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Door (metaphor)
A door is a barrier that swings or slides open and closed. When a door is open, it provides a way in or out of something. When a door is closed, it blocks the way in or out of something (see: Genesis 6:16; 7:16; Acts 12:13-16). A person can enter a house if the door is open. A person cannot enter a house if the door is closed.
A gate is like a door except a gate is usually outside of a house.
The word “door” or “gate” is sometimes used as a metaphor in the Bible. The word “door” can be used to talk about an opportunity. That is, opening a door for a person makes it possible for that person to do something (see: 1 Corinthians 16:9; 2 Corinthians 2:12; Colossians 4:3; Revelation 3:8).
The Old Testament book of Job talks about opening doors for a traveler. These words are used to talk about welcoming someone and taking care of the person (see: Job 31:32).
Jesus talked about many people struggling to enter through a narrow door. He talked about this to show that many people will try to get into heaven, but only a few will be allowed to enter (see: Luke 13:22-30).
The New Testament talks about someone or something being at the door. These words can be used to warn people that something is about to happen. The people need to prepare for what is going to happen (see: Matthew 24:33; James 5:9).
When someone is standing at the door, they can be waiting patiently to do something for someone else (see: Revelation 3:20-21) When someone knocks on a door, they can be asking someone for something (see: Matthew 7:7).
Jesus said that he is the “door” or the “gate” (see: John 10:7, 9). That is, Jesus is the only way that a person can enter heaven. A person can enter heaven only by believing in Jesus.
See: Metaphor; Heaven; Faith (Believe in)