Opening the Heart's Door to Christ's Spirit

When Christ stands outside knocking, it indicates that the heart's door is closed to His presence and the reviving power of the Holy SpiritDA 489.5+1. If the door remains shut, we are indeed not partaking of the spiritual feast of His righteousness or the life-giving influence of His Spirit1888 666.2+1.

The Meaning of the Knock

The True Witness, Jesus Christ, stands at the door of the soul-temple because He desires to communicate eternal life and save that which is lost Revelation 3:20DAR1909 407.3. Every warning, reproof, and entreaty found in the Word of God acts as a knock at the door of the heartDA 489.5. While He knocks, it reveals a state of lukewarmness and a perilous unconsciousness of our true spiritual poverty, misery, and blindness Revelation 3:14-18DA 489.5+1. If the door is not opened, the Holy Spirit is grieved and His impressions on the heart become weaker over time17MR 182.2+1.

Partaking of the Heavenly Banquet

To sup with Christ is to have a vital connection with Him, eating the "bread of life" and drinking the "water of salvation"SpM 167.1+1.

• The Spiritual Food: Eating His flesh and drinking His blood is a figure for believing His Word with the whole heart and practicing it1888 666.2+2.

• The Result of Communion: Those who open the door and "eat" of Christ receive His holy, sanctified character, which imbues their life with divine powerSpM 167.1+1.

• The Absence of Power: Without this indwelling presence, spiritual perceptions are not acute enough to discern the working of the Spirit of God, leading to jealousies, envyings, and divisions within the church1888 1697.3+1.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is the agency through which the presence of Christ is brought into the soulGCB/GCDB 1895, page 493.5+1.

• Unity and Power: When church members are teachable and willing to learn, the Spirit of God cements their hearts together in unity1888 905.4+1.

• A Call to Revival: A revival of true godliness is the most urgent of all needs, and it comes only when we fulfill the conditions of confession and repentance to receive the Holy Spirit1SM 121.1.

• The Latter Rain: Receiving Christ into the heart is receiving the Holy Spirit, which is described as the outpouring of the "latter rain"GCB/GCDB 1893, page 360.2.

Restoration and Hope

Even though the Lord has a controversy with those who have compromised integrity, He still stands and knocks with long-suffering and forbearance1888 1476.1+1. We are invited to buy "gold tried in the fire" (faith and love) and "white raiment" (Christ's righteousness) so that our spiritual nakedness is not exposed Revelation 3:18RH August 7, 1894, par. 4. By an act of faith, we can open the door, allowing the Spirit to work in us to discard evil and become partakers of the divine nature 2 Peter 1:48MR 53.3+1. 🌟

"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" Revelation 3:20.