GOD'S PROMISES #17

'I am the gate for the sheep ... whoever enters through me will be saved' (John 10:7,9).

Jesus here gives us a picture of an ancient sheep-fold - an enclosure with only one entry point - and with this image teaches us:

1. That he is the one and only entry point into the 'fold' of God - into God's presence, into God's family, into heaven. He, Jesus Christ, is the gate or door.
2. That if we enter 'through him' we 'will be saved'- that is, we will be safe in God's presence, safe from his judgement, and safe from all that would destroy us spiritually.
3. That anyone forcing entry any other way - anyone trying to enter God's presence any other way, and anyone who presents a way of salvation other than Jesus Christ, 'is a thief and a robber' (John 10:1,8,) with evil intentions.

This promise presents a grand assurance to those to believe in Jesus Christ; it also presents a strong warning to those who would either teach or follow a way of salvation other than Jesus Christ.

He is the gate. All other proposed entry points into the presence of God are, by these verses, identified as illegitimate and destructive.

This promise has even more significance, which we will see when we look at Christ's claim to the 'the Shepherd' next week.