How to Have Eternal Security
Authors Note: This information was compiled as a result of many conversations with pastors and church members about the definition of eternal security.
Our study began after realizing that Christians were defending their beliefs about this topic with church doctrines and portions of Scripture taken out of context. While we found ourselves disagreeing with their beliefs, we really were not well grounded with what the Scriptures taught. 1o we sought the truth in the Word of God and asked the Holy Spirit to be our teacher. “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things freely given to us by God, which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words” (1 Corinthians 1:12, 13).
As a result of much prayer and study, we came to many surprising conclusions. Although many of the conclusions may seem hard and difficult, there is a work of grace that occurs within every believer who takes God at His Word. This grace makes us able to accomplish God’s purposes. The work is to believe you can do all things through Christ based on the promises of His Word.
“Now to Him Who is able to do exceedingly abundantly beyond all that we ask of 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).
Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken fromthe New American Standard Version of the Bible.
Dear Reader:
“And I give eternal life to them, and they shall never perish; and no one is able to snatch them out of my hand” (John 10:28).
There is, within this single verse, “a pearl of great price.” Many people have been like the pearl dealer in Matthew 13:46 “Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.” Unfortunately, what most people have bought is a cultured pearl – a man-produced replica. Often times, these “pearls” can be bought at a much cheaper price, yet they claim the same guarantees as the real pearl. The pearl of great price may not be what you think it is.
John 10:28 is a major foundation stone upon which the church bases eternal security – the believer’s assurance. Understanding it thoroughly is essential to church doctrine and Christian living. The misunderstanding of this verse is at the very root of lukewarmness among Christians and the false teachings of our day.
As Christians, we desperately need a revelation of this verse. Yet in order to grasp the “pearl” of John 10:28, we must first crack open the “oyster” of John chapter ten: The Parable of the Sheepfold. But be warned: When Jesus taught it “they took up stones again to stone him.” Obviously, Jesus wants to teach us something that goes against our human and religious nature.
Before you read on, take a moment to pray:
“Heavenly Father, Your Word says in John 8:31,32 that if I would abide in Your Word, I would truly be your disciple and I would know the Truth and the Truth would set me free. I want to be your disciple and to know the truth about eternal security. Set me free from any false ideas that I have been taught through tradition or assumption – these are the ‘stones’ of my heart. Teach me by your Holy Spirit that I might find the ‘pearl of great price’. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.”
The purpose for this study is that you would dive into the Scriptures with us as we bring up the oyster of The Parable of the Sheepfold and crack it open together. We can’t have eternal security unless we understand all that surrounds it. We can’t have the pearl unless we dive for the oyster…
The Authors
Read the Parable of the Sheepfold with us from John 10:1-16, 26-31. We are including some definitions and their Scripture references in parentheses to help clarify the meaning of the symbolism (Jesus used this method when he explained the hidden meaning of parables to his disciples-Luke 8:10). Please read all the Scriptures slowly and prayerfully.
V1 Truly, truly, I say to you (the religious people-John 9:40-41), he who does not enter by the door (does not seek salvation by the narrow gate-Matt. 7:13-15) into the fold of the sheep (the kingdom of God-Luke 12:32), but climbs up (seeks salvation) some other way (the wide gate-Jude 4), he is a thief and a robber (a false leader-II Cor. 11:13).
V2 But he who enters (seeks salvation) by the door (the narrow gate) is a shepherd (a true leader-Mark 10:42-45) of the sheep (the true Christians-John 10:27).
V3 To him (the true leader) the doorkeeper (the Father-Luke 13:25) opens (the narrow gate), and the sheep (the true Christians) hear his voice (His Word-John 6:63), and he calls (with a holy calling-I Pet. 1:15) his own sheep (the true Christians) by name, and leads them out (directs all their doings-Rom. 8:14).
V4 When he (the true leader) puts forth (directs) all his own (the true Christians), he goes before them, and the sheep (the true Christians) follow him because they know his voice (His WordCand they look to Him for their provision-Heb. 12:2).
V5 And a stranger (a false teacher-Prov. 2:16) they simply will not follow, but will flee (will avoid and turn away-I Tim. 6:3-5) from him, because they do not know the voice (the teaching) of strangers (false teachers).
V6 This figure of speech (parable) Jesus spoke to them, but they did not understand (had no revelation from the Holy Spirit-I Cor. 2:14) what those things were which He had been saying to them.
V7 Jesus therefore said to them again, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door (the narrow gate-John 14:6) of the sheep (the true Christians).
V8 “All who came before Me are thieves and robbers (false leaders-Phil. 3:2), but the sheep (the true Christians) did not hear them.
V9 “I am the door (the narrow gate); if anyone enters through Me (seeks salvation), he shall be saved (from sin-Matt. 1:21), and shall go in and out (have direction from the Holy Spirit-John 14:26), and find pasture (understanding of the Word-Luke 4:4).
V10 “The thief (the false leader) comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy (to widen the gate); I came that they might have life (eternal), and might have it abundantly (present holiness-Rom. 6:22).
V11 “I am the good shepherd (the true leader); the good shepherd lays down (dies to-I Pet. 3:18) His life for the sheep (the true Christians).
V12 “He who is a hireling (an earthly leader-Mic. 3:11), and not a shepherd (a true leader), who is not the owner of the sheep (the true Christians), beholds the wolf (false teaching-Acts 20:27-30) coming, and leaves (abandons) the sheep (true Christians), and flees (doesn’t know the truth or warn the sheep-II Pet. 3:17), and the wolf (a false teaching) snatches (plucks) them (the true Christians who sought their provision from the earthly leader-Jer. 5:30-31), and scatters them (drives the true Christians from the narrow way-II Pet. 2:2).
V13 “He flees (doesn’t know the truth or defend the sheep) because he is a hireling (an earthly leader), and is not concerned (concerned more about himself-Ezek. 34:8) about the sheep (the true Christians).
V14 “I am the good shepherd (the true leader); and I know My own (true Christians), and My own know Me (have an intimate relationship with Me-John 14:21),
V15 even as the Father knows Me (the true leader) and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep (the true Christians).
