On a recent family trip to the Ark Encounter, the door really stood out to me. It is the most photographed part of the whole display! The door was compared to Jesus. The question was asked, do we just come to the door, or do we pass through the door? It really inspired me to think deeply on what that means.
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me” (Revelation 3:20).
Are we content to just come to the Door, maybe join church, be baptized, follow rules, and participate in all of the church rituals and ceremonies?
“Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away” (2 Timothy 3:5).
Do we attempt this without ever truly giving our lives to Jesus Christ, receiving the Holy Spirit, and committing to following and fellowshipping with Him at all costs?
“Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth” (2 Timothy 3:7).
There is truly a cost involved in making that commitment and accepting the pure Gospel that says, there is NOTHING we can do on our own to get to Heaven.
“Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12).
So, what does it mean, to pass through the Door? It means to humbly come before our Savior, ask Him to forgive all our sins, ask Him to live in us, and ask the Holy Spirit to guide us in ALL that we do and think.
“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God” (Romans 8:14).
Probably the hardest thing is to accept that our salvation is assured by simply having faith in the grace of God through the death of Jesus on the cross, and humbly believing this with all our heart.
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life” (Rom. 10:13)
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (John 5:24).
We need to fully believe we are lost sinners, regardless of how well we live, and understand that the blood of Jesus, the resurrection, and His ascension to His throne in Heaven are ALL we really need, and we fully trust and rely on that fact.
“Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full” (John 16:24).
“Quench not the Spirit” (1 Thess. 5:19).
Brothers and sisters, read the Bible and ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom as you read that truth will be revealed. The words and verses will start to come alive and speak to your heart if we read and study without letting our preconceived ideas and opinions rule. Remember, opinions do NOT count before God, only His word! When you question, is this an opinion or truth, always see if it is spelled out in God’s Holy Word. If it isn’t, it goes on the scrap pile of opinion.
“And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables” (2 Timothy 4:4).
Now, it is our own choice. Will we pass through the Door, fully relying on grace through faith alone, trusting in Jesus’ imputed righteousness, and giving EVERYTHING to Jesus?
“Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24).
Or, will we stand at the door having only knowledge and belief, but relying on our own works and righteousness?
“Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth” (1 Corinthians 8:1b).
Please, for the sake of your eternal destiny, step out in faith and pass through!