Why Does The New Jerusalem Need Gates?

[exitstageright]

The New Jerusalem ( heaven),according to Revelation 21:11-12,has gates.
I have read the Book of Revelations many times when I was a child. Proverbs and Revelations were my two favorite books of the Bilble. Here is Rev.21:11-12

Revelation 21:11-12New International Reader's Version (NIRV)

11 It shone with the glory of God. It gleamed like a very valuable jewel. It was like a jasper, as clear as crystal.

12 The city had a huge, high wall with 12 gates. Twelve angels were at the gates, one at each of them. On the gates were written the names of the 12 tribes of Israel.

Today,in Sunday School,our pastor said,"The Gates of Heaven are for your security."

This thought has never occurred to me until after our pastor said that.

My thought is,if ,as it was promised about heaven,that there will be no crime,no tears,no death,no strife,no wars,no murders,no stealing,no evil,and no demons,what are these gates for?
These gates are supposed to protect us from whom and/or what?

The Bible has specific measurements for the New Jerusalem. In modern measurements,the new Jerusalem may have this shape to it. Now,I know that you Trekkies(myself included) may think this image may look like the Borg,s Cube. But here is one artist's idea of what heaven may look like.

 

[mjmcmillan]

Exit, you have to consider the time this was written. In that day, all major cities had walls and gates-- they were forts for all practical purposes. Of course the New Jerusalem would have them. More so since peace reigns inside, and the gates keep all the bad stuff out.

It's a little hard to understand in our modern age. Nobody goes through gates to enter New York, Chicago, or modern-day London, England-- but back in the day, you couldn't enter a city without passing through a guarded gate.

 

[exitstageright]

Exit, you have to consider the time this was written. In that day, all major cities had walls and gates-- they were forts for all practical purposes. Of course the New Jerusalem would have them. More so since peace reigns inside, and the gates keep all the bad stuff out.

It's a little hard to understand in our modern age. Nobody goes through gates to enter New York, Chicago, or modern-day London, England-- but back in the day, you couldn't enter a city without passing through a guarded gate.

That sounds good to me.

 

[dayhiker]

Yes, all major ancient cities were walled cities. SO that would speak to the importance of the city.
Since its God's city I think it can symbolize security. Bit I really don't see any force attacking the New Jerusalem.

 

[blackribbon]

Rev 21: 25 On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there. 26 The glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it. 27 Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

Gates and walls symbolize boundaries...the separation between good and bad...only good will be allowed through the gates so they emphasize the need for redemption. They also are always open...which kind of goes along with our concept of an "open door policy" of being welcome and acceptance.

 

[Radagast]

Rev 21: 25 On no day will its gates ever be shut...

That's the key verse. Gates are no longer necessary in Heaven; that's why they are never shut.

 

[dayhiker]

Good point, Radagast.

 

[exitstageright]

Good point, Radagast.

Ditto!!

 

[James Is Back]

And what would be the point of the angels there? Not to joke but would they be like door greeters like at Walmart?

 

[dayhiker]

Nothing like a good welcome ... thinking of the way my grand daughter runs to meet me when I visit.