V16 “And I have other sheep (the Gentiles-Luke 2:32), which are not of this fold (the kingdom of God); I must bring them (the Gentiles) also, and they shall hear My voice (the Word); and they shall become one flock (no distinction of races, no denominations-Eph. 4:4-6) with one shepherd (the true leader).
V26 “But you (the religious people-John 8:43-47) do not believe, because you are not of My sheep (the true Christians).
V27 “My sheep (the true Christians) hear My voice (the Word), and I know them (intimately), and they follow Me (with obedience-I Pet. 1:14,15).
V28 AND I GIVE ETERNAL LIFE TO THEM (THE TRUE CHRISTIANS WHO SEEK THEIR SPIRITUAL PROVISION FROM THE TRUE LEADER), AND THEY SHALL NEVER PERISH; AND NO ONE SHALL SNATCH (PLUCK) THEM OUT OF MY HAND.
V29 “My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch (pluck) them out of the Father’s hand.
V30 “I and the Father are one.”
V31 Then Jews (the religious people) took up stones again to stone Him.
Now that we have the oyster, let’s crack it open and dissect it verse by verse:
THE TWO LEADERS:
V1 Truly, truly, I say to you (the religious people-John 9:40-41), he who does not enter by the door (does not seek salvation by the narrow gate-Matt. 7:13-15) into the fold of the sheep (the kingdom of God-Luke 12:32), but climbs up (seeks salvation) some other way (the wide gate-Jude 4), he is a thief and a robber (a false leader-II Cor. 11:13).
V2 But he who enters (seeks salvation) by the door (the narrow gate) is a shepherd (a true leader-Mark 10:42-45) of the sheep (the true Christians-John 10:27).
Notice in the beginning of this parable we have two leaders: The thief and the shepherd, who preach two similar messages. Throughout the Bible we are given many examples of two competing voices. For Example:
In Genesis the Lord God taught, “…thou shalt not eat of it…” or “…thou shalt surely die” (Gen. 2:17 kjv). But the serpent taught, “Yea, hath God said…?” and “Ye shall not surely die…” (Gen. 3:1,4 KJV).
In the New Testament Paul warns, “But I am afraid, lest as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds should be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ. For if one comes and preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or you received a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted, you bear this beautifully” (II Cor. 11:3,4).
In Proverbs Wisdom cries, “Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither.” Yet folly cries a similar message. The first path leads to life and the other to the “depths of hell” (Prov. 9:4,16,18 KJV).
There are always two competing voices with similar messages. There are always the true gospel and a false gospel being preached. All gospel teachings can be put into these two categories. Let’s look at these two categories and some of their parallel names in Scripture, which we will be referring to later:
The True GospelThe False Gospel
The shepherd’s message The thief’s message
The door Some other way
The narrow gate The wide gate
The grace of Christ The perverted gospel
Sound doctrine Fables
Now let’s look at an example of these two categories in Scripture:
“Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide, and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and many are those that enter by it. For the gate is small, and the way is narrow that leads to life, and few are those who find it” (Matt. 7:13-14). What are the differences between these two gate messages?
The message of the narrow gate always requires death to the carnal nature and denying self: “Whosoever will come after me (Jesus), let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel=s, the same shall save it” (Mark 8:34-35 KJV). This was a major theme in Jesus’ ministry and He taught this to both the disciples and all the people with him. This was a requirement for salvation.
The message of the wide gate always turns the grace of God into an acceptance of sin: “For there are certain men crept in unawares…ungodly men, turning the grace of God into lasciviousness (a readiness for all pleasure/license), and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ” (Jude 4 KJV). When we don’t put to death the carnal nature and deny ourselves, we deny Christ and become partakers of lasciviousness. This message teaches that we can have Christ and our sinful lifestyle too.
Galatians 1:6-7 (KJV) also makes this point very clear: “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there are some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.” We can see the two categories here: It’s the “grace of Christ” vs. “another (perverted) gospel.”
The gospel of the grace of Christ is outlined for us in Titus 2:11-12 (KJV): “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly and righteously, and godly, in this present world…” This gospel teaches that grace give us the command and power to deny ourselves, put to death the carnal nature and become holy in this present world. This is called “sound doctrine” (Tit. 2:1). This is the narrow gate.
Let’s look at the “perverted gospel” outlined for us in 2 Timothy 4:3,4 (KJV): “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” This gospel turns the grace of God into lasciviousness/license because it doesn’t call people to repent, turn from all sin and become holy. Instead it teaches that men can live for themselves and still be Christians. Their doctrines are fables. This is the wide gate.
If a teaching is popular and many are being “saved” by it, consider if the teaching is the Shepherd’s message or the thief’s message.
The thief can be a pastor, Sunday school teacher, evangelist, audio cassette, book, church, religious T.V. program – anybody or anything that a person looks to for spiritual provision, that teaches a doctrine which does not call people to repent, turn from all sin and become holy. This is the wide gate of destruction, “some other way” not found in the whole context of the Scriptures, false teaching that kills, steals and destroys. True Christians are not even to listen to them (John 10:8). “For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their deeds” (II Cor. 11:13-15).
The Shepherd is Jesus. A pastor, Sunday school teacher, evangelist, audio cassette, book, church, religious T.V. program – anybody or anything that teaches death to the carnal nature and becoming holy within the whole context of the Scriptures – may be worth sitting under, but a person must look only to Jesus in the Word of God for their spiritual provision. Only He can call them, lead them out, go before them, teach them His voice and make them holy. This is the narrow gate of righteousness, the true door, sound doctrine that gives abundant life. The Bereans were taught by Paul himself, yet they were “examining the Scriptures daily, to see whether these things were so” and were considered “noble-minded” for checking everything out first. (Acts 17:11)
Each person has an obligation to analyze the words of Scripture with those of the teacher. (Luke 8:18, Gal. 1:8-10, Rev. 2:2) What should a person do if they realize that they have been following the gospel of thieves and robbers? “If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome (sound) words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness (conforms a person to Christ=s image); He is proud, knowing nothing…from such withdraw thyself” (I Tim. 6:3-5 KJV).
THE TWO CALLINGS:
V3 To him (the true leader) the doorkeeper (the Father-Luke 13:25) opens (the narrow gate), and the sheep (the true Christians) hear his voice (His Word-John 6:63), and he calls (with a holy calling-I Pet. 1:15) his own sheep (the true Christians) by name, and leads them out (directs all their doings-Rom. 8:14).
