An Open Door
“I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.” (Rev 3:8 KJV)
The open door is metaphoric of heaven. The fact that no one can shut the door shows that no one can take away your salvation. The Church of Philadelphia was the closest to what Jesus had in mind of the model Church. The door of heaven is open to the Church of Philadelphia because they had strength, kept God’s Word, and had not denied the identity of Jesus. They were obedient to God’s Word.
Door – 2374 θύρα thura {thoo’-rah}
Meaning: 1) a door 1a) the vestibule 1b) used of any opening like a door, an entrance, way or passage into 1c) in a parable or metaphor 1c1) the door through which sheep go in and out, the name of him who brings salvation to those who follow his guidance 1c2) “an open door” is used of the opportunity of doing something 1c3) the door of the kingdom of heaven (likened to a palace) denotes the conditions which must be complied with in order to be received into the kingdom of God
Shut – 2808 κλείω kleio {kli’-o}
Meaning: 1) to shut, shut up 2) metaph. 2a) to cause the heavens to withhold rain 2b) to shut up compassion so that it is like a thing inaccessible to one, to be devoid of pity towards one 2c) to obstruct the entrance into the kingdom of heaven