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Jesus Standing at the Door Knocking?

Discussion in 'Other Discussions' started by Crabtownboy, Nov 3, 2011.

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  1. Crabtownboy

    Crabtownboy Well-Known Member
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    I believe we are all familiar with the image of Christ standing at the door knocking. Probably almost all of us have seen the painting of Christ standing at the door knocking. I also expect most of us were taught that this was a graphic representation of Christ knocking at the door of the unbeliever and if that person opened the door and allowed Christ to enter there were saved. I have no problem with that image.

    However, in a book I am indexing, on Johann Kargel who was perhaps the most influential Russian protestant in the 19th and 20th century changed his thinking on this. I do not believe he gave up his belief in the validity of this interpretation. However, he added the following second interpretation:

    I believe this is also an accurate interpretation Revelation 3:20.

    What say you?
     
    #1 Crabtownboy, Nov 3, 2011
    Last edited by a moderator: Nov 3, 2011
  2. billwald

    billwald New Member

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    I have a problem with that image because it permits people to congratulate themselves for being smart enough to "invite Jesus" and look down upon those who don't.
     
    #2 billwald, Nov 3, 2011
  3. Jerome

    Jerome Well-Known Member
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    "You know the famous picture of, “The Light of the World”? It seems to me to be one of the finest sermons the eyes have ever looked upon. There stands the Ever-Blessed, knocking at the door of the soul, but the hinges are rusted, the door, itself, is fast bolted and wild briars and all kinds of creeping plants running up the door prove that it has been along time since it was moved. You know what it all means—how continuance in sin makes it harder to yield to the knock of Christ and how evil habits creeping up, one after another, hold the soul so fast that it cannot open to the sacred knocking. Jesus has been knocking at some of your hearts ever since you were children—and still He knocks. I hear His blessed hand upon the door at this moment! Do you not hear it? Will you not open?" —Charles Spurgeon
     
    #3 Jerome, Nov 3, 2011
  4. InTheLight

    InTheLight Well-Known Member
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    Since that section of Revelation was written to the churches, in this passage specifically to the lukewarm church at Laodica, it's probably not meant to be addressed to unbelievers. I don't necessarily agree that it's addressed to Christians getting spiritual gifts from Christ, more likely it means that if the Laodiceans were to repent from their lukewarmness Christ could have fellowship with them again.

    Verse 19 says:
    19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.
     
    #4 InTheLight, Nov 3, 2011
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