V4 When he (the true leader) puts forth (directs) all his own (the true Christians), he goes before them, and the sheep (the true Christians) follow him because they know his voice (His WordCand they look to Him for their provision-Heb. 12:2).
We know that the shepherd (the true leader) goes through the narrow gate first (John 10:2) and then he calls his own sheep by name and leads them. We know that few follow his voice and go through the narrow gate, because it is the door of death to the carnal nature and self-denial.
True Christianity is a holy calling:
“Nevertheless the foundation of the God standeth sure, having this seal, the Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from all iniquity” (II Tim. 2:19 KJV).
“But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation (behavior). Because it is written, Be holy; for I am holy” (I Pet. 1:15,16 KJV).
“For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. He therefore that despiseth (this teaching) despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his Holy Spirit” (I Thess. 4:7,8 KJV).
Now, the thief (the false leader) teaches a similar message concerning salvation. He preaches “Christ” but leaves out the part about death to the carnal nature and becoming like Christ. He enters in through the wide gate and then invites others in by quoting comforting slogans like “You’re under the blood”, “You’re sealed by the Holy Spirit”, “Nobody can be perfect”, “You’re under grace”. He gives many a false security of salvation as they blindly stroll down the broad path to destruction thinking holy living is optional or unattainable except in heaven. After all, they did “accept” Jesus. As a result, “…many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned (spoken evil of); and in their greed they will exploit you with false words” (II Pet. 2:2,3). Teaching “the way of the truth” might make a leader’s position insecure.
Two callings. Two similar gospels. One is a walk of death that leads to life. The other is a walk of life that leads to death. “For if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live” (Rom. 8:13).
THE STRANGER:
V5 And a stranger (a false teacher-Prov. 2:16) they simply will not follow, but will flee (will avoid and turn away-I Tim. 6:3-5) from him, because they do not know the voice (the teaching) of strangers (false teachers).
It’s important to have an understanding of the gospel of the thief and the Shepherd because now the stranger enters into the story. If a person has never known the true voice of the Shepherd and has only heard the thief’s voice, then he has automatically fallen for the stranger.
The beguiling influence of the stranger is demonstrated in these two verses: “…I have betrothed you to one Husband, to present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. But now I am fearful, lest that even as the serpent beguiled Eve by his cunning, so your minds may be corrupted and seduced from whole-hearted and sincere and pure devotion to Christ” (II Cor. 11:2,3 Amp. Bible). The stranger is a con artist.
The stranger is any spiritual teaching which has a form of godliness, but loves the carnal sin nature. The stranger seduces the true Christian from his whole-hearted devotion to Christ with carnal doctrines (which don’t teach people to repent, turn from all their sins and become holy). The stranger winks at sin.
Since the stranger seduces the true Christian, let’s first look at what true Christianity is:
True Christianity is a betrothal to one Husband (Jesus).
Before salvation, a person is married to his carnal sin nature. He is one with it and obeys it. The Bible calls it “the old man”. If a person desires to be betrothed to Christ, the old man must die first. “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him (Jesus), that the body of sin (the carnal sin nature) might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead (to the relationship with the old man) is freed from sin (the carnal sin nature)”(Rom. 6:6,7 KJV). “Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin (the old manCthe carnal sin nature) but alive to God in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 6:11). “What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin (the relationship with the old man), that grace might increase? May it never be! How shall we who died to sin (the relationship with the old man), still live in it?” (Rom. 6:12 ). True Christians don’t try to reform the carnal nature for Jesus, they crucify it. “Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” (Gal. 5:24).
This is the narrow gate and few there be that find it. Why? They love the old man.
If the old man doesn’t die first and a person becomes a “Christian”, he is really nothing more than an adulterer – he merely went through the wide gate. “So then if, while her husband is living (the old manCthe carnal sin nature), she is joined to another man (Jesus), she shall be called an adulteress; but if her husband (the old man) dies, she is free from the law, so that she is not an adulteress, though she is joined to another man (Jesus). Therefore, my brethren, you also were made to die to the Law (to the relationship with the old man) through the body of Christ, that you might be joined to another (Jesus), to Him who was raised from the dead, that we might bear fruit for God (holiness). For while we were in the flesh (married to the old man), the sinful passions…were at work in the members of our body to bear fruit (bitterness, selfish ambition, impure thoughts, pride, etc…) for death” (Rom. 7:3,4,5). Most people have only been taught half of the truth about salvation: “Come to Christ”, but not “Die to the old man”. This is a compromising gospel.
This is the wide gate and many will go in through it. Why? They love the old man.
Now, the stranger is a friend of the thief. Those who have gone through the wide gate (haven’t died to the old man) are walking side by side with both the stranger and the thief on their way to destruction. The true Christian is the prey of the stranger. Remember, the stranger is any spiritual teaching which has a form of godliness, but loves the carnal sin nature. The stranger seduces the true Christian from his whole-hearted devotion to Christ with carnal doctrines (which don’t teach people to repent, turn from all sin and become holy.) Just as the serpent beguiled Eve into thinking she wouldn’t die if she disobeyed God, so the stranger seduces the true Christian into thinking a little affair with the old man won’t do any harm. “Yea, hath God said…?” and “Ye shall not surely die…” the serpent said (Gen. 3:1,4,5 KJV). The stranger’s teachings wink at sin.
We can see this clearly dramatized in Proverbs chapter 2. In the first 11 verses, the father (God) gives advice to his son (the true Christian) imploring him to continue clinging to the Word of God for his spiritual provision in order “to deliver you from the strange woman, from the adulteress who flatters with her words; That leaves the companion of her youth (Jesus), and forgets the covenant of her God (she has fallen off the narrow path and turned onto the wide path); For her house sinks down to death, and her tracks lead to the dead; None who go to her return again, nor do they reach the paths of life. So you will walk in the way of good men, and keep to the paths of the righteous” (Prov. 2:16-20).Only a relationship with Jesus in the Word of God can protect a true Christian from the teachings of the stranger, her carnal doctrines and destruction.
