John 10:7

The third particular in this part of the Chapter; is, the explication of the parable, in so far as was needfull, or for Christs present purpose; Which we may take up thus: 1. Christ declares himselfe to be the doore of the sheep, ver. 7. both in respect of pastours, ver. 8 and beleevers, ver. 9. 2. He declares him else to be the good shepherd, in opposition to tyranous robbers, ver. 10. and to hirelings, ver. 11, 12, 13. And in respect of his fidelity and care of all his sheep, ver. 14, 15, 16. 3. He obviates the scandal that might be taken at that proofe of his fidelity, of laying down his life, ver. 17, 18.

In this verse Christ doth gravely assert that he was in effect, to his elect and Saints, what the doore of the sheepfold is unto sheep. Whence learn, 1. Christ is a Teacher who can make his own minde to be understood, and when he pleaseth, he will so do, to the conversion, or, at least, the conviction of the hearers; Therefore, seeing they understood it not, he spake unto them againe, that he might explaine it. 2: Borrowed speeches and types, are plain enough, if rightly understood; and the name of the type may be given to the thing typified, without any transubstantiation of the substance of the one into the other, but only by reason of some similitude of properties and effects that is betwixt them; Therefore, saith Christ, I am the doore, because he is that unto his children, which a door is unto sheep entering the fold. 3. Even Christs elect are, of themselves, and by nature, secluded from all accesse to God, and from all communion with him, in grace here, or glory hereafter; for, that they need a door, it imports they are without. 4. It is by Christ only that lost sinners are admitted to partake of the priviledges and benefits of grace here, or glory hereafter, and who so come to him, and employ him on his own tearms, will be admitted; for, saith he, I am the door of the sheep.