“IN THE BIBLE ONE CAN DISCOVER THAT GOD HAS WRITTEN GREAT SIGNIFICANCE INTO THE ANCIENT CITY OF JERUSALEM . TODAY I WANT TO TALK ABOUT THE MANY ENTRANCES OF OLD, AND NEW THAT OPENED THE CITY.”

 I’m Dennis Finnan, host and speaker on the World, the Word & You! Broadcast and in a moment we’ll talk about the TWELVE GATES OF JERUSALEM, described for us in the Bible and its significance to you and me today. Stay tuned…

…As I read through the holy Bible of Christianity, given to us by God’s own hand of revelation, I  never cease to find joy and amazement, at what God has promised for those who become His children by faith and surrender of our lives to the Son of God, Jesus Christ. Yes indeed, those who become children of God are promised by the Father in heaven, that the best of all things is ahead for them, as God literally prepares a wonderful new place of habitation once this old world of sin is destroyed and gone forever. Now as beautiful as this world can be, with places of joy on earth to live, nonetheless, our world is a fallen world where sin and evil takes its toll. From personal sin and destruction, to nature’s destructive acts, we witness constant loss and tears. Why just think of the massive Christmas 2004 Tidal Wave, which swept hundreds of thousands of people to their deaths and caused unimaginable destruction and damage to property and those who survived. Indeed, our world is a dangerous and tearful place to live. BUT, God has promised better times and place for those who love, adore and serve Jesus Christ. Now, what’s ahead and what can we know about it? Well, from the pages of the Scriptures we shall look today, we’ll see God has planned a future city, in a future world, for the habitation of Jesus Christ’s forever family, the saints of God. My message is entitled: TWELVE GATES OF OLD…

… In the Bible, a particular section of Scripture has intrigued me for a long time. It is found in the New Testament book of Hebrews where God lists the name of those great saints who served God with honors. We read about them and one in particular named Abraham of old,

Heb 11:8-10 (NIV)  “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went... 9 By faith he made his home in the promised land, like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.”

Then further along in the text, God pens for us these words about the great saints in this Hall of Fame of believers,

Heb 11:13-16 (NIV)  “All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance… 16 they were longing for a better country--a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.”

Notice what is promised to the saints of God who either “looked forward,” by faith, to God the Messiah’s coming; or, as we today “look back” by faith to the Messiah who was revealed to us as Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. We see that God promised to build the saints, a real tangible literal and heavenly “CITY!” Yes indeed, God keeps His word for this city in the New Testament is described as “the New Jerusalem” (Rev. 3:12;21:2).

Now it appears this new heavenly city of God coming… “well”...it’s also a symbol and picture of what was given long ago to Israel , to build on earth prior to its coming. Yes, the earthly city of Jerusalem found in the Bible that was build by the nation of Israel , was to picture what was to come. We read of the city of Jerusalem in many texts of the Old Testament Bible, but what importantly is mentioned about it, includes its many gates built into the walls, for people to leave and re-enter. Let’s explore these actual “gates” and find some helpful symbolic meaning and purpose. We begin with the fact the Scriptures clearly speak of a literal “New Jerusalem,” city which is definitely coming. John the revelator writes,

Rev 21:10-12 (NIV)  And he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the Holy City, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God. 11 It shone with the glory of God, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal. 12 It had a great, high wall with twelve gates, and with twelve angels at the gates. On the gates were written the names of the twelve tribes of Israel .

Rev 21:21 (NIV)  The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of pure gold, like transparent glass.

There is no question; John could only try to describe the beauty of this city of God , in terms of precious jewels, built in Heaven to house the saints of God forever and ever in the future. In this description he refers to the city having twelve entrances or gates, similar to the earthly city of Jerusalem of old. Now what significance is there in building twelve gates and what meaning is behind them? Let’s try to find out now.

First of all, the gates of ancient cities were always built into a high wall that surrounded the city for protection against marauders, and to allow traffic to flow in and out for commerce, business and public and social life. The gates to the city of Jerusalem of old, were constructed with a huge massive wooden door in the city wall through which traffic passed. Often reinforced with brass or iron for greater security, these gates were opened during the day to allow the city’s citizens to come and go. But they were generally closed at night as a safety measure. In the event of an attack, the gates were closed and barred to keep out the enemy.

However, after the city of Jerusalem was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar in times of old, God allowed it to once again to be rebuilt. Men like Ezra and Nehemiah and the people of Israel returned from captivity and rebuilt the city and its gates. Let’s follow Nehemiah as he went from gate to gate examining he wall for repair. The first gate to be rebuilt was called,

1.      THE SHEEP GATE (Neh. 3:1)  

This gate was used mainly to bring the sheep and sacrificial lambs into the city for slaughter in the holy Temple . In the spiritual life and pilgrimage of ancient Israel , God demanded that daily sacrifices be made to atone for their sins, to hold back God’s judgments coming for sinners. Thus, all must start at this gate suggesting the constant witness to the fact that “… without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sin: (Heb. 9:22 ). Today we know that the Lamb of God, all these animals represented, is Jesus Christ who went to the cross to die for our sins as a substitutionary atonement for us. Thus, the Sheep Gate is also a reminder that all who have gone astray must pass through this first gate to enter the holy city of God then and in the future. Second in Nehemiah’s inspection we come to,

2.       THE FISH GATE (Neh. 3:3)

This gate was mainly set up facing the Jordan River and Sea of Galilee , so fishermen could bring their food into the city. The fish gate always followed the Sheep gate. From this we can deduce the biblical truth that once we are saved through the sacrificial blood of the Lamb shed for us, we are “saved to serve, forgiven to fetch others, or won to win.” Andrew was saved from his sins when He met Jesus Christ and confessed him as his Messiah and Lord. He immediately went out and fetched Peter his brother, who received Christ into his heart too. The fish gate then symbolically represents the place of service of God’s people. A place of spiritual commerce. Amazingly the “fish” has down through the centuries, became a symbol to represent Jesus Christ, and his work of giving us eternal life and its glorious provision now and in the future. But following this gate came what is known as,

3.      THE OLD GATE (Jeshanah Gate -Neh. 3:6; Jer. 6:16 )

Some authorities feel this gate received its name because it belonged to ancient Salem which was said to have been built originally by “Melchizedek,” the priest. As the oldest gate of the city it suggests, God Himself as going forth of old. Indeed, God came as the “Ancient of Days.” Today many reject the “OLD PATHS,” and ways God established for the life and living of the saints. These “old paths” (Jer 6:16 ) are not cultural and do not change, regardless of what generation we live in. For the saints of old and today too, God requires us to live separated, holy lives, filled with obedience to God’s Word. And, as we imitate the life and heart of our Savior who walked holy upon the earth, we will be blessed by God.
Now, Solomon in his ancient wisdom declared “Remove not the ancient landmarks.”(Prov 22:28). We see many of these being removed today. Landmarks such as (1) a set apart worship day such as Sunday, used exclusively for worshipping and serving the Lord; (2) the purity of a monogamous marriage; (3) a clear sexual and social difference between a man and a woman; (4) purity of life and integrity of heart; and, (5) staying the course by believing and practicing the fundamentals of the faith.
Indeed, the “old Gate” symbolically said don’t jettison the past, but keep and savor that which is timeless and good. Next we discover the fourth gate which was,

4.      THE VALLEY GATE (Neh. 3:13 )

This gate opened before the Valley of Hinnon , which was Jerusalem ’s dump. This was a terrible place outside of the city where all the trash, garbage, waste and rotted food and goods were dumped. Fires burned there constantly, and great worms burrowed through the waste feeding upon it. The smell was suffocating. This is in picture form of a place called Hell. Thus, the Valley Gate represented the need for saints to purge the sin in their lives, to keep clean before God. The valley of Hinnon being a place of death, which all of us are in, apart from Jesus Christ. However once saved, we still need cleaning and purging of sin, that is until the old sin nature is forever gone from our being. This alone comes at death or Rapture for the saints who live on in glory.
The great question here is  -- “are you living in the valley of death or have who simply dumped your sins there, and quickly returned through the Valley Gate to the holy city for a renewed and cleansed life and living?” Moving on as we circuit the walls of Jerusalem , comes,

5.      THE DUNG GATE (Neh. 3:14)

It was not enough to have the “Valley Gate” as a pathway to clean out the sins and refuge of the city’s inhabitants. Apparently the refuge was so high and deep, that this Dung Gate was set up for the additional purpose of carrying out the animal waste and filth left in the streets from the daily living and travel of the animals. Paul the great apostle of our Lord, one day traveled through the “Dung Gate” of the city of Jerusalem, and I’m sure he was reminded that he, like animal waste, was counted as the filth of the world, and off-scouring of all things (1 Cor. 4:13 ). These two gates, remind us that we are sinners who need constant cleansing of our sins, which Jesus Christ amply provides to all who diligently confess their sins and claim His forgiveness.  Say friend have you claim Christ’s forgiveness? One can only do that by turning our lives over to Him as our Savior God and Lord, then living for Him. He then constantly cleanses our life from the sins and evil of our fallen heart. Next, as we travel around the ancient city of Jerusalem with Nehemiah we come to,

6.      THE FOUNTAIN GATE (Neh. 3:15 )

This gate was on the east wall, north of the Dung Gate. The Pool of Siloam was near the King’s Garden, near which Zedekiah, Judah ’s last king, had gone in his attempt to escape from Jerusalem while the Babylonians were conquering the city (Jer. 39:4). The “Fountain Gate” was at times a sweet place of refuge, peace and tranquility for all who went there. Thus, it pictures for the believer that the only place of refuge for sinners is the abode of Jesus Christ. He is the fountain of life. Once we enter new life in Christ, out of Him flows rivers of living water to refresh us now and for eternity. Is the “fountain gate” fully operating in your life? It is only, when you are walking with the King, the Lord Jesus and in full fellowship with Him by His Spirit within. Well, next  we come to,

7.      THE WATER GATE (Neh. 3:26 )

Water in Scripture is the symbol of cleansing and purity, the irrigating power of the Word of God. The New Testament tells us:
John 3:5 (NIV)  Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.
John 15:3 (NIV)  You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.Eph 5:26 (NIV)  to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word,
Praise God this gate is in no need of repair, for the Bible is full and complete and stands the tests of time. The Law of God is perfect able to convert every soul that reads and believes it. Have you believed God’s Word, or have you been duped to reject it? If you’ve believed it, fountains of living water will flow forth from God to you. Next is,

8.      THE HORSE GATE (Neh. 3:28 )
 
This gate to the city of Jerusalem was for the need of the King’s horses to quickly come and go. The stables were nearby. Horses principally in olden times were used for warfare and protection. Thus, we see a beautiful picture of the need for every believer to maintain a good warfare. Paul the apostle said in, 1 Tim 6:12 (NIV)  Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
2 Tim 4:7 (NIV)  I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  Because we live in a fallen world, we must as believers be vigilant of the enemy who wants to come into our house or city and destroy it by sin, evil and spiritual compromise. As we gird ourselves with the full armor of God (Eph. 6), we can stand triumphantly against all attacks of the devil. The horse gate is that place to guard the city with the power of God, His Word and his Spirit within us, by victorious Christian living. Next is,

9.      THE EAST GATE (Neh. 3:29 )

This gate was so named because it was on the east side of the great temple and was actually connected to it. Also, it faced the rising sun each day. Here is a beautiful picture of the coming glory of the Lord, one day in our future when we shall see Him and be like Him. The Son of Righteousness shall arise in the heart of every true believer one day in glory. Some writers identify this as the “Beautiful Gate,” where beggars who had nothing and could claim no one, sat and received the helping hand gifts of travelers who went though this gate. This gate was said to be the largest gate that required twenty men to open and close it each day at sunset and sunrise. Is the Son of God shining in your heart and life? Has God been able to open your heart to let His love shine in through Jesus Christ? He is your Savior whether you have acknowledged Him or not, but His saving power cannot be applied to your sin blackened heart, until you receive Him as your King. Continuing on around the ancient city of Jerusalem with Nehemiah we next see,

10.  THE PRISON GATE (Neh. 3:25;12:39)

Every city had to have a prison or penitentiary where violators of the rule of peace and the laws of the city, were sent and kept to keep them from continuing to destroy the good wholesome and pure life of the citizens and their city. Prisoners would be pilloried at it, or sent to a nearby jail through it. In like manner, in our own being we need to have a prison where we place all the rotten and ruinous thoughts, action and garbage of our lives. Daily cleaning comes to the saints who commune with God through Christ, confessing their sins and then turning from them! Do you turn from your sins when exposed? Do you stop participating in them, or perpetuating them? We all need the prison gate in our lives that only God can open and close as we yield to Him confessing our sins. The Bible says for the believer in Christ, -- 1 John 1:9 (NIV)  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
John 8:32 (NIV) Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
John 8:36 (NIV)  So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
When this prison gate is inoperable, the city can be filled with evil and it can take over, but when the gate is operational, sinners could be incarcerated, laving the city cleansed for the obedient to enjoy life and living under its good laws. In like manner, allow Jesus Christ and His Word to rule and lawfully remove from your life all things that stain and ruin it. Next we discover another gate and its tremendous symbolic nature. It is,

11.  THE GATE OF EPHRAIM (Neh.8:16; 12:39 )

This northern gate was also called the Gate of Benjamin (Jer. 37:13). But it began with the name of Joseph’s elder son Ephraim. The name means “double fruit.” It was given by Joseph as a tribute to God for His extra special goodness. This gate follows the prison gate, and is fitting for once we incarcerate our rebellion and sinfulness, by placing it “under the blood of Jesus Christ,” which atoned for our sins, we are fully delivered from the prison house of sin and self and we can now bear DOUBLE FRUIT! The Bible tell us in ,
Rom 7:4 (NIV)  So, my brothers, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit to God. And what fruit is this we are to bear?
Gal 5:22 (NIV)  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
This northern gate is representative of the fruit of the believer, so named by Joseph. Are you bearing God’s fruit in your live or is the opposite there? You can change that by confessing your sin to Christ, claiming his death on the cross is payment for all your sins and beginning a new life of living for Jesus. Indeed fruit will be seen then. Well lastly as we complete the circuit around the old city of Jerusalem we find one more gate. It is,

12.  THE INSPECTION GATE (Neh. 3:31 )

This was the place where all visitors to the city had to come through and register. It was also the place where residents of the city would meet their guests. Judges sat at this gate where they reviewed all disputes and controversies. For the believer in Christ, this is a beautiful picture of the coming day and time called the “BEMA” or JUDGMENT SEAT of Christ. This is a time when God the Son will judge the lives of the saints for the things done good and bad, and He will justly determine the right or wrongs we committed or failed to do. For sins confessed here and now, they will never be brought up at this time in heaven, before we enter the New Jerusalem. This city of God is being prepared for all those who love Jesus Christ. But all sins unaccounted for, unconfessed, and not dealt with in this life, they will receive their rebuke there as well as the unaccounted good deeds their rewards.

Well there you have it  -- the TWELVE GATES OF OLD -- pictured for us in Nehemiah in the OT and in the Book of Revelation 21, described as the “New City of Jerusalem.” One day we are promised that God Himself will bring it out of Heaven, where it resides now, and bring