The Gates Of Hell

 

The Gates Of Hell

 

There are gates that lead to bad and gates that lead to good:

“Enter by the narrow gate; (Command)

for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. (Bad)

Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way that leads to life, and there are few who find it.” (Good)

In the Psalms entering gates are often part of worship, 24:7, 87, 100 (Good)

Then there is the Sheep Gate, John 5:2, 10:1-16 (Good)

The gates of The New Temple in the New Jerusalem, Revelation 21 (Good)

The gates of hell, Matthew 16:13-20 (Bad)

 

This is about the last, most evil one; the gates of hell.

Gates are for entering and exiting. When secured they are for keep in or keeping out. Gates are defensive and not offensive. There are many teachings on this passage of Scripture and several interpretations, but I am focusing on the gates.

 

JESUS said, “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell will not prevail (be victorious) against it.” Matthew 16:18 Many teach about the Church standing in defense against the gates of hell. But what JESUS is saying is that The Church, built on The Rock (JESUS) will push back the kingdom of darkness and it gates will fall back or be defeated in warfare by the Church. When The Church is standing on The Rock then it will win souls (take back from darkness and death). The gates of hell cannot prevent the Church in CHRIST JESUS from pushing them open and delivering those inside out into the Light of GOD’s Kingdom.

 

It seems that the broad way that leads to destruction has a gate that is on one way spring loaded hinges making it easy to get in and hard to get out. Most people who are trapped inside the gates of hell do not know or do not care, but some want out and they are hard pressed to get the gates open so they can be free, few make it on their own or even with the help of others that are trapped like themselves. The only ones who truly get out are ones who see the gate pushed open by Christians doing warfare against the kingdom of darkness. This is what Jude was referring to in his letter, “But you, loved ones, keep building yourself up on your most holy faith, praying in The HOLY SPIRIT. Keep yourselves in The Love of GOD, eagerly waiting for the Mercy of our LORD JESUS the MESSIAH that leads to Eternal Life. And have mercy on those who are wavering–save them by snatching them out of the fire; but on others have mercy with fear–hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.” Jude:20-23

 

Then comes Paul’s admonition to us once we believe, “Therefore, my loved ones, just as you have always obeyed–not only in my presence, but now even more in my absence–work out your salvation with fear and trembling. For the One working in you is GOD–both to will and to work for His Good Pleasure.” Philippians 2:12-13. Once we are saved we are to grow in faith and grace so that we can join the warfare against the gates of hell so others can see the light and come out of the way to destruction into the way of life.