Over the past fifty years, the “gospel message” has increasingly emphasized the access door to the kingdom rather than what is behind that door! Jesus certainly did say, “I am the door”, but we’ve overemphasized the door imagery as though “getting saved” is all there is to it. Getting through the door correctly by “grace you have been saved through faith…not by works…” (Ephesians 2:8&9) is crucial and I would never want to minimize Calvary’s costly love! But the “pearl of great price” is living in and inheriting the kingdom of God; not merely entering it.
What this overemphasis has produced is a generation of believers who believe the main issue is simply “getting in” and making sure others get in too. Recruiting, but not training. Less attention is paid to what they are getting into—a whole new way of life! Getting in on eternal life in heaven is vastly different from welcoming heaven’s reign here and now isn’t it? What we are delivered from is a big deal, but also of great importance is what we are saved unto!
Christ is the door, but He is our life beyond the door as well. When the eternal kingdom is welcomed, appreciated, treasured, enjoyed, then salvation has accomplished its intended purpose. God’s human creatures have been restored to following their loving leader!
In Christ,
Dale