Jesus says, “Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep.  All who came before Me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them.  I am the gate.  Whoever enters by Me will be saved, and will come in and go 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.”  John 10:7-10

Jesus is the gate into God’s gathering of believers, the sheep fold.  True spiritual sustenance is only found in Jesus Christ.  A lifetime of salvation is given to you when you go through the gate.  To enter through the Gate you repent, are sorry for your sins, and then are Baptized.  Sometimes it does not happen in that order, for instance I was Baptized as an infant and then publically gave myself to Jesus at an altar call at a Billy Graham Crusade.

My Baptism gave me the strong and sure guidance of the Holy Spirit, as my parents and the Church congregation promised to raise me in faith in Christ, which they did.  My public profession of faith as a young adult gave me the mark of Christ in my heart.    My abundant living started with my Baptism, as my conscience and heart have been led by the Spirit.

The word ‘abundant’ means beyond measure.  So, with Christ you have more of all that is Him.  More confidence, guidance, empathy, prayer blessings, understanding of Jesus’ words, listening with your heart, agape love for others, peace, power to overcome evil, patience during transitions and between-time, honor and honesty, and more.  All that is good and holy is through the Gate.