The old Model T Ford didn’t have a left front door, but it looked like it did. You could not get in to that car by a door that wasn’t there. Just so, a lot of people try and get into heaven by side doors that aren’t there. What are some of those side doors?
Some people try to enter by the goodness of their Ancestry. In Matthew 3:9 we read of those who thought it sufficient to be one of Abraham’s children. Talk to some people of their need of salvation and they will immediately talk of their godly mother, or a dedicated grandfather, or some other good person in their background. We can’t be saved by the goodness of someone else. Jesus told Nicodemus he must be born again.
Some try to enter by the side door of Morality. Living a good moral life is admirable, but that alone is not a passport into Heaven. In Mark 10:17-22 we read of the rich young ruler who seemed to have lived a good moral life, but Jesus gave him a failing grade, and he walked away from Jesus and the Kingdom of God.
Others try to enter by the side door of Charity. The world has always had a number of very wealthy philanthropists who do a lot of good with their assets. But you will find, if you try and get in by this side door, that Jesus wants more than your money. He wants our life and heart and love.
Still others try to get into heaven by the side door of Popularity. Winning an election or hitting more home runs than anybody else may give you some earthly esteem, but that will not open for you a side door to Heaven.
But there is a front door to heaven and all are invited to come in. In John l4:6 Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but by me.” He also said in John 10:7, “I am the door.” And in John 10:1 He said, “He that enters not by the door into the sheepfold, but climes up some other way, the same is a thief and robber.” Jesus Christ is the only door by which we can enter Heaven.
No, you could not get into the old Model T through a left front door that wasn’t there. And you cannot get into Heaven by any number of imagined side doors, either. So, stop looking for side doors. Please use the front door only. Thank God for the open door of divine invitation and blessing.
Jim Myer – CBC Executive Board
