Topical Bible: Gates of Christ

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The term "Gates of Christ" is not explicitly found in the Bible; however, it can be understood as a metaphorical concept representing the access points to the presence, kingdom, and blessings of Jesus Christ. This concept is rooted in various scriptural passages that emphasize the significance of gates in biblical theology, particularly in relation to Christ's role as the mediator between God and humanity.

Biblical Context and Symbolism

In biblical times, gates were significant structures in cities, serving as points of entry and exit, places of judgment, and venues for important public gatherings. They symbolized authority, protection, and the transition between different realms. In a spiritual sense, the "Gates of Christ" can be seen as the means by which believers enter into the spiritual blessings and eternal life offered through Jesus.

Jesus as the Gate

One of the most direct references to Christ as a gate is found in the Gospel of John. Jesus declares, "I am the gate; whoever enters through Me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture" (John 10:9). Here, Jesus identifies Himself as the exclusive entry point to salvation and spiritual nourishment, emphasizing His role as the mediator and protector of His flock.

The Gates of Heaven

The concept of gates is also associated with the heavenly realm. In Revelation, the New Jerusalem is described with twelve gates, each made of a single pearl, symbolizing the beauty and purity of the eternal city (Revelation 21:21). These gates are always open, signifying the perpetual access believers have to God's presence through Christ. The imagery underscores the idea that entry into the heavenly kingdom is made possible through Jesus.

The Narrow Gate

Jesus also speaks of the "narrow gate" in the Sermon on the Mount, saying, "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). This passage highlights the exclusivity and challenge of following Christ, contrasting the path of righteousness with the ease of worldly living.

Spiritual Implications

The "Gates of Christ" metaphorically represent the spiritual journey of entering into a relationship with Jesus. They signify the transition from a life of sin to one of redemption and sanctification. Through faith in Christ, believers gain access to the Father, as Jesus Himself states, "No one comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6).

Conclusion

The "Gates of Christ" serve as a powerful symbol of the access and relationship believers have with God through Jesus. They remind Christians of the importance of choosing the path of righteousness and the promise of eternal life that awaits those who enter through Him.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 10:9
I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

He Proves that Christ is Called Lord of Hosts.
... hosts; but when our Christ rose from the dead and ascended to heaven, the rulers
in heaven, under appointment of God, are commanded to open the gates of heaven ...
/.../chapter xxxvi he proves that christ.htm

Now Let the Gates be Lifted Up,
... tr., John Brownlie 8.6.8.6.8.8. I. Now let the gates be lifted up,. That Christ
may enter in,. Who drank for man the bitter cup,. And crushed the power of sin; ...
/.../brownlie/hymns of the apostolic church/now let the gates be.htm

Psalm LXXXVII.
... of, [4041] and the one gate is Christ, and the twelve gates are Christ for Christ
dwells in the twelve gates, hence was twelve the number of the Apostles. ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxxvii.htm

Christ the Breaker
... And there comes to each of us a mighty Deliverer, who breaks the gates of brass,
and who cuts the bars of iron in sunder. Christ comes to us. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/christ the breaker.htm

He Proves that Christ is the Lord of Hosts from Ps. xxiv. , and ...
... But that they are angels and powers whom the word of prophecy by David [commands]
to lift up the gates, that He who rose from the dead, Jesus Christ, the Lord ...
/.../chapter lxxxv he proves that christ.htm

The Question Whether Christ be Come Taken Up.
... In all which places the name of the Christ who is already come reigns, as of Him
before whom the gates of all cities have been opened, and to whom none are ...
/.../tertullian/an answer to the jews/chapter vii the question whether christ.htm

The Promise Given to Peter not Restricted to Him, but Applicable ...
... This I think to be true; for neither against the rock on which Christ builds the
church, nor against the church will the gates of Hades prevail; just as the ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/11 the promise given to.htm

I See! the Gates of Hades Shaken;
... Yea, He came to earth to save us; As a lamb the Christ was slain; For our Passover
He gave us. ... See! the gates of hades shaken; Burst asunder is the prison; ...
/.../brownlie/hymns of the russian church/i see the gates of.htm

Walls and Gates
... 'Thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise'"Isaiah ... which they will
not bear, when we see in the society of men redeemed by Christ the perfect ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/walls and gates.htm

The Disciples of Christ
... the Disciples of Christ, NY, 1909, pp.830." Summerbell: The Christians and the
Disciples, Dayton, 1906." Errett Gates: The Disciples of Christ, in "Story ...
/.../ 116 the disciples of.htm