Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the "Gates of Salvation" is a metaphorical expression found within the Christian tradition, symbolizing the entry point into a life of eternal communion with God through Jesus Christ. This imagery is deeply rooted in biblical texts and theological interpretations, emphasizing the transition from a state of sin to one of redemption and eternal life.Biblical Foundation The Bible frequently uses the imagery of gates to represent access, protection, and transition. In the context of salvation, gates symbolize the entry into the Kingdom of God. Jesus Himself refers to this concept in the Gospel of Matthew: "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it" (Matthew 7:13-14). Here, the "narrow gate" is understood as the path of righteousness and faith in Christ, contrasting with the "wide gate" that leads to destruction. Theological Significance Theologically, the Gates of Salvation represent the exclusive means by which believers can attain eternal life. This exclusivity is underscored by Jesus' declaration in the Gospel of John: "I am the gate; whoever enters through Me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture" (John 10:9). This passage highlights Jesus as the sole mediator between humanity and God, affirming the necessity of faith in Him for salvation. Old Testament Prefigurations The Old Testament provides prefigurations of the Gates of Salvation through various narratives and prophecies. The gates of the ancient cities, such as Jerusalem, were places of judgment, commerce, and community gathering, symbolizing the threshold between the secular and the sacred. Psalm 118:19-20 echoes this symbolism: "Open to me the gates of righteousness; I will enter and give thanks to the LORD. This is the gate of the LORD; the righteous shall enter through it." This passage anticipates the coming of Christ, who fulfills the role of the righteous gate. Eschatological Vision In eschatological terms, the Gates of Salvation are also depicted in the vision of the New Jerusalem in the Book of Revelation. The city is described as having twelve gates, each made of a single pearl, symbolizing the perfection and beauty of God's eternal kingdom (Revelation 21:21). These gates are never shut, signifying the perpetual openness of God's invitation to salvation for those who believe. Practical Implications For believers, the Gates of Salvation serve as a reminder of the call to live a life of holiness and obedience to God's commandments. The narrowness of the gate underscores the challenges and sacrifices inherent in the Christian walk, yet it also assures the faithful of the promise of eternal life. The imagery encourages Christians to remain vigilant and steadfast in their faith, striving to enter through the gate that leads to life. In summary, the Gates of Salvation encapsulate the Christian journey from sin to redemption, emphasizing the necessity of faith in Jesus Christ as the entry point into eternal life with God. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 28:17And he was afraid, and said, How dreadful is this place! this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven. Nave's Topical Index Psalm 24:7 Psalm 118:19,20 Isaiah 26:2 Matthew 7:13 Library Walls and Gates Our Hope is not the Salvation of the Soul. Byzantine Empresses Theodora ii. , Theophano, Zoe, Theodora iii. Gates of Praise. Gates of Praise. Salvation. Those Pastors are to be Heard to whom the Apostles Committed the ... I See! the Gates of Hades Shaken; Salvation to the Uttermost The New Jerusalem. The Song of Two Cities Resources Are there pearly gates in heaven? | GotQuestions.orgHow could the laws of God be written on doorframes, gates, and foreheads? | GotQuestions.org What was the significance of gatekeepers in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Gates of Cities: Battering Rams Used Against Gates of Cities: Chief Places of Concourse Gates of Cities: Chief Points of Attack in War Gates of Cities: Conferences Held At Gates of Cities: Councils of State Held At Gates of Cities: Courts of Justice Held At Gates of Cities: Criminals Punished At Gates of Cities: Custom of Sitting At, in the Evening, Alluded To Gates of Cities: Experienced officers Placed Over Gates of Cities: Idolatrous Rites Performed At Gates of Cities: Land Redeemed At Gates of Cities: Markets Held At Gates of Cities: Often Razed and Burned Gates of Cities: Proclamations Made At Gates of Cities: Public Censure Passed At Gates of Cities: Public Commendation Given At Gates of Cities: Shut at Night-Fall Gates of Cities: Troops Reviewed At, Going to War Gates of Jerusalem: Corner Gate Gates of Jerusalem: Gate of Ephraim Gates of Jerusalem: Gate of Miphkad Gates of Jerusalem: Gate of the Fountain Gates of Jerusalem: High Gate of Benjamin Gates of Jerusalem: Horse Gate Gates of Jerusalem: Sheep Gate Gates of Jerusalem: Valley Gate Gates of Jerusalem: Water Gate Gates of the Powers of Hell (Hades) Gates of the Temple: Called Gates of Righteousness Gates of the Temple: Called Gates of the Lord Gates of the Temple: Called Gates of Zion Gates of the Temple: Charge of, Given by Lot Gates of the Temple: Frequented by Beggars Gates of the Temple: Levites the Porters of Gates of the Temple: One Specially Beautiful Gates of the Temple: Overlaid With Gold Gates of the Temple: The Pious Israelites Delighted to Enter Gates of the Temple: The Treasury Placed At Gates: (Of Heaven) Access to God Gates: (Of Hell) Satan's Power Gates: (Strait) the Entrance to Life Gates: (Wide) the Entrance to Ruin Gates: Bodies of Criminals Exposed to View At Gates: Carcase of Sin-Offering Burned Without Gates: Conferences on Public Affairs Gates: Criminals Generally Punished Without Gates: Fastened With Bars of Iron Gates: Holding Courts of Justice Gates: Jails Made in the Towers of Gates: Place for Public Concourse Gates: Punishment of Criminals Outside of Gates: Religious Services Held At Gates: The Open Square of, a Place for Idlers Gates: The Place for the Transaction of Public Business, Announcement of Legal Transactions Related Terms |
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