Christ is the Door into the Church
by Robert Murray M'Cheyne
'I am the door.' The only way into the Church of God, either for ministers or members is by Christ, and through faith in Him. Many enter in by learning; learning is not to be despised. But yet it is not the door. There are many that enter into the ministry, by having eminent gifts, but these are not the door. And those that enter in such a way are thieves and robbers, for they enter not in by the door. Again, many enter in by the door of worldly favour, some by the favour of the rich, some by the life of the common people, some by the favour of patron; but still they are still thieves and robbers, for they enter not in by the door. Remember then, and never forget it, that the right way into the ministry is through Jesus Christ. None can tell of sin, but those who have felt its burden. None can tell of pardon, but those who have tasted of it. None can tell of Christ's power to sanctify, but those who have holiness in their hearts. Brethren, hold such in reverence, flee from all others, they may have learning, they may have gifts, they may have the flattery of the common people, but they are thieves and robbers.
But further, there are many members who enter into the fold another way; they also are thieves and robbers. There are many who enter in by the door of knowledge they have got acquainted with Bible knowledge, they can tell of a way of sinner's acceptance with God; but if you have not come into the fold by being washed in the blood of Christ, you are a thief and a robber.
Some enter into the fold by a good life. As touching the law they are like Paul, blameless. You are not a thief, you are not a swearer, you are not a drunkard, you think you have a right to enter in a right to sit at the Lord's table; but Christ says it over and over again, you are a thief and a robber. Ah, brethren, remember if you are admitted into the fold on account of your morality, your outward decency, your good life, you are a thief and a robber. Brethren, there is a day coming when those who have entered into the sheepfold, not by the door, but some other way, will look back and see their guilt when they shall enter an undone eternity.
Observe, brethren, before I leave this part of the subject, that Christ is a present entrance. Brethren, there is a time in each of your lives or rather I should say, history that the door of the sheepfold is open for to you. 'I an the door; by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved'; but time will pass away. It is but a moment compared with eternity. This is a solemn truth. Brethren, if I could promise you that the door will stand open for a hundred years, yet it would still be you wisdom to enter in now; but I cannot answer for a year, I cannot answer for a month, I cannot answer for a day, I cannot answer for a hour; all that I can answer for is, it is open now tomorrow it may be shut forever.
