In the New Testament, one of the profound titles and names attributed to Jesus Christ is "Door." This metaphorical designation is found in the Gospel of John, where Jesus Himself declares, "I am the door" (John 10:9). This title encapsulates the exclusive and essential role of Christ in the salvation and spiritual nourishment of believers.

Biblical Context

The imagery of the "door" is situated within the context of Jesus' discourse on the Good Shepherd. In John 10:7-9, Jesus contrasts Himself with false shepherds and thieves, emphasizing His unique position as the legitimate and protective entry point for the sheep, which symbolize His followers. He states, "Truly, truly, I tell you, I am the door of the sheep" (John 10:7). This declaration underscores His role as the sole means of access to spiritual safety and sustenance.

Theological Significance

1. Exclusivity of Salvation: The title "Door" signifies that Jesus is the only way to eternal life and reconciliation with God. As He affirms, "If anyone enters through Me, he will be saved" (John 10:9). This exclusivity is echoed in other scriptural passages, such as John 14:6, where Jesus proclaims, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" .

2. Protection and Security: The door serves as a barrier against danger, providing protection for those within. In the same way, Christ offers spiritual security to His followers, shielding them from spiritual harm and deception. This protective aspect is further illustrated in the assurance that "the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness" (John 10:10).

3. Access to Abundant Life: Entering through Christ as the "Door" grants believers access to abundant life. This life is characterized by a deep, personal relationship with God, marked by peace, joy, and spiritual fulfillment. The metaphor of the door implies not only entry but also the ongoing experience of divine grace and provision.

Old Testament Foreshadowing

The concept of a door as a means of salvation is foreshadowed in the Old Testament. The Passover in Exodus 12 provides a typological precursor, where the blood of the lamb on the doorposts spared the Israelites from the angel of death. This event prefigures Christ's sacrificial role as the Lamb of God, whose blood secures eternal salvation for believers.

Practical Implications for Believers

For Christians, recognizing Jesus as the "Door" calls for a response of faith and trust. It involves entering into a relationship with Him, relying on His guidance, and embracing the security He offers. This title also challenges believers to discern and reject false teachings and influences that seek to lead them away from the truth found in Christ alone.

In summary, the title "Door" ascribed to Jesus Christ in the Gospel of John encapsulates His unique and indispensable role in the salvation and spiritual well-being of His followers. Through Him, believers find the only true path to eternal life, protection from spiritual peril, and the fullness of life in communion with God.John 10:7
Then said Jesus to them again, Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Title "Word" is to be Interpreted by the Same Method as the ...
... term employed, but to enquire in what sense Christ is to ... is the Word, we must begin
with those names of which ... as to the concepts for which the titles are used ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/23 the title word is.htm

That Worthy Name.
... Only Christ can give joy and comfort, peace and rest to ... think of some of the familiar
titles and names of that ... How these titles of our blessed Lord, what He is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the lord of glory/that worthy name.htm

On the Clause, and in one Lord Jesus Christ, with a Reading from ...
... And He is called by two names, Jesus Christ; Jesus, because He saves,"Christ, because
He ... the inspired Prophet Moses conferred these two titles on two ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture x on the clause.htm

The Fourth Theological Oration, which is the Second Concerning the ...
... They are the titles of the Son. ... all and above all keep to this, and thou shalt never
err, either in the loftier or the lowlier names; Jesus Christ is the ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xxx the fourth theological.htm

The Historical Books of the New Testament, Meaning Thereby the ...
... of the New Testament, to their authority, and to the titles which they ... no use at
all of Christian writings, forged with the names of Christ's apostle, or ...
/.../paley/evidences of christianity/section i the historical books.htm

The Tenth Book Discusses the Unattainable and Incomprehensible
... I am the door," Christ says; "by ... does he not force into the same significance the
titles, "Rock," and ... is above every name has for us many names, receiving them ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/section 1 the tenth book.htm

On Christ.
... seeing He is called by many different names, according to ... be supposed to be denied
that either Christ or the ... labour to collect together all the titles of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/origen/origen de principiis/chapter ii on christ.htm

Origen's Commentary on the Gospel of John
... by the Same Method as the Other Titles of Christ. ... 27. Significance of the Names of
John and of His Parents ... The Prophets Bore Witness to Christ and Foretold Many ...
//christianbookshelf.org/origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/

Homilies on the Gospel of John.
... 241]68; showed His authority in changing names, [242]ib ... Domestics, patience with,
taught by Christ's with Judas, [817 ... Door of the fold, the Scriptures, [818]213. ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homilies on the gospel of.htm

The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
... SEVENTH.-USE AND APPLICATION. Use First.-To consider the dignity God hath put upon
Christ, by offices, places of trust, and titles of honour, in general. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the work of jesus christ.htm

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