Separation anxiety quickly rises to the surface when doors are closed and access is denied. Such images are remarkably vivid in our memories. A child pounding on the bathroom door demanding access to a parent who really needs a little alone time. A family pet earnestly scratching at the back door demanding access to the rest of the family and leaving behind the tell-tale marks of his or her frustration over slow human-response time.

Greater still is the tragedy of doors closed without hope of future access. When the Flood came upon the world of the ungodly, God closed the door to the Ark, effectively sealing in Noah and his family (Gen. 7:16). No other access was available for late arrivals for the door had been closed.

Not only is Jesus the only way to the Father (Jn. 14:6), He is also the door through which His sheep find access to spiritual nourishment and protection (Jn. 10:9). However, access is limited to those who know Him and follow His voice (Jn. 10:3-4, 14-16).

One day the door will be closed forever. In His Parable of the Ten Virgins, Jesus emphasizes our need to be prepared for His coming at all times. Five of the virgins were not prepared and, arriving late to the marriage feast, found the door shut. Though they begged, saying, “Lord, lord, open up for us” (Mt. 25:11), they were denied access.

No late arrivals will be allowed into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The coming of Christ “will be just like the days of Noah” (Mt. 24:37). People will be carrying on business as usual – unconcerned about things spiritual or the possibility of coming judgment – when Christ will come swiftly and unexpectedly, like a thief in the night (Mt. 24:39; 1 Th. 5:2-3). There will be no physical door upon which to knock, no appeals for a deadline extension will be accepted. All that will remain is judgment and eternal destiny. Every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord (Ph. 2:9-10). But, sadly, it will be too late; for the door will have been forever closed. So, “today if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts” lest you be forever on the outside looking in (Heb. 3:15).

–Glen Elliott–