He openeth, and no man shutteth
AUTHOR: Spurgeon

- Revelation 3:7


Jesus is the keeper of the gates of paradise and before every
believing soul he setteth an open door, which no man or devil shall
be able to close against it. What joy it will be to find that faith
in him is the golden key to the everlasting doors. My soul, dost thou
carry this key in thy bosom, or art thou trusting to some deceitful
pick-lock, which will fail thee at last? Hear this parable of the
preacher, and remember it.

The great King has made a banquet, and he has proclaimed to all the
world that none shall enter but those who bring with them the fairest
flower that blooms. The spirits of men advance to the gate by
thousands, and they bring each one the flower which he esteems the
queen of the garden; but in crowds they are driven from the royal
presence, and enter not into the festive halls. Some bear in their
hand the deadly nightshade of superstition, or the flaunting poppies
of Rome, or the hemlock of self- righteousness, but these are not
dear to the King, the bearers are shut out of the pearly gates.

My soul, hast thou gathered the rose of Sharon? Dost thou wear the
lily of the valley in thy bosom constantly? If so, when thou comest
up to the gates of heaven thou wilt know its value, for thou hast
only to show this choicest of flowers, and the Porter will open: not
for a moment will he deny thee admission, for to that rose the Porter
openeth ever. Thou shalt find thy way with the rose of Sharon in thy
hand up to the throne of God himself, for heaven itself possesses
nothing that excels its radiant beauty, and of all the flowers that
bloom in paradise there is none that can rival the lily of the
valley. My soul, get Calvary's blood-red rose into thy hand by faith,
by love wear it, by communion preserve it, by daily watchfulness make
it thine all in all, and thou shalt be blessed beyond all bliss,
happy beyond a dream. Jesus, be mine for ever, my God, my heaven, my
all.