Knock as an Invitation to Seek Salvation

Luke 13:24-25 (NKJV):

“Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able. When once the Master of the house has risen up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open for us,’ and He will answer and say to you, ‘I do not know you, where you are from.’”

Context: Jesus warns about the urgency of striving to enter the “narrow gate,” a metaphor for salvation through Him. Knocking at the door after it is shut signifies a missed opportunity. This passage underscores the importance of acting decisively and earnestly while the opportunity for salvation is still open.

Knock and God’s Sovereign Authority

Revelation 3:7 (NKJV):

“To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of Him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What He opens no one can shut, and what He shuts no one can open.”

Context: Jesus is portrayed as the one with sovereign authority over access to the kingdom of God. The “key of David” symbolizes His power to open doors to salvation and blessings. This verse assures believers that knocking on the door Jesus has opened guarantees access, while doors He closes cannot be forced open.

Knocking Represents Persistent Faith

Proverbs 8:34-35 (NKJV):

“Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. For whoever finds me finds life, and obtains favor from the Lord.”

Context: Wisdom is personified, calling those who seek her diligently and persistently. Knocking, in this sense, is the act of waiting faithfully at the door of wisdom and life. It reflects perseverance in seeking God’s truths and favor.

Jesus as the Door

John 10:7 (NKJV):

“Then Jesus said to them again, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.’”

Context: Jesus declares Himself the “door” for the sheep, meaning He is the only way to enter the fold of God’s kingdom. Knocking on this door signifies approaching Jesus in faith, acknowledging Him as the sole path to salvation and spiritual safety.

John 10:9 (NKJV):

“I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.”

Context: Jesus extends an invitation to all, promising salvation and provision to those who enter through Him. Knocking at the door of Christ guarantees access to eternal life and the abundant spiritual nourishment He offers.

Blessings for Those Who Knock

Matthew 7:7-8 (NKJV):

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.”

Context: Jesus assures His followers that persistence in prayer and faith leads to access to God’s blessings. Knocking reflects perseverance, trust, and a firm belief that God responds to those who approach Him with sincerity.

Key Themes in Knocking

1. Urgency of Salvation (Luke 13:24-25):
   Knocking after the door is shut illustrates the urgency to accept salvation before it’s too late.
2. Jesus as the Gatekeeper (Revelation 3:7, John 10:7, 10:9):
   Jesus holds the key to eternal life, and knocking on His door ensures entry into His kingdom.
3. Persistence in Faith (Matthew 7:7-8, Proverbs 8:34-35):
   Knocking is an act of persistence, showing faith in God’s promises and blessings.

The “knocking” in the Bible symbolises seeking access to God, His wisdom, and His kingdom. It reflects persistence, faith, and humility. Jesus, as the door, invites us to knock with sincerity, promising that those who do will find salvation, provision, and favour. However, knocking also comes with a sense of urgency—there is a time when the door will close, and the opportunity will no longer be available. Therefore, believers are encouraged to knock persistently and faithfully, knowing that God responds to those who approach Him with earnest hearts.