“With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him along” (Prov. 7:21 KJV). “Fair speech” is translated “instruction or doctrine” in the Hebrew. So this verse actually means that with her doctrines she causes him to overcome his conscience and his fears and to go along. When the true Christian goes along with carnal doctrines (example: “Nobody can be perfect”) and falls back into sinning willfully (example: selfish ambition, pride, impure thoughts without repentance) he commits adultery. “Let no one delude and deceive you with empty arguments [for these sins], for through these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience (anyone who disobeys the Word of God). So do not associate or be sharers with them” (Eph. 5:6,7 Amp. Bible). The beguiling influence of the stranger to lure the true Christian off the narrow path is very deceitful.
“Give me your heart, my son (true Christian), And let your eyes delight in my ways (pure devotion to one Husband). For a harlot (carnal doctrine) is a deep pit (to lure the true Christian off the narrow path), and an adulterous woman (carnal doctrine) is a narrow well (making escape almost impossible). She lurks as a robber(to seduce the true Christian), And increases the faithless among men (those who fall away from pure devotion to Christ=s Word)”(Prov. 23:26-28). The true Christian is implored by the Father to love His Word and to be warned of the teachings of the stranger.
“For the commandment is a lamp; and the teaching is light; and reproofs for discipline are the way of life, to keep you from the evil woman, from the smooth tongue of the adulteress…The one who commits adultery with a woman (goes along with carnal doctrines and participates in sin) lacks sense; he who would destroy himself does it…For jealousy enrages a man (the Husband – Jesus), and he will not spare in the day of vengeance” (Prov. 6:23,24,32,34). There is a high price to be paid for fellowshipping with the strange woman. “Be not deceived: evil communications (carnal doctrines and associations) corrupt good manners (the character of Christ). Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame” (I Cor. 15:33,34 KJV).
“You are like unfaithful wives having illicit love affairs with the world (the carnal sin nature – the old man) and breaking your marriage vow to God! Do you not know that being the world’s (the old man’s) friend is being God’s enemy? So whoever chooses to be a friend of the world (the old man) takes his stand as an enemy of God. Or do you suppose that the Scripture is speaking to no purpose that says, The Spirit Whom He has caused to dwell in us yearns over us and He yearns for the Spirit to be welcome with a jealous love?” (James 4:3-5 Amp. Bible). Jesus is a jealous Husband. He wants all of a person’s heart or none of it. “Love not the world (the carnal sin nature), neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever” (I John 2:15-17 KJV).
The Husband (Jesus) loves his bride (the true Christian). “Those whom I [dearly and tenderly] love, I tell their faults and convict and convince and reprove and chasten [I discipline them]. So be enthusiastic and in earnest and burning with zeal and repent [changing your mind and attitude]” (Rev. 3:19 Amp. Bible). “…Christ also loved the church (his bride), and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that he might present it to himself a glorious church (bride), not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish” (Eph. 5:26,27 KJV). Jesus calls each person into a holy relationship with him. He loves each one and has provided all that is needed through his Word to see the truth, repent and become holy without spot, wrinkle or blemish.
If you’ve gone through the narrow gate (death to the old man) and by-passed the thief (preacher of optional holiness), be careful of the stranger who has a form of godliness, but loves the carnal sin nature. The stranger seduces the true Christian from his whole-hearted devotion to Christ with carnal doctrines (which don’t teach people to repent, turn from all sin and become holy.) The true Christian must flee from such teachings.
THE RELIGIOUS PEOPLE:
V6 This figure of speech (parable) Jesus spoke to them, but they did not understand (had no revelation from the Holy Spirit-I Cor. 2:14) what those things were which He had been saying to them.
Why did no one understand this parable? “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ” (Col. 2:8 KJV). The philosophies, religious ideas, spiritual traditions and laws of the natural realm blind religious people. They are held captive by these parameters and are unable to grasp the teachings of Christ.
Religious people can’t hear the truth of the Word of God because their hearts are hardened through the deceitfulness of sin and carnal doctrines that don’t call people to repent, turn from all sin and become holy. Therefore, the Scriptures become a mystery or must be explained in vague, contradicting terms that no one can understand. Jesus said, “Whosoever is of God listens to God. [Those who hear the words of God.] This is the reason that you do not listen [to the words, to Me]: because you do not belong to God and are not of God or in harmony with Him” (John 8:47 Amp. Bible).
Because of the lack of understanding of the religious people, Jesus explains it to them again:
THE TRUE DOOR:
V7 Jesus therefore said to them again, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door (the narrow gate-John 14:6) of the sheep (the true Christians).
V9 “I am the door (the narrow gate); if anyone enters through Me (seeks salvation), he shall be saved (from sin-Matt. 1:21), and shall go in and out (have direction from the Holy Spirit-John 14:26), and find pasture (understanding of the Word-Luke 4:4).
Long ago, the church barred the door by which we must be saved (Matt. 23:13, Luke 11:52)(telling us that that way is impossible) and opened a wide door by which people only think they are being saved. Being “saved” doesn’t mean praying a prayer and “accepting Jesus”. It doesn’t mean to simply “believe” that Jesus exists, to believe about Jesus or to be of the Christian faith. It doesn’t mean to give mental assent to the truths of the Scriptures – even demons do that (James 2:19). It doesn’t mean making a one-time commitment and then a person is sealed, never to be lost again, no matter how they live. God did not give up His only begotten Son for that. For the most part, the church today preaches “another Jesus” and a “different gospel”. (II Cor. 11:4)
“And someone said to Him, ‘Lord, are there just a few who are being saved?’ And He said to them, ‘Strive to enter by the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able’…Then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets (We went to church and heard all about you)’; and He will say, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you are from; DEPART FROM ME, ALL YOU EVILDOERS (people who do not do the will of God)'”(Luke 13:24,26,27). These verses make it very clear that only a few will be saved, although many will seek to enter in (possibly with prayers, baptisms, church memberships and attendance).
