“I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.”

John 10:9-11 

Today: Read John 10

Abundance isn’t measured by our material possessions. It isn’t dependent on our circumstances or lifestyle. Living an abundant life is found in knowing Jesus Christ and it begins with salvation.

In today’s passage, Jesus uses two descriptors for Himself. First, Jesus proclaims, “I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved…” Salvation comes as we are born again and redeemed by Christ. This spiritual rebirth and redemption comes as we place our faith in Jesus. It is a personal, intimate experience between God and the redeemed individual. Although this rebirth cannot be seen with physical eyes, the evidence of this spiritual reality should be obvious. A changed heart yields a changed life.

When we are saved, we literally move from spiritual death into spiritual life. In essence, we are ready to begin our abundant life. But this can only be achieved through Jesus. No amount of religious motion or moral goodness will have a saving effect. Jesus is the door and it is through Him that we must walk in order to receive forgiveness, healing, and eternal life. Jesus reiterates this truth with the following declaration:

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.”

                                                                                                                        John 14:6

This is also evidenced in Peter’s preaching:

“And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.”

                                                                                                                        Acts 4:12 

Jesus is the door and all that trust in Him will be saved.

But Jesus also referred to Himself as the good shepherd. “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” This proclamation was a foretelling of what He was to accomplish on the cross. When we think about the cross, it is helpful to remember that Calvary was the place where God’s infinite love for mankind intersected His righteous judgment. All of the condemnation, judgment, and punishment for our sins was placed upon Christ. And in exchange, all of Jesus’ perfection and righteousness was given to those who will receive His love by faith (Romans 4:4-5). Paul put it this way:

For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time.                                    

                                                                                                            1 Timothy 2:5-6 

It is because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross that mankind can be rescued, redeemed, and restored. When we receive His sacrifice as an atonement for our sins, we are saved and begin on the marvelous road to abundant life.

So if abundance isn’t measured by our material possessions, circumstances, or lifestyle, how do we accurately ascertain abundance? It is helpful to know what the word abundance implies. “Abundant” life can be defined as a life that is over and above, more than is necessary, superior, extraordinary, and uncommon. In other words, a Christian life should be one that stands out from the crowd. I believe this is what Paul is referring to as he declares the following:

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.

                                                                                                       Ephesians 3:20-21 

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe.                                    

                                                                                                       Ephesians 1:18-19 

Abundant life begins at salvation but should be exhibited throughout our time here on earth. Our attitudes, expressions, and lifestyle should reveal the reality that we have been changed by the power of God. As a result of our faith in the finished work of Jesus on the cross and by the power of God’s Spirit within us, we have something to show the rest of the world.

Are you living an abundant life? Are you walking in the confidence that is ours in Jesus? (Hebrews 4:16, Ephesians 3:11-12) What is it that would keep you from beginning this abundant life with Christ today? Call on Him now and trade the mediocrity of this life for the spiritual abundance found in Jesus Christ!