A look at the dimensions of the door reveals much. It was twenty cubits, or about thirty feel wide (Ex. 27:16). The width of the door would surely give the assurance that it was wide enough to accommodate all who wanted to enter. Today we can witness with confidence: "And whosoever will, let him take of the water of life freely" (Rev. 22:17). God is sovereign and has rightfully "chosen" some "before the foundation of the world" (Eph. 1:4), but a right understanding of election will cause us to testify with the same fervor and passion as Paul and Peter who wrote about election. Any teaching on God's sovereignty and election that takes away our love for the lost and hinders our everyday witnessing to them is certainly not in line with the teaching and practice of the apostles in the book of Act and should be reexamined. The gate is wide! Our invitations should be wide enough to allow any and all sinners to enter. "The Lord is not...willing that any should perish" (2 Peter 3:9). Stop speculating about the elect, and start preaching and witnessing "to every creature" (Mk. 16:15), as the Scriptures command.
Now there is an interesting comparison to be made between this gate and the door into the tabernacle building or tent in Exodus 26:36. Both were made of the same materials and coloring, for both represent Christ. One was twenty by five cubits, while the other was ten by ten cubits, which amounts to the same number of square feet. The outer door was wide and all were invited in, but the door into the tent, the place for worship and service, was narrow. Only the priests were allowed to enter. One door affords entrance into "Life," and the other offers entrance into "life...more abundantly" (Jn. 10:10). Too many have entered only the first door and offered the sacrifice for sins for salvation. They need to enter also into a life of offering the sacrifice of self for service.
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