July 30

I am the door.—John 10:7.

Jesus has a peculiar claim to the metaphorical title here expressed. In reference to every thing that relates to the happiness and dignity of man here, or to his advancement in felicity and glory to come, he is the door, the only way of access. Consider man as an alien or outcast, a wandering, dying rebel against his God, and then Jesus is the only door, or way of access, to the divine favour and family. It is when we come to God, exercising faith in his Son, that we are accepted of him, are freely justified, and have the privilege of becoming his adopted sons. To his spiritual house Jesus is the only door. God will not, and, by reason of his eternal spotlessness, cannot treat with us but through the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus is also the door to all the privileges of his church. By union to the head only can we derive that spiritual nourishment which the members of the mystical body require. By faith in Jesus, we have an evangelical right to all the privileges and immunities of his people. Then all is ours, — the word, the Gospel preached, the promises recorded, the precious ordinances, and the all-essential influences of the Spirit, are all ours. Then may we dwell in his banqueting-house, and sit down at his table with great delight. Jesus is also the door to communion with the Father. To God, there is but one way of access, and that is by his Son. Whether it be by prayer, or meditation, or praise, we only can approach Jehovah, and hold intercourse with him by coming through this door. Jesus, too, is the only door to eternal glory. He is the way into the holiest place of all. By him we come to God graciously now, and by him we shall enter into the paradise above, for, as our forerunner, he hath passed before us, taken possession of heaven for his people, and waits to receive them unto himself, that where he is, there they may be also.