GOD IS KNOCKING AT THE DOOR OF YOUR HEART
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Revelation 3:20
Supporting Texts: John 10:9, Romans 10:9-10, Matthew 11:28
INTRODUCTION:
The Bible paints a vivid picture of God’s love for humanity through Jesus’ invitation to every individual to open the door of their heart to Him. In Revelation 3:20, Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with me." This verse reveals the deep desire of God to have a personal relationship with each of us, but it also emphasizes that we must decide to invite Him in. Salvation is not forced upon us; it is a personal choice. Today, we will explore the meaning of this knock and the urgency of responding to God's call for salvation.
1. JESUS STANDS AT THE DOOR OF YOUR HEART
a) Jesus initiates the relationship
God, through Jesus, is the one reaching out to us. He takes the first step by knocking on the door of our hearts. This shows His love and desire for us to be saved (1 John 4:19).
b) The knock represents a divine invitation
Jesus is inviting us into a relationship with Him, where we can experience the fullness of His love, grace, and forgiveness (John 10:9).
c) It’s a call for repentance and salvation
Jesus knocks because He wants to rescue us from sin and eternal separation from God. His desire is for us to repent and accept Him as our Saviour (Romans 10:9-10).
d) The door represents our hearts and will
The door that Jesus knocks on is the door of our hearts. He does not force His way in; we must willingly open it to Him (Deuteronomy 30:19).
Biblical Example: Zacchaeus
In Luke 19:1-10, Jesus called Zacchaeus, a tax collector, by name and went to his house. Zacchaeus opened his heart to Jesus, repented, and received salvation. Jesus said, "Today salvation has come to this house."
2. WHY YOU MUST OPEN THE DOOR TO JESUS
a) Jesus offers eternal life
Accepting Jesus means receiving eternal life and escaping the consequences of sin, which is death (John 3:16).
b) You cannot save yourself
No matter how good or moral we try to be, our works cannot save us. Salvation is only through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9).
c) God wants to transform your life
When we open the door to Jesus, He begins the work of transforming our hearts, minds, and lives to reflect His glory (2 Corinthians 5:17).
d) Tomorrow is not guaranteed
The Bible reminds us that today is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2). We do not know what tomorrow holds, so we must respond to Jesus now.
Biblical Example: The Thief on the Cross
In Luke 23:39-43, one of the thieves crucified next to Jesus opened his heart to the Lord in his last moments. Jesus responded, saying, "Today, you will be with me in paradise." Even at the last minute, opening the door to Jesus brought salvation.
3. THE BLESSINGS OF OPENING YOUR HEART TO JESUS
a) A personal relationship with God
When you open the door of your heart to Jesus, you enter into a close, personal relationship with God, where He walks with you daily (John 15:15).
b) Forgiveness of sins
Jesus wipes away all your sins and gives you a clean slate. There is no more guilt or shame, for you are forgiven (Isaiah 1:18).
c) The gift of the Holy Spirit
When you receive Jesus, the Holy Spirit comes to live inside of you, empowering you to live a victorious Christian life (John 14:16-17).
d) Eternal security in Christ
When you open your heart to Jesus, your eternal destiny is secured in heaven with God, and you can live with the assurance of your salvation (John 10:28-29).
Biblical Example: Lydia’s Open Heart
In Acts 16:14, Lydia heard Paul’s message, and the Lord opened her heart to respond to the gospel. She accepted Jesus, and her whole household was baptized and saved.
4. THE DANGERS OF IGNORING JESUS’ KNOCK
a) Eternal separation from God
If we refuse to open the door to Jesus, we risk eternal separation from God and the loss of our souls (Matthew 25:41-46).
b) A hardening of the heart
Continually rejecting Jesus’ knock can lead to the hardening of our hearts, making it even more difficult to respond in the future (Hebrews 3:15).
c) Missing out on God’s plan for your life
Jesus has a unique plan and purpose for each of our lives, but ignoring His knock causes us to miss out on His blessings and guidance (Jeremiah 29:11).
d) Facing judgment unprepared
We do not know the day or hour when Jesus will return or when our lives will end. Ignoring His knock could result in us facing judgment without Christ (Hebrews 9:27).
Biblical Example: The Rich Young Ruler
In Mark 10:17-22, the rich young ruler rejected Jesus’ invitation to follow Him because he was unwilling to give up his possessions. He walked away from the greatest opportunity of his life—eternal salvation.
5. HOW TO OPEN THE DOOR TO JESUS
a) Recognise your need for a Saviour
We must first acknowledge that we are sinners in need of Jesus’ salvation (Romans 3:23). This humility opens the door to His grace.
b) Believe in Jesus and His finished work
Faith in Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection is the key to receiving salvation and having a heart opened to Him (Romans 10:9-10).
c) Repent from your sins
Turning away from sin and turning towards God is a crucial step in opening the door to Jesus. Repentance leads to life (Acts 3:19).
d) Confess Him as Lord and Saviour
When you confess Jesus as Lord, you are making the decision to invite Him into every area of your life (John 1:12).
Biblical Example: The Philippian Jailer
In Acts 16:25-34, the jailer asked Paul and Silas, “What must I do to be saved?” They told him to believe in the Lord Jesus, and immediately, he and his household were saved and baptized.
CONCLUSION:
God is knocking at the door of your heart today. He is offering you the gift of eternal life, but it is up to you to open the door and let Him in. Salvation is not something to be delayed or taken lightly. Jesus wants to enter into a relationship with you and transform your life, but you must decide to respond to His knock. Will you open the door to Him today?
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord Jesus, thank You for knocking on the door of my heart.
2. Father, I repent of my sins and ask You to come into my life today.
3. Lord, help me to respond to Your call for salvation without delay.
4. Father, give me the grace to live for You after opening my heart to You.
5. Lord, let my life reflect the transformation that comes from knowing You.
6. Father, protect me from the hardness of heart that resists Your knock.
7. Lord, use me to lead others to open their hearts to Jesus.
8. Father, fill me with the Holy Spirit and guide me in Your ways.
9. Lord, I thank You for the assurance of eternal life in Christ.
10. Father, keep me faithful to You all the days of my life.
