Isaiah 60:11

Therefore thy gates shall be open continually; they shall not be shut day nor night; that men may bring unto thee the forces of the Gentiles, and that their kings may be brought.

In its setting of darkness covering the earth while God's glory shines upon His people, the prophecy is of the gospel church receiving the Gentiles as they gather to the light. Its gates are to stand open continually, not shut day nor night, so that the people of the nations may come in, and their kings may be brought in with them. Through those open gates the forces of the Gentiles, their wealth, shall be brought in to God's people.

Kings and nobles shall be gathered into the kingdom of the Lord. The open gates picture the welcome given to those brought to salvation through the light that God's people share with others. As part of Isaiah 59-62, the verse belongs to the definition of Christ's work of setting things right and saving people held under Satan's power.

Isaiah 60 presents the gospel message for this time in 1899, a missionary work of building up and restoring in divine lines through diversity of talents and instrumentalities. It is to go with sharp strong messages and with sons of consolation, carrying the third angel's message and uplifting the banner of truth. Conversion is in it, by the perfect law of the Lord that converts the soul and beautifies and elevates character.

The prophecy points to the church's mission and to the spiritual awakening advanced through mission work, preparing the way for God's everlasting kingdom. As part of the message of Isaiah 60 and 61, the verse is to be studied, heeded, accepted and understood, especially by leaders in the cause and those connected with institutions. When reformation comes to the people of God, Isaiah 60 and 61 will be understood.

Taking these words together with putting away all complaining and every evil work opens the way for the Lord to manifest His power and to appear for the conviction and conversion of souls. With repenting, being converted, and making thorough consecration to God, many souls now unwarned shall hear the reasons of faith. Its continually open gates call God's people to welcome others and to carry the worldwide third angel's message from village to village and from city to city. They are to seek those who do not know the truth and to share it with all who will hear.

The verse forbids remaining in a comfortable home with good church privileges and keeping light under a bushel. It commands letting light shine to give light to all by hunting up people who do not know the truth of the Word of God in order to acquaint them with it. Its continually open gates mean to invite people in and to go into their houses and tell them of an important message that must go to all the world. There is a solemn responsibility to give it to all who will hear.

The verse shows that wealthy men have the Lord's money in trust and that God's workers have a perfect right to ask them for means to carry on missionary work in all parts of the world. It encourages belief that some of these wealthy men will come to help and will consider it a privilege to give. It rebukes a delicate fear of asking them, calling for an extensive work of gathering in souls without spending means unnecessarily. It urges this work because time is short and the Lord is coming very near though the appointed time is not told, and unless there is an arousing to become workers together with God in bringing souls to a knowledge of the truth there is no salvation.

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