Jesus said to “strive” to enter by the narrow door. The word “strive” in the Greek means “to take pains, to wrestle as in a prize contest, making every effort to achieve the goal”. This certainly goes against what is typically taught in churches. Paul confirms this again in Philippians 2:12,13 (Amp. Bible): “…work out (cultivate, carry out to the goal, and fully complete) your own salvation with reverence and awe and trembling (self-distrust, with serious caution, tenderness of conscience, watchfulness against temptation, timidly shrinking from whatever might offend God and discredit the name of Christ). [Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight.” This is the power of GRACE working in a Christian to bring them unto complete salvation. Grace is, first of all, about what God alone has done in the life of a believer (Rom. 11:6), but secondly, grace is the desire and power to do God’s will (Titus 2:11,12 and I Pet. 5:6-12). These verses don’t contradict each other, they balance each other. This is the true door. This door enables a person to walk in the Spirit, find understanding of the Word of God and receive salvation. To disregard these verses is to disregard the spirit of grace.
THIEVES AND ROBBERS:
V8 “All who came before Me are thieves and robbers (false leaders-Phil. 3:2), but the sheep (the true Christians) did not hear them.
V10 “The thief (the false leader) comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy (to widen the gate); I came that they might have life (eternal), and might have it abundantly (present holiness-Rom. 6:22).
Jesus gives us an example of the work of thieves and robbers. “And he (Jesus) taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? But ye have made it a den of thieves. And the scribes and chief priests heard it, and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people were astonished at his doctrine” (Mark 11:17,18 KJV).
Jeremiah chapter seven refers to the “den of thieves” as a place where people went to church and continued loving the old man. They trusted in false doctrines that told the people they would not be judged for their sins, but would be protected because they attended church. The Lord tells them to amend their ways. The thieves (false leaders) were ignoring the truth and replacing it with comforting slogans of “Peace, Peace” instead of “Repent, Repent”. This is why Jesus could say, “All who came before Me are thieves and robbers…” (John 10:8). Anyone who preaches “Christ” under a banner of optional holiness, isn’t preaching “Christ”, but a different Jesus. He is the thief.
Even today, teachers of the gospel simply steal, kill and destroy the truth and those who follow them by teaching “Peace, Peace” doctrines. The Scriptures refer to these teachers and their followers as “them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie; That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness (and unrighteous teachings)”(II Thess. 2:10-12 KJV). True Christians are not even to listen to such teachings.
The false teachers of Jesus’ day were no different, but they feared Jesus because all the people were astonished at his doctrine. Jesus’ doctrine is clearly outlined in Matthew 5-7. Jesus preached about how people are to behave and punctuated it with “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect” (Matt. 5:48 KJV). He preached, “Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven” (Matt. 7:21 KJV). As a result of these “hard sayings” (John 6:60), “the people were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes” (Matt. 7:28, 29 KJV). This was not a soft salvation message of “pray the prayer” and you will be saved. As a result, many who had been following him were offended and “went back (to their old associations and false doctrines), and walked no more with him” (John 6:66 KJV).
The thief comes to kill, steal and destroy the truth, but Jesus says, “I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly” (John 10:10). Jesus is not only referring to eternal life after death, but also present holiness in this world. Contrary to modern theology, “more abundantly” doesn’t represent being “happy” here on earth or a prosperity doctrine. The following are some examples of the abundant lifestyles of Christians that the Lord commends, “…others were tortured, not accepting deliverance…and others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover bonds of imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wondered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth” (Heb. 11:35-38 KJV). Why did they suffer in this world? “For those whom the Lord loves He disciplines, and he scourges every son whom He receives. It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons…for our good, that we may share His holiness…without which no one will see the Lord” (Heb. 12:6,7,10,14). Obviously, “more abundantly” isn’t referring to a physical lifestyle, but a spiritual one – a non-optional holiness that comes only through death to the old man in our trials. That is why Romans 6:22 (Amp. Bible) can proclaim, “But now since you have been set free from sin (the old man) and have become the slaves of God, you have your present reward in holiness, and its end is eternal life.” Titus 2:12 (KJV) tells us that grace teaches us to “live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.” Bearing the fruit of the character and nature of Jesus – this is abundant life! All else is death.
Don’t be deceived by the thief’s flesh-consoling words. True Christians are to be devoted to the truth of the gospel, love not their lives unto death and entertain no other doctrines.
THE GOOD SHEPHERD:
V11 “I am the good shepherd (the true leader); the good shepherd lays down (dies to-I Pet. 3:18) His life for the sheep (the true Christians).
V14 “I am the good shepherd (the true leader); and I know My own (true Christians), and My own know Me (have an intimate relationship with Me-John 14:21),
First of all, we know from our study of John 10:2 that the shepherd enters through the narrow gate first (dies to the carnal nature and denies self) and then calls his sheep (to do the same thing): “But he who enters by the door (the narrow gate) is a shepherd of the sheep.” The shepherd leads by example and gives up his life for the sheep. Jesus is our example: “For as much as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh (died to the desires of the flesh), arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh (died to the desires of the flesh) hath ceased from sin; that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God” (I Pet. 4:1,2 KJV).
Herein lies the good Shepherd’s love for each person: “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all” (Isa. 53:6). The good Shepherd bore our iniquities in his own body in order that “he would grant us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life” (Luke 1:74,75 KJV).The good Shepherd did not bear our iniquities just so we could be “saved” from sin and its power, but in order that we would have the power to take on the nature and character of Christ Himself during our life here on earth. (See Rom. 8:29, I Cor. 15:49, II Cor. 3:18, Col. 3:10, Gal. 4:19)
And again Hebrews 13:20-21 (KJV) tells us of the work of the great Shepherd, “Now the God of Peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ…” The good Shepherd laid down his life for His sheep for this purpose. Are we, as Christians, having an intimate relationship with the good Shepherd and becoming perfect like Him?
After the good Shepherd’s death and ascension, he appointed earthly shepherds to do the same work as He did. “Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men…And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine (telling us we can’t be perfect like Jesus in this world), by the sleight of men (thieves), and cunning craftiness (of strangers), whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ…” (Eph. 4:8,11-15 KJV).
Paul gives us an excellent description of the work of earthly shepherds. He called a meeting of the leaders of the local churches and told them, “I take you to record this day, that I am free from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them” (Acts 20:26-30 KJV). The job of the appointed shepherd is to feed the flock the whole counsel of God’s Word and oversee them to keep them safe from wolves (false teachings) and false shepherds (thieves) who pervert the Word of God. Shepherds who are not doing this are guilty and are accountable for the blood of their congregation: “…they keep watch over your souls, as those who will give an account…” (Heb. 13:17).
Notice in verse 24 of Acts 20, Paul calls his preaching “the gospel of the grace of God”. Remember that the gospel of the grace of Christ is outlined for us in Titus 2:11-12 (KJV): “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly and righteously, and godly, in this present world…” This gospel teaches that grace give us the command and power to put to death the carnal nature, deny ourselves in this world and to be godly. This is called “sound doctrine” (Tit. 2:1, 12). This is the narrow gate. All preaching that teaches sin cannot be conquered and men don’t need to become conformed to the image of Christ in this present world, teaches a perverted gospel and is aiding and abetting the wolves.
The appointed shepherds are charged in the Word of God in 1 Peter 5:1-5 (Amp. Bible): “I warn and counsel the elders among you (the pastors and spiritual guides of the church) as a fellow elder and as an eyewitness [called to testify] of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a sharer in the glory (the honor and splendor) that is about to be revealed (disclosed, unfolded): Tend (nurture, guard, guide, and fold) the flock of God that is [your responsibility], not by coercion or constraint, but willingly; not dishonorably motivated by the advantages and profits [belonging to the office], but eagerly and cheerfully; Not domineering [as arrogant, dictatorial, and overbearing persons] over those in your charge, but being examples (patterns and models of Christian living) to the flock (the congregation). And (then) when the Chief Shepherd is revealed, you will win the conqueror’s crown of glory.” The text goes on to give instruction to the congregation, “Likewise, you who are younger and of lesser rank, be subject to the elders (the ministers and spiritual guides of the church) – [giving them due respect and yielding to their counsel]…” The congregation is charged to submit to whom? Only to the appointed shepherds who guard the flock from teachings that arecontrary to the Word, who teach the truth of the gospel of grace and are living examples of Christ. “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you’ (Heb. 13:17 KJV).
Where are the faithful appointed shepherds that do the true work of the good Shepherd? To whom has the congregation been submitting? “So let no one exult proudly concerning men (boasting of having this or that man as a leader)…let us [apostles] be looked upon as ministering servants of Christ and stewards (trustees) of the mysteries (the secret purposes) of God. Moreover, it is [essentially] required of stewards that a man should be found faithful [proving himself worthy of trust]” (I Cor. 3:21, 4:1-2 Amp. Bible).
THE HIRELING AND THE WOLF
V12 “He who is a hireling (an earthly leader-Mic. 3:11), and not a shepherd (a true leader), who is not the owner of the sheep (the true Christians), beholds the wolf (false teaching-Acts 20:27-30) coming, and leaves (abandons) the sheep (true Christians), and flees (doesn’t know the truth or warn the sheep-II Pet. 3:17), and the wolf (a false teaching) snatches (plucks) them (the true Christians who sought their provision from the earthly leader-Jer. 5:30-31), and scatters them (drives the true Christians from the narrow way-II Pet. 2:2).
V13 “He flees (doesn=t know the truth or defend the sheep) because he is a hireling (an earthly leader), and is not concerned (concerned more about himself-Ezek. 34:8) about the sheep (the true Christians).
The hireling is a hired shepherd – an earthly leader. He is a spiritual leader. He represents the typical Christian minister in any form of leadership. He may do an excellent job in his appointed position. The problem lies not with his job description given by his ministry, but rather with his job description given by God. In the section The Good Shepherd, the job description provided by the Scriptures were as follows:
1) Must die to the old man C his carnal nature C and call others to do the same thing
2) Must live to do the will of God
3) Must recognize that his main purpose is to speak the truth in love for the perfecting of the saints that they may grow up to be like Christ
4) Must oversee the flock, keeping them safe from wolves (false teaching) and false shepherds who pervert the Word of God
5) Must feed the flock the whole counsel of God=s Word
6) Must teach the gospel of grace C overcoming sin in this present world
7) Must tend the flock willingly without being domineering or out for gain
8) Must be a living example of the life of Christ
9) Must recognize that he is held accountable before God for the souls of his flock
In this parable the hireling does not do his job and, as a result, false teaching overtakes the flock who were looking to the hireling for their spiritual provision and are snatched!
The word “snatched” is very important and requires some consideration. “Snatch” is derived from the Greek word “harpazo” which means to pluck, to catch, to strip, to spoil, to seize upon with force, to rob, to take to oneself. When this definition is applied to John 10:12, the meaning becomes clear: “He who is a hireling, and not a shepherd, who is not the owner of the sheep, beholds the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep, and flees, and the wolf snatches them, and scatters them.” This has very serious implications because, in essence, the wolf can deceive true Christians, take them captive by false teachings and drive them off the narrow way. “…because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness (even unrighteous teachings)”(II Thess. 2:10-12 KJV).
The responsibility lies upon both the hireling and the sheep. The hireling must do his job (and if he does, he is truly a shepherd), but the sheep must always seek their spiritual provision from the one and only good Shepherd. “But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned…the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (II Tim. 3:13-17 KJV). If God exalts his Word even above his name (Ps. 138:2), shouldn’t Christians exalt the Word above men and doctrines and traditions and churches and religions? Do not be deceived. “In Christ are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words” (Col. 2:3,4 KJV). “…holding fast to the head (Christ), from whom the entire body, being supplied and held together by the joints and ligaments, grows with a growth which is from God” (Col. 2:19).
If the hireling isn’t teaching the love of the Word of God in order to bring men to become conformed to the image and nature of Jesus, the congregation is already caught by wolves and scattered. Will the sheep find their way back to the narrow path? (See Proverbs 1:23-33)
Finally, Paul gives us a word of instruction for the sheep who discover that they’ve been following a hireling, “But if anyone teaches otherwise and does not assent to the sound (doctrine) and wholesome messages of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) and the teaching which is in agreement with godliness (doctrinethat conforms us to Christ’s image), He is puffed up with pride…corrupted in mind and bereft of the truth…From such withdraw” (I Tim. 6:3-5 Amp. Bible).
THE TRUE SHEEP
V14 “I am the good shepherd (the true leader); and I know My own (true Christians), and My own know Me (have an intimate relationship with Me-John 14:21),
V15 even as the Father knows Me (the true leader) and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep (the true Christians).
V27 “My sheep (the true Christians) hear My voice (the Word), and I know them (intimately), and they follow Me (with obedience-I Pet. 1:14,15).
The quality of the relationship the true sheep have with the Shepherd is the most important information in this entire parable. Without meeting these vital requirements, the promise of this parable is null and void. True sheep are called to a relationship with the Shepherd, which requires that they must know him, hear him and follow him. This is love. “And this is love, that we walk after His commandments” (II John 1:6).
To know Jesus means to have close, intimate fellowship with Him and His Word:
“And this is eternal life: [it means] to know (to perceive, recognize, become acquainted with, and understand) You, the only true and real God, and [likewise] to know Him, Jesus [as the] Christ (the Anointed One, the Messiah), Whom You have sent” (John 3:17 Amp. Bible).
“And by this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. The one who says, ‘I have come to know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him: the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked” (I John 2:3-6).
“Examine and test and evaluate you own selves to see whether you are holding to your faith and showing the proper fruits of it. Test and prove yourselves [not Christ]. Do you not yourselves realize and know [thoroughly by an ever-increasing experience] that Jesus Christ is in you – unless you are [counterfeits] disapproved on trial and rejected?” (I Cor. 13:5 Amp. Bible).
Paul says, “Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ…” (Phil. 3:8 KJV). Knowing Jesus cost a person the loss of all things and is based on obeying His Word.
“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name (taught and preached about you)? And in they name cast out devils (had power over evil spirits in the name of Jesus-Lk.10:20)? And in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you (you did not love and obey My Word): depart from me, ye that work iniquity (disobedience)” (Matt. 7:21-23 KJV).
Knowing Jesus and obeying His Word are essential for eternal security.
To hear Jesus means to hear His voice so as to listen and obey. His voice is heard through the Word of God. Jesus is the Word made flesh (John 1:14) – they are inseparable. Jesus Himself made some pretty strong statements concerning listening:
“He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God” (John 8:47 KJV).
“My mother and my brethren are they which hear the word of God, and do it” (Luke 8:21 KJV).
James confirms Jesus’ words and offers a curse or a blessing: “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves…but a doer of the work (the word), this man shall be blessed in his deed” (James 1:22,25 KJV).
Romans 10:17 tells us, “…faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.”
Unfortunately, the Word of God seems to be the one thing that the flock doesn’t tend to hear or do. The sheep eagerly run to hear the preacher, the prophet, the self-help teachings and the advice of friends and family. How many search the Word of God first? Jeremiah warns, “A wonderful (astonishing) and horrible thing is committed in the land; The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?…To whom shall I speak, and give warning, that they may hear? Behold, their ear is uncircumcised (they have their focus on the flesh), and they cannot hearken: behold, the word of the Lord is unto them a reproach; they have no delight in it” (Jer. 5:30,32 and 6:10 KJV). Paul warns Timothy: “Preach the wordYreprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine (the power to overcome sin and the carnal nature-Titus 2:1,12); but after their own lusts (the old man) shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables (false doctrines)”(II Tim 4:3-4 KJV). Again Paul says, “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith (the Word of God), giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils…take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine (which conforms us to Christ’s image-1 Tim. 6:3); continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.” (I Tim. 4:1,16 KJV). Hearing the Word and obeying it is essential for eternal security.
To follow Jesus means to cleave to him so as to follow his example. It means to be his disciple:
“Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross (die to the old man), and follow me” (Matt. 16:24 KJV).
Again Jesus says, “And he who does not take his cross (doesn’t die to the old man), and follow after Me is not worthy of Me” (Matt. 10:38).
Hebrews 12:1-4 tells how to follow him: “…let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you may not grow weary and lose heart. You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin.” Also verse 14 (KJV): “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man will see the Lord.”
“For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, WHO COMMITTED NO SIN, NOR WAS ANY DECEIT FOUND IN HIS MOUTH” (I Pet. 2:21,22).
“Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh, has ceased from sin” (I Pet. 4:1).
Following Jesus is a daily decision to take up the cross and obey in order to become like Him. Following Jesus in His Word and becoming like Him are essential for eternal security.
John 10:27 tells us how true Christians live: “My sheep (the true Christians) hear My voice (the Word), and I know them (intimately), and they follow Me (with obedience).” The Scriptures are clearabout the quality of the relationship the true sheep have with the Shepherd in order to have eternal security.”Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting” (Gal. 6:7,8 KJV).
THE “OTHER” SHEEP
V16 “And I have other sheep (the Gentiles-Luke 2:32), which are not of this fold (the kingdom of God); I must bring them (the Gentiles) also, and they shall hear My voice (the Word); and they shall become one flock (no distinction of races, no denominations-Eph. 4:4-6) with one shepherd (the true leader).
The “other” sheep Jesus is speaking of here are the Gentiles. Before his ascension, Jesus told his disciples that the Scriptures prophesy “that repentance for forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem” (Luke 24:47). The gospel, which had first been revealed to the Jews, was revealed to the Gentiles through Paul (Acts 9:15) and then it expanded throughout the earth. Jesus’ intention was that there be “…one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all” (Eph. 4:4-6). He desired one fold, one shepherd – no distinction of races, no denominations.
Let’s look at the aspect of “no distinction of races” first. Ephesians 3:4,6 tells us, “And by referring to this, when you read you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ…to be specific, that the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.” Also in Galatians 3:25-29 (KJV), “But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster (Jewish law and rituals of the Old Testament). For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ (died to the old man) have put on Christ (the character and nature of Christ). There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Even the Jewish high priest, the year of Jesus’ death, prophesied, “that Jesus should die for that nation (Israel); And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad” (John 11:51,52 KJV). These passages clearly reveal the truth that in Christ race distinctions have been abolished and those who are truly in him are of one fold in the kingdom of God.
