The Bible describes Jesus in many different ways. He has been called Emmanuel, Christ, Lord, Son of God, Son of man, Lamb of God, Light of the World, King of the Jews, and the list goes on. But did you know that Jesus also describes himself as “the Gate”? He uses this title to remind us that he is the only way for man to enter heaven. He reminds us that many will claim to be “the Gate”, but they are in fact, thieves and robbers. Our culture claims to be inclusive of everyone, everything and every ideology. We claim that everything is equal, even every religion. But Jesus reminds us that every religion is not equal. In fact, there is only one Gate, and all others are false. Jesus is the Gate and if you are a true believer, you know his voice. He says in John, chapter 10, verses 1 through 5:
“I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.”
Two verses later, Jesus explains by saying, “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.” This is one of the most contentious truths among those of faith; the claim that there is only one way to heaven, and that one way is Jesus. In a culture that preaches inclusiveness, it is hard for many to come to terms with this truth. Nevertheless, it is truth. In fact, Jesus also describes himself as “the way”, “the truth”, and “the life”. This will come as terrible news for some; those who have chosen to follow other gods, and those who have subscribed to the belief that there is more than one way to heaven - more than one gate. But it will come as welcome news to others; those who have chosen the narrow path; those who are his sheep and know his voice; those who are saved by grace through faith in the only one who has the power over sin and death, Jesus the Christ.
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Have you made the decision to follow Christ? Are you ready to accept that he is the only way to heaven. He is “the Gate”. There are many who steadfastly and wholeheartedly follow different gods, believing that they have chosen what is right and true. God in his sovereignty allows us to make the decision for ourself. What will you decide? If you haven’t already, I would encourage you to choose Jesus. Allow the Holy Spirit to draw you unto the Father. Open your heart to him and pray. Seek him and the Bible assures you that you will find him. Do not leave the question of your salvation unanswered. Have the faith to believe in him today and allow him to be your shepherd.
