Born with a heart at enmity with God, we become more and more alienated from Him, by practice, the longer we live. The very first questions iu religion that must be answered, are these: "How can I draw near to God? How can I be justified ? How can a sinner like me be reconciled to my Maker ? "
The Lord Jesus Christ has provided an answer to these mighty questions. By His sacrifice for us on the cross, He has opened a way through the great barrier, and pro- vided pardon and peace for sinners. He has " suffered for sin, the just for the unjust, to bring us to God." He has opened a way into the holiest, through His blood, by which we may draw near to God with boldness, and ap- proach God without fear. And now He is able to save to the uttermost all who come unto God by Him. In the highest sense He is " the door." No one " can come to the Father " but by Him.
Let us take heed that we use this door, and do not merely stand outside looking at it. It is a door free and open to the chief of sinners : " If any man enter in b}^ it, he shall be saved." It is a door within which we shall find a full and constant supply for every want of our souls. We shall find that we can "go in and out," and enjoy liberty and peace. The day comes when this door will be shut forever, and men shall strive to enter in, but not be able. Then let us make sure work of our own salvation. Let us not stand tarrying without, and halting between two opinions. Let us enter in and be saved.
Notes. John X. 1—9.
1. — [ Verily... I say... you.] Tlree things must be carefully remem- bered, if we would rightly understand the first nine verses of this chapter. Inattention to them has caused much confused and inconsistent interpretation.
(«) For one thing, the passage is closely connected with the last chapter. The opening sentence should be read on, without break or separation between, together with the forty-first verse