Now let’s look at the aspect of “no denominations”. The word “denomination” is not even found in the Bible. From the beginning Jesus never intended to have them. “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment… Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ (I’m a Baptist, I’m a Pentecostal, I’m Non-Denominational, I’m a Catholic). Is Christ divided?” (I Cor. 1:10,12-13 KJV). Paul charges us to be joined together in the same mind. In I Corinthians 4:6 (KJV), Paul tells us why, “…that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written (in the Scriptures), that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.” Paul goes on to say, “…for in Christ Jesus, I have begotten you through the gospel. Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me…my ways which be in Christ” (I Cor. 4:15-17 KJV). Paul is not exhorting us to follow a man, but to follow the true gospel: “For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus’ sake” (II Cor. 4:5). If a man does not represent the true gospel and the life of Christ, he is a hireling and not to be followed at all. “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ (the power to overcome sin in this present world-Tit. 2:12) unto another gospel…But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed…But I certify you, brethren that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by revelation of Jesus Christ” (Gal. 1:6-8,11-12 KJV). These passages clearly reveal one group in which Christians “all speak the same thing”.
There is only one gospel, only one fold, only one Shepherd. Jesus always referred to His sheep as “one”: “I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one” (John 17:23 KJV).
ETERNAL SECURITY
V28 AND I GIVE ETERNAL LIFE TO THEM (THE TRUE CHRISTIANS WHO SEEK THEIR SPIRITUAL PROVISION FROM THE TRUE LEADER), AND THEY SHALL NEVER PERISH; AND NO ONE SHALL SNATCH (PLUCK) THEM OUT OF MY HAND.
V29 “My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch (pluck) them out of the Father’s hand.
This is the most exciting and the most divisive section of this parable. Jesus said, “Think not that I am come to send peace (“peace, peace” teachings) on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword (the truth from the Scriptures)”(Matt. 10:34 KJV). May each person receive the truth and not be offended by the message of this parable.
The theme of the Parable of the Sheepfold is eternal security. Jesus offers this with a guarantee: “My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand” (John 10:29). What a wonderful promise! Yet this promise comes with a stipulation: To know Jesus, to hear Jesus, to follow Jesus (John 10:27). This is based on an abiding relationship with Jesus and His Word – not church, not books, not spiritual leaders, not programs.
The promise states: “AND THEY SHALL NEVER PERISH; AND NO ONE SHALL SNATCH THEM OUT OF MY HAND.” Let’s look at he word “snatch” in this verse. Ironically, “snatch” is the exact same word in the Greek as the word “snatch” that we read earlier concerning the wolf in verse 12, “the wolf snatches them, and scatters them.” The word is “harpazo” again, which means to pluck, to catch, to strip, to spoil, to seize upon with force, to rob, to take to oneself. These two verses appear to contradict themselves. In verse12 “the wolf snatches them” and in verse 28 “no one shall snatch them out of My hand.” The difference in these two verses is: FALSE TEACHINGS DO THE SNATCHING AND ONLY THOSE WHO HEAR, KNOW AND FOLLOW JESUS AND HIS WORD ARE GIVEN ETERNAL LIFE AND ARE KEPT BY THE FATHER FROM BEING SNATCHED. The sheep that are looking to the hireling for their spiritual provision and do not love the truth are snatched and scattered. “And with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved. And for this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they might believe what is false, in order that they all might be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness” (II Thess. 2:10-12).
If you feel the “stones” of your heart rising up at these statements, ask yourself, “Do I love the Word or do I love my religious doctrines and the approval of men?” Embrace the truth and do not be offended.
THE RELIGIOUS PEOPLE
V30 “I and the Father are one.”
V31 Then Jews (the religious people) took up stones again to stone Him.
The philosophy of all religious people can be summed up in John chapter eight. In it is a dialog between Jesus and the Pharisees. Keep in mind that the Pharisees represent a religious people who believe in God, but don’t know God: “And so they were saying to Him, ‘Where is Your Father?’ Jesus answered, ‘You know neither Me, nor My Father; if you knew Me, you would know My Father also’…’You are from below; I am from above; you are of this world (of this earthly order), I am not of this world. I said therefore to you, that you shall die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am He, you shall die in your sins’…As He spoke these things, many came to believe in Him. Jesus therefore was saying to those Jews who had believed in Him, ‘If you abide in My word (hold fast to My teachings and live in accordance with them), then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.’ They (the religious people) answered Him, ‘We are Abraham’s offspring (We are a religious people who believe in God. We belong to a great denomination), and have never yet been enslaved to anyone; how is it that You say, ‘You shall become free?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, Everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. And a slave does not remain in a household forever (permanently); the son does remain forever. If therefore the Son makes you free, then you shall be free indeed. I know that you are Abraham’s offspring (A religious people who believe in God. A great denomination); yet you seek to kill Me, because My word has no place (makes no progress, does not find any entrance) in you…Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word (knows Me, hears Me, follows Me) he shall never see death’. The Jews (the religious people) said to Him, ‘Now we know that You have a demon (are insane). Abraham died, and the prophets also, and you say, ‘If anyone keeps My word, he shall never taste of death’…Therefore they picked up stones to throw at Him…’ (John 8:19, 23-24 ,30-37,51-52, 59)
Do you see the two sides of the issue? There is no middle of the road. A person either knows Jesus and obeys the Word of God or he is simply religious and doesn’t qualify for eternal life. It is not enough to say you have God as your Father or that you are a member of a great denomination or even that you believe in Jesus.
Eternal life is made up of knowing Jesus – the Word made flesh – and becoming like Him. Notice how many times Jesus intertwines eternal life, knowing Him and keeping His Word: “… this is eternal life, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent…Thou gavest them to me; and they have kept thy word…keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are… I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost…Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth…I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one…” (John 17:3, 6, 11-12, 17, 23 KJV).
THE PEARL OF GREAT PRICE
Now, the oyster has been fully opened and dissected. The pearl is in clear view for all to see…
Do you see what the pearl really is? Eternal security is not the pearl of great price. Salvation is not the pearl of great price. Perfection is not the pearl of great price. Knowing Jesus – grasping the Word made flesh – is the pearl of great price. The pearl is the “I” in “I give unto them eternal life”. The work is to believe His Word in order to become like Him, which fulfills the Scripture “I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one” (John 17:23 KJV). Anything less is a cultured pearl and does not qualify.
Hear the Word. Know the Word. Follow the Word. This is love. This is the pearl. Then may the good Shepherd say unto you:
“And I give eternal life to them; and they shall never perish, and no one shall snatch them out of my hand.”
Now, may you truly become like the pearl dealer in Matthew 13:46 (KJV) “Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.”