the gates of the city

[anti_nietzsche]

Have you ever read the book of Revelation? It describes the New Jerusalem ... the city which has gates. Why should it have gates? It says outside are the dogs, those who practice spiritual sin. Why should those who are inside want to go out? Could it be that angels and saints will want to go out and visit those in the outer darkness? Woudn't any honest christian's heart leap with joy at such a prospect, getting sinners home? Well, maybe people like Hitler will want to stay in the outer darkness. So much shame. And so much fear of the repentance that would be required of him.

[WhiteWings]

The gates are just for decoration because they are never closed :winkgrin:
^KJVRev 21:25 And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.

I looked for it but couldn't find it; there is a thread on this forum with some verses showing that sinners indeed all get home/inside the gates.
(eventually)

[Molly]

Why should it have gates?

Because there is only one way in.


24So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.

--Gen 3



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.


"door"

G2374
θύρα
thura
thoo'-rah
Apparently a primary word (compare "door"); a portal or entrance (the opening or the closure, literally or figuratively): - door, gate.

Could it be that angels and saints will want to go out and visit those in the outer darkness?

Yes.

12Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.

13Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.

--Heb 13

[eaglesway]

Great post Molly, such a beautiful illustration of the love of God- wow the Holy Spirit is so awesome!