SALVATION: Open those doors!

"The one who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself; the one who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has given concerning His Son. And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life."

1 John 5:10-12

The Associated Press is reporting Pope John Paul II will open special doors to symbolize entrance into the new millennium. The doors symbolize the gateway of salvation. These special doors are referred to as "Holy Doors"; apparently most basilicas have such a door. John Paul has decreed (for the first time in history) Rome's basilicas will open their Holy Doors at the same time.

The reports say the Roman Church’s celebration of “Holy Years” dates back to the 1400s; each celebration is commemorated by the opening of a Holy Door in at least one of its basilicas.

This year the Pope will open the Holy Doors of every basilica in Rome: St. Peter's, Christmas Eve; St. John Lateran, Christmas Day; St. Mary Major, January 1; and St. Paul's, January 18. St. Peter's has at least two Holy Doors, since the Pope has mandated they will both be opened in a ceremony typifying the church's past and future. [Religion Today]

Jesus said, “I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he shall be saved.” [John 10:9] There is only one Holy Door, and that is through the One who tore down the veil which previously kept the door shut.

Jesus added, “No man comes unto the Father, but through me.” [John 14:6b] He said, “I am the way.”

And Luke recorded for all with ears to hear and eyes to see that there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved. [Acts 4:12]

Four things are really special about Christ as our door: first, He’s never closed for salvation business [Matthew 28:20]; second, no one must decree He be opened; and, third, He doesn’t need to be duplicated every time someone erects a building in His name … His Church is everywhere present.

Christianity, Illustrations,
Religion, Salvation