We will begin chapter 10 of John by saying that Jesus is the door to salvation and the shepherd of the sheep of God (John 10:7, 11).
Jesus tells us that if anyone tries to come to God any other way than through him, that person is a thief and robber (John 10:1, 10). How does attempting to get to heaven another way than through Jesus make one a thief and robber?
First we need to understand that Jesus and the Father are one (John 10:30). Jesus is God (John 1:1-3, 14; Hebrews 1:1-2, 8). So to try to get to God without coming to God is impossible.
Secondly God is the source of love, joy, peace, righteousness, forgiveness, strength and all good things. Therefore to reject God (Jesus) is to reject the source of all that is good (James 1:17; Galatians 5:22; Ephesians 6:13-17).
Thirdly, what we do and say influences those close to us. When we reject Jesus, we are helping the enemy to steal all the good things Jesus offers from the very ones we love. Therefore we are thieves and robbers.
