It’s no joke. In fact, it could be life’s most important question, because Jesus said, “I am the door.” Whatever does that mean?
Religions give you a list of rules you must keep for your whole lifetime, and then, if you get a passing grade, God will accept you on the back end. But no, the Lord Jesus takes us “as is” at the door.
Imagine a man saying to a woman, “Here’s the rule book for an ideal wife. If you do exactly as it says for 25 years, I’ll consider accepting you as my bride.” Not likely! But that’s exactly what religion sells us. Listen instead to five statements God makes in His Word.
“Whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.” (Jas 2:10) It’s no use telling the judge the laws you haven’t broken. Whatever wrong you’ve done makes you a lawbreaker.
“There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Rom 3:22-23) Even though some people are better than others by our standards, God says we’re all guilty and barred from heaven.
“Jesus declared, ‘I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” (Jn 3:3) The only way out of our dilemma is through a supernatural act. It isn’t in reforming our old lives but in receiving new life that we find salvation.
“Jesus said, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” (Jn 14:6) This is where many object—that there’s just one Savior—but we respectfully ask, What did the Buddha or Confucius or Mohammed do for your sins? Jesus DIED for your sins! This view can hardly be called narrow, because He died for the sins of the whole world. (see 1 Jn 2:2)
“It is by grace you are saved, through faith—and this not of yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by work, so that no one can boast.” (Eph 2:8-9) The most common religious idea isn’t true! Entry into heaven won’t happen by rituals, good deeds, or any human effort.
A door is a decision. Outside of the Lord Jesus are only empty hopes. But here is His welcome: “I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved.” (Jn 10:9) Instantly!
Do you want to enter? Jesus said it’s so simple, “Anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” (Lk 18:17)
So here are the 5 keys to life’s most vital door. Jesus came only to save sinners, so we all qualify! Not everyone is equally bad, but we all need a Savior. The needed change isn’t minor: we must be born again. There is a way back to God, but only one—Jesus! And salvation is undeserved and unearned, received in faith as a gift from God, paid for by Jesus’ death.
Even if there’s the smallest chance that this is a genuine offer, wouldn’t it be foolish not to seek such a gift? God promises: “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” (Jer 29:13)
Knock, knock. Jesus calling.
Article by Jabe Nicholson first published in the Commercial Dispatch, Sunday, March 13, 2022.