us so that we might no longer be aliens and enemies of God, but, instead, we can be adopted sons and daughters as joint-heirs with Jesus Christ himself. You see, Jesus Christ bridged the great gulf which separated us from God. He did so by taking our place and being made a curse in our stead. Now, He stands, as I mentioned last week, at the door of your heart, offering Himself as the only way back to God. He says to you, “Believe in me! Open your heart’s door to me. I am the door to eternal and abundant life. There is no other way!”
Consider the concept of a door. A door is a simple entry point. Reflecting on verses 1-6, we find the mention of a sheepfold. Last week, I described an ancient Israeli sheepfold that was surrounded by high walls, sometimes as tall as 12 feet. However, each sheepfold also had a door.
Now, think about this: the door was the easiest and most practical way to enter the sheepfold. Yes, technically, one could climb over the walls, but who in their right mind would want to do that when they could simply walk through the door? Additionally, how many steps does it typically take to walk through a door? Not many—perhaps just one. In contrast, think of the effort required to climb 12 feet up a wall and then back down again to gain entry into the sheepfold.
You may be starting to understand my point.
Christ is the door. Believing that He is the only way to enter Heaven is a simple action.
The world, however, often tries to convince you to climb the wall instead. They suggest that only those who do good throughout their lives, ensuring that their good deeds outweigh their bad ones, can enter Heaven. That is akin to climbing a wall.
They also say that if you are religious, attend church, get baptized, or perform various other acts, you can become part of God’s family. Again, that is like climbing a wall. Any path offered other than Jesus Christ as the door is a misguided attempt to enter. It leads to the way of the thief and robber—it is neither the correct nor the easy way.
In truth, Jesus is the only way. He is the door.
12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
I urge those who are still hesitant to accept Christ as the "door" to Heaven not to wait any longer. A door is meant to be used, designed so you don't have to scale the walls. The beautiful aspect of Christ is that He is an open door; He does not reject anyone who accepts Him as the only way to Heaven. He welcomes all who place their trust and faith in Him. So, why not step forward and open the door to Heaven? Why not acknowledge that Christ is the only way? It's far easier than attempting to climb the walls of the world's guidelines, which won't lead you into the sheepfold. Thieves and robbers will ultimately be caught and thrown out.
We live in a world that is constantly pushing social media influence. Much of the influence tries to portray a life without Christ that perfect, achieved through self reliance, and claims fulfillment. Yet, if you were to peek behind the life of many social influencers, you would find just the opposite. Instead, of fulfillment and perfection, you will find people suffering and alone. The only true fulfillment can be found in Christ. He is the sole door leading to forgiveness and an eternal, abundant life.
In fact, note the next important point of today’s text.
Jesus Warns Against False Paths of Deception
Jesus Warns Against False Paths of Deception
8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.
10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
Christ presents two important ideas in this passage. He states, “All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers.” The Greek word for “thief” refers to someone who stealthily sneaks in to steal from a person, while the word for “robber” describes someone who uses violence to take what does not belong to them. In the context of the Gospel of John, it is clear that Christ is referring to the religious leaders of His time, specifically the Pharisees and Sadducees. By using these terms—thieves and robbers—Christ expresses God's contempt for false teachers, prophets, and shepherds. In fact, He employs very strong language to condemn the false leaders of His day.
14 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.
24 Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.
33 Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?
Thinking back to our text, why did Christ use the description of a thief and robber for these false religious leaders? I believe the answer is contained in Luke 11:52
52 Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered.
Christ referred to these men, the religious leaders, as thieves because they had taken on roles and authority that God had never appointed to them. They assumed power that did not rightfully belong to them and demanded submission from the people, despite having no legitimate claim to that authority. In doing so, they essentially stole what was not theirs and forcefully insisted that the people follow them instead of Christ.
This issue persists today. In fact, Christ warned believers that nothing would change. If anything, the deceitful actions of false leaders would only increase over time. Here are a few Scripture passages that highlight this warning.
15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
17 These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.
What is the Holy Spirit conveying to us? We must be cautious of false prophets. But who is a false prophet? A false prophet is anyone who teaches that there is any way to enter Heaven other than through Christ. Their aim is to rob people of the joy of accessing the True Door to Heaven and receiving the promise of eternal and abundant life. Their purpose is to steal, kill, and destroy. As the Shepherd, Jesus protects His sheep through the door, safeguarding them from false shepherds.
What protection do we have against the spiritual thieves and robbers of our time? We have Jesus Christ. We have His Word. Scripture is essential for our protection; we can rely on it as true, and it consistently points to Christ as the ultimate truth. In fact, Christ stated...
31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
We are always encouraged to test everything against Scripture. Today’s world is filled with empty promises, promoting lifestyles, spiritual practices, and ideologies that are false and lacking substance. In contrast, Jesus promises truth. When you trust Him, He equips you with discernment, enabling you to reject the spiritual “thieves and robbers” of our modern society.
Now, let’s consider our final point: What do thieves and robbers truly offer? They bring misery and pain. Spiritually speaking, they offer eternal death and separation from God. In comparison, what does Christ, the true door, offer?
Jesus Promises Abundant Life and Freedom
Jesus Promises Abundant Life and Freedom
9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
Note the wonderful promises for those who enter through the true and open door: Jesus Christ.
First, they will be saved. We often discuss the concept of salvation, and many people wonder what it really means.
In simple terms, Christ stated in John 3 that we are already condemned. This means we are lost, alienated from, and at odds with God. God's judgment is placed upon each person's head from the moment they are born into this world. Our sin condemns us to an eternity separated from God. We are eternal beings; we will continue to live after this lifetime. The question is not whether we will exist, but rather where we will spend our eternity. Scripture teaches us there are only two destinations: Hell, created for Satan and his followers, and Heaven, where God resides and Christ is currently preparing homes for His followers.
Anyone who has not accepted Christ as the way to Heaven is already condemned to Hell. The good news is that God did not create Hell for you and does not wish for you to spend your eternity there. This is where Christ comes in. He is the Savior who came to save you from that dreadful fate. Therefore, salvation occurs when you accept Christ as your personal Savior, rescuing you from eternal death—separation from God and an eternity in Hell. The promise is that you will be saved.
Second, those who enter through the true door will go in and out, finding pasture. There is true freedom that comes from accepting Christ as your personal Savior and the genuine Shepherd.
The phrase "go in and out" figuratively expresses this freedom. In contrast, the ways of the world and false shepherds lead to bondage. Their teachings keep us enslaved to sin and increase that bondage by forcing us to live according to their constantly changing standards.
Christ, however, has ended the bondage of religion. Through His death, the "middle wall of partition" was torn down. We no longer need a priest or sacrifices. Now, through Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, we can enter freely "in and out." As believers, there are no locks or barriers; we are truly free. We no longer have to serve the traditions of men or be slaves to unrighteousness.
The term "pasture" evokes the image of living peacefully in Christ. There is no better way to live than by following His path. He grants us peace, joy, and contentment, even amid life’s storms. It is Christ, the true Shepherd, who allows us to lie down in green pastures and leads us beside still waters. He restores our souls and guides us along the paths of righteousness. Even when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, He, the true Shepherd, is right there with us, helping to dispel our fears of evil. He comforts us with His rod and staff. Who wouldn’t desire that kind of life?
Third, to those who enter through the door, Jesus Christ promises an abundant life.
The term "life" suggests not just being alive, but also experiencing health, happiness, exuberance, and vitality. Many people often share their feelings of emptiness, saying things like, "I often feel dead inside." Why is that? It's because they have not accepted Christ as their Savior. I believe that everyone who has opened their heart to the true door, the Lord Jesus, can relate to this testimony: "When I walked through the door by accepting Christ, everything changed. I found a new purpose for living. I discovered a new desire to please God. I realized I was spiritually awakened." This is a common testimony among believers.
Why is this experience so transformative? Jesus Christ is not only the door to Heaven, but He also provides a life that makes all who accept Him spiritually alive, as if they have been born again. However, the promise extends beyond simply having life. As stated, "that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." The word "abundantly" qualifies life and paints a vivid picture of the kind of existence that awaits us. "Abundantly" means "beyond extraordinary." Christ offers everyone a life that is truly beyond explanation. In fact, our eternal life with Him is one that surpasses understanding. We get glimpses of what it will be like; Scripture tells us He is preparing a place for us, and in John 14, that place is described as a mansion. Revelation reveals the new heavenly city and the new Earth that are promised.
What am I saying? I am saying that not only will Christ make you spiritually alive with all the benefits that come from a life in Him, but He also promises an eternal life that is beyond comprehension.
Now, let’s compare that to what the "thieves and robbers" of this world have to offer—eternal pain, punishment, and torment. It doesn’t seem like much of a choice, does it? I would much rather have the assurance of Heaven. However, for me to have that assurance, I must enter through the door. There is only one door. Christ said, "I am the door." He is the only way.
Conclusion
Conclusion
Today, we’ve seen from John 10:7-10 that Jesus is the only true path to salvation and a fulfilling life, offering hope and security in a world cluttered with misleading alternatives.
- Trust Jesus today by stepping through the open door—accept him as your Savior, reject the false paths of social media perfectionism, self-help, or divisive ideologies, and embrace the freedom, peace, and abundant life only he provides.
- As we journey through the series “Life Through the Shepherd,” remember that Jesus, our Shepherd, not only opens the door to salvation but guides us through it, leading us to green pastures and eternal life, as we’ll explore further in John 10:11–18.
- In a world pushing empty promises from influencers and false spiritualities, choose to trust Jesus, the open door, right now—take that simple step of faith and find true salvation and hope that never fades.
