Studies
in John's Gospel -- Part 15
Blue Chip Portfolio
By: A.J. Higgins, M.D.
Passage:
John
10
In a
day when investment firms warn us that the quality of
our lives depends upon their expertise, when
corporations daily juggle millions to gain percentage
points in interest, when each day's mail brings a new
opportunity to become wealthy through a "can’t
miss" offer, we cannot help but be acutely aware of
the importance of investing wisely.
I
would like to suggest an investment that few of my
readers have possibly ever considered. I make no
claim for originality here. The investment was
suggested long ago by another Whose wisdom and
farsightedness have never been equaled. In the l0th
chapter of John, the Lord Jesus Christ certifies
The Trustworthiness
of the Investment
As an
advisor in this all important matter, His credentials
are impeccable (vs. l-5). He speaks of having come by
way of the door into the sheepfold of Israel. All
the numerous prophecies that Messiah would have to
fulfill were fulfilled in His life. He has come
from heaven to advise men as to the way to heaven.
It is His heaven: Who better could tell its
entrance requirements?
But
our investment is more secure when we consider His
concern and commitment for the sheep (vs. ll-l3). As
the Shepherd of the sheep He is willing to give His life
to secure their welfare. His care for each
individual one is announced in vs. l4-l5. No mass
production line Christianity was ever anticipated by
heaven. Whatever advice He gives, we may be sure
that it comes with credibility and interest in each one
of us.
Total Benefits of
the Investment
No
investment however is worthwhile, if we are not in need
or interested in its dividends. The investment
that Christ speaks about in this chapter, however, is of
vital interest to all. Man as a sinner has
forfeited his claim to life, subjecting himself to
eternal separation from God. This is the
consistent testimony of the Bible from Genesis through
Revelation. The Lord Jesus has come, not simply to
tell men the way to heaven, but to become the Way
itself. In view of His anticipated death at
Calvary, He could offer men the great benefits of life
eternal, life abundant, a future secure. Through
men may not articulate the longings of their hearts in
this language, the multiplicity of religions, the
variety of experiences, the flourishing of the
entertainment world, and the interest in the stock
market, all attest that these are basic innate
interests.
The
Shepherd who has gone into death for the sheep alone can
offer life eternal. The Shepherd Who has endured the
wrath of God against sin for the sheep alone can offer
life abundant. Every other life, however steeped in
man’s contrived substitutes, is but a distant second,
a poor imitation for the real.
Imagine
having the assurance of the forgiveness of sins, eternal
life, eternal security, heaven forever, and the best of
this life. He guarantees all the above and much
more. There is no fine print to read; no excluding
clauses; no last-minute legal complications. His offer
is genuine and real.
In
conclusion, notice...
The Terms of the
Investment
A careful
reading of John 10, which is recommended to each reader,
will make evident one critical truth: the Shepherd has
assumed complete responsibility for the sheep. Upon the
cross of Calvary, He became responsible for God for my
sins. Now He is responsible for my satisfaction. He
is now and forever responsible for my security. I
can never perish.
What then is
required to come into the good of this investment? His
terms are simple: "I am the door. By Me if any man
enter in, he shall be saved," vs. 9. The
Bible uses many expressions to convey the thought of
trusting Christ. It speaks of believing, trusting,
entering, and others. All express the need for a
personal reliance upon Him as Savior and Lord. All
convey the truth of turning from every other hope of
salvation and depending upon His blood shed at Calvary
for the forgiveness of sins.
To those who
choose His terms, His promise is certain: "I give
unto them eternal life and they shall never
perish," vs. 28.
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