never closed, or a mere opening through which all pass irrespective of character. Men advertise "doors open" at such an hour; but that does not mean admission free. The gospel door is twopanelled; or we may say that faith and repentance are the admission ticket, or they are the key that turns the lock. The hypocrite brings a spurious ticket, and is rejected: the Pharisee claims to have a key of his own; but it does not fit the lock, and he cannot enter. There is no price; the tickets are given away, but they are essential. The key is in the hands of the Spirit; He offers it; it must be used, and no other will answer. Without it, one is like the man who has lost his key, or forgotten the combination to his safe-lock. "These things saith He that hath the key of David, He that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth." Nor is there any other door. Jesus says, "I am the door: by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved." "He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber." It seems strange, therefore, that any should think that they can be saved without faith and repentance. Arching the door of grace the inscription appears, "There shall in no wise enter into it anything that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination or maketh a lie." "Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have a right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city." 6. Christ is a door for all alike. There are no private entrances; all must come through the one door. There is not a door for the rich and another for the poor; one for the master and another for the slave; one for the monarch and another for the subject. Men may shine in courts, or sweat on the field of toil; but in the sight of God, in condition they are sinful and helpless alike. Some seem to want a door made for themselves, and reserved seats when they enter. But "God is no respecter of persons." "God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble." "Strait is the way, - the door is strait, That leads to joys on high: 'T is but a few that find the gate, While crowds mistake and die." 7. The door suggests duty. Sound the cry of danger, and men rush out of the door. Promise a musical or literary treat, and the eager comers hasten and press in at the door. Why are not men more eager to escape from the evil of sin, and to enjoy the delights of holiness? The prison door is opened; why do they not come out? Gratitude should kindle the inert senses. The lost sheep owes it to the good Shepherd to follow Him to the fold. Further, men are commanded to come out, Obligation, interest, advantage, urge; and then the Deliverer Himself insists that men shall turn from sin and accept salvation. At the same time grace is forced upon no one. If it provides the door, it does not necessitate deliverance or compel admission. Each with his own powers must act for himself. If Jesus with one breath said, "I am the door," with another He said, "Strive to enter in at the strait gate." "Ask and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." This is the day of grace, but we are reminded that the time is coming when the door will be shut. The parable of the wise and foolish virgins represents the two classes of the human family. Happy they, who when the Bridegroom cometh, shall be ready to enter with Him in to the marriage. But alas for those who, neglecting present opportunities, come too late to mercy's door, crying, "Lord, Lord, open to us," and a voice from within shall answer, "Verily, I know you not"! 8. The Christian cannot think of the open door without a feeling of rapture. The Jews returned from captivity with songs of joy. The appearance of Peter turned a prayer-meeting into a grand praise service. The ransomed on high lift an ecstatic song that is as the voice of many waters. We begin our melodies here, and key our hearts to the raptures of heaven. We sing our song of degrees on the way to the celestial city, and by and by we shall enter through the gates of pearl, and take our place amidst that holy, happy company. |