The artist who painted “Jesus at the Door” is said to have purposely left off the knob from the door, for the door represents the human heart, and on that door, the bolt is on the inside. Jesus stands and knocks. But he will not come in unless we open the door.
Life is about choosing. As a small infant, there is little control over the world because we depend on others to care for us. Growing to maturity, we take on the responsibility for our choices and making decisions without parental oversight. It can be scary when we must make our own choices. Making the right decisions comes with its own reward, but it hurts when we make a wrong decision.
God created us with the ability to make decisions. This is called “free will.” The foundation of free will is we become accountable for our actions. We can blame others, but ultimately, we are responsible for what we do or don’t do. God is the Creator of the world, and it is within His power to make anyone do what He demands. Instead, God leaves the decisions of life to our will. As an old preacher said one time, “God casts a vote for you, and Satan casts a vote for you. The deciding vote is what you make it to be.”
Jesus stands at the door and knocks, but He will not open the door. He can open the door, but that removes our free will. The knocking of Jesus at the door is His invitation for us to reach out our hands and open the door. If we choose not to open the door, it is our decision. Opening the door is a choice we have to make. It is within the power of God to save all men, but he leaves that decision to open the door to His Son up to us. We must make that choice.
If the door remains closed, we have made that choice. Most men will not open the door. Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount that only a few will be saved. That translates into that, for most people, Jesus knocks on a door that will never open. God showed His love for all men, but choosing to serve God is an individual choice. It cannot be made by parents, spouses, children, friends, neighbors, or religious leaders.
Eternal life comes when a man opens the door to God’s will and obeys His Son’s voice. God is not willing that any should perish but that all would open the door. Sadly, God will not open that door unless you are willing. You will find the greatest peace known to man when you open that door. Trust in the voice of God to guide into all truth.
Visit the TRENTON CHURCH OF CHRIST. Let’s study the Bible and find the answers to opening the door where Jesus stands and knocks. http://www.trentonchurchofchrist.com 502 NE 7th Street, Trenton. Sunday at 9:30 am.