What did Jesus mean by saying "I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut" in Revelation 3:8?
Revelation 3:8
NKJV - 8 I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.
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Asked January 19 2015
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ofosu bernard
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Jack Gutknecht
An interesting inquiry, Ofosu Bernard! My aunt June sent me a birthday card every birthday I had for 50 years! I imagine she did the same for all my cousins and her 5 children. On one of my birthdays my Aunt June sent me this birthday card, I think from Dayspring cards, “Behold I set before you an open door which no man can shut,” taken from Revelation 3:8, but which would also include the context of Revelation 3:7, where Jesus mentions “The one who has the key of David. What He opens, no one can close; and what He closes. No one can open.” From Bible experts, like Warren Wiersbe, in his masterful book, Index of Biblical Images, I get that “the key of David” is not a literal key, but a symbol of Authority. Wiersbe lists: Isa. 22:22 Matt. 16:19 Rev. 1:18; 3:7; 9:1; 20:1 “Jesus the Messiah is successor to David’s royal line. As the gatekeeper of heaven (not Peter as most people think), Jesus has authority to open and close the way to heaven (comp. Matt. 16:19).” –NLT PARALLEL STUDY BIBLE O all embracing mercy, thou ever open door, What shall I do without thee when heart and eyes run o’er? When all things seem against me, to drive me to despair, I know one gate is open, one ear will hear my prayer. ~Oswald Allen
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