I Am The Door

“I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep…I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved."

John 10:7;9

How do you get to heaven? Does simply being a “good” person gain you access to eternity with God? What defines a “good person”? Who determines what is “good”? A non-believer who wins the Nobel Peace Prize is determined to be good. An assassin who kills someone because they believe differently determines themselves to be good. A terrorist who attacks in the name of their religion believes themselves to be good. What degree of “good” gains you access to heaven? The Bible tells us there is only one way to heaven.

The statement “I am the door” is found in John 10:7. It is the third of seven “I am” declarations of Jesus and is recorded only in the Gospel of John. Jesus is pointing out that He is the only way to salvation and that He is “the door” not "a door". Jesus is the only way of receiving eternal life (John 3:16). There is no other way.

To understand the meaning of this statement, it is helpful to understand the context in which Jesus spoke these words. Shepherds were a common occupation during the time of Jesus, and his listeners would have easily understood the meaning of “the door”. There were numerous sheep pens in cities and villages that were built to protect the flocks. There would be a doorkeeper whose job was to guard the door to the pen against enemies and keep the sheep safe. Nothing could enter or exit without going through the gatekeeper.

Just as sheep could only safely enter the fold through the door, people can only come into relationship with God through Christ. Jesus protects those who belong to Him from spiritual danger and provides true safety. He also says that those who enter will “go in and out and find pasture.” This reflects not just protection, but also life, nourishment, and freedom found in Him.

Unfortunately, there are no truly good people without sin. (Ecclesiastes 7:20) For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us (1 John 1:8). The good news is we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all! (Hebrews 10:10) His gift is free! Jesus is the door…. All you have to do is knock and enter!