Psalm 24:9 Lift up your heads, O you gates; even lift them up, you everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. 1. Entrance solemnly demanded. The demand is addressed to the gates (that is, princes or heads. — Vulg.). Hence it is understood of Christ's ascension into heaven. Literally, by the gates are recant those of the Temple, which was a type of heaven. The gates were to be thrown wide open, as was fitting when the ark should enter. It tells of the receiving of Christ into the soul. 2. For whom the demand is made — for the Lord Jesus Christ. When the ark of Gospel ordinances comes, Christ Himself comes to the hearts of sinners for admission. I. INQUIRE WHAT IS THE ARK OF GOSPEL ORDINANCES. 1. The Word read and preached. 2. The two sacraments. II. HOW CHRIST COMES TO SINNERS. 1. With the offer of Himself. 2. Exhibiting Himself in the sacraments. 3. In both He demands admission. III. INFERENCES FROM THE FOREGOING. 1. The presence of Gospel ordinances shows that Christ is come to our hearts seeking admission. 2. This coming will aggravate the condemnation of those who refuse. IV. WHAT IS IT TO OPEN THE HEART TO CHRIST? There is an initial opening at conversion, and a progressive one afterwards. The opening of the door of the understanding and of the will. V. WHY WE SHOULD DO THIS? The house is His own. The Father who gave it to Him demands this. It was solemnly made over to Him at your baptism. Some will not so much as open the outer door. Others, not the inner door. 1. It is Satan who keeps Christ out. 2. See who it is that seeks admission. The King of glory. 3. How unworthy the house is of Him. 4. Note His condescension — He will come if you open. 5. This offer cost Him dear. 6. Your positions will be one day reversed. 7. You are solemnly called now. 8. The offer will not last always. 9. There is no other way to be saved. (T. Boston, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. |
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