When we study the Bible, we must do so with a humble heart, and when we communicate what it says to others, we must do so with the love of Christ. Although I say over and over again that we must understand the context of Scripture to understand the interpretation, we must also realize that Scripture is living and breathing and that the application of Scripture, as long as it does not go against the character of God (our most significant “Context”), can be as varied in ways we might not otherwise have thought. This doesn’t mean that if you tell me that “Jesus wept” can be applied to him laughing, I’m going to believe that. Not without a great explanation.

I can think of nothing in the Bible that was written to us. Every book in the Bible was written to someone else. Yet, that doesn’t mean that the contents of the Bible aren’t for us. That’s why it bothers me sometimes when people want to “reveal” the “truth” about popular Scripture. Take this verse from Revelation.

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.

Revelation 3:20 (NIV)

This was written to the church at Laodicea. Jesus had just finished telling them that they had some problems (Revelation 3:15-18).

  1. They didn’t have passion for Christ and were “neither hot nor cold” in their relationship with him.
  2. They found solace in material things. In other words, they were embracing the world.
  3. They were spiritually bankrupt and blind to their condition because they embraced the world.

After telling them these things, Jesus tells them he’s at the door, knocking, and if they open it, he’ll come in and eat with them. Jesus offers them the chance to repent and turn “back” to him. This is the interpretation of this verse in context. This verse was written to people who weren’t following him with all of their hearts. Perhaps they were people who were Christians in name only?

Some people teach that Revelation 3:20 is an invitation to the unsaved. Others point out the interpretation and say that those who use it as a tool for salvation are in error. Was the church at Laodicea saved? We might get the idea that they were once on fire for the Lord but had become complacent in their faith. Yet, if someone is saved, then they are saved. Perhaps they thought they were saved, but they weren’t. I suppose I’ve digressed here, so let me get back to my point.

Salvation is a gift offered to everyone. It’s a gift offered to everyone, and all anyone has to do to receive it is open the “door” of their heart to Christ. This involves repentance. Therefore, within the character of salvation and the context of the Bible, believing that Revelation 3:20 can be applied to salvation is not an error. However, when it is taught and interpreted, the interpretation must be in the context of Revelation.

Do you know God? God knows you, and he loves you. He sees you as significant because you are. No one is insignificant to Him. He’s with you today, and he wants you to know him. Jesus died for your sins and mine so we could be free of guilt, freed from death, and live eternally with him. Eternal salvation is just a prayer away.

Pray this prayer with me to accept the gift of salvation:

Lord Jesus, forgive me for all my sins. I repent from my ways. Wash me in your blood and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. I believe that you died on the cross, were buried, and on the third day, God the Father raised you from the dead. Right now, Lord Jesus, I open the door to my heart and receive you into my heart as my Lord and personal Savior. Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, then congratulations! You are on the first step of a brand new life. Allow me to be the first to welcome you to my family, the family of God. There are abundant resources available online for new Christians. You can visit here for more information on what to do next. You can also leave me a comment, and I’ll do my best to help you on the next step of this incredible journey.

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