The Gated Community: A Biblical Theology of Gates

I recently had the privilege of writing about “Gates” over at TableTalk. Here’s an excerpt:

The high walls of the new Jerusalem are punctuated by a dozen gates (that’s a lot), and these gates “will never be shut by day—and there will be no night there” (Rev. 21:25; see Josh. 2:5). Indeed, the gates are always open, providing free and unhindered access so that all may “bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations” (Rev. 21:26). So many gates! And they are always open? This is a stunning and brazen display of confidence, security, peace, and camaraderie. By contrast, the gates of hell are shut. The devil would have us think that this is a sign of strength, but in reality it is fear that bars these gates.

You can read the whole thing here.

I was also able to preach on the subject at New Hope Presbyterian, which represents a bit of an expansion of the idea.