Unlimited Access

There was a time when you could freely walk up to the White House, knock on the door, and speak with the U.S. President. During the Civil War, a set of iron gates was built; there was still access for the public, but a sentry prevented them from entering the garden so that the president’s family could have some privacy. Pearl Harbor changed all that; only those with official appointments can now get inside after careful scrutiny.

Today’s text might sound like an explanation of architectural design to enhance the beauty of the holy city, and it certainly will be fabulous to behold. But the numerous gates into the New Jerusalem represent more than impressive construction. If you haven’t already noticed, Revelation is filled with the number 12—gates, tribes, apostles, foundations, angels (five of the ten times in Revelation 21:12–14).

Twelve, many believe, represents God’s kingdom and the church—and, like the 144,000 (a twelvefold repetition of 12,000), is not meant to provide us with an exact figure but to show the universal representation of the heavenly city and its citizens.

Gates provide access; thus, the numerous gates into the New Jerusalem tell us that there will be unlimited access for the righteous to the city and to the Lord Himself. Just as Christ told His disciples to not prevent little children from coming to Him, so the gates facing every point of the compass open the way for all to come before the Lord.

When the Israelites were freed from Egypt and set up camp in the wilderness, there were three tribes on each side of the portable tabernacle—but only one entrance. In the New Jerusalem, unlimited access to God is provided. As with Adam and Eve before sin, communion with the Lord is free and open. It reinforces the message given earlier: “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God” (Revelation 21:3).

What joy in having free and full access to our Creator!

Dear Jesus, You are the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through You. Thank You!

For Further Study: Psalm 87:2; Isaiah 26:2; Luke 13:29

Key Bible Texts

On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates. (Revelation 21:13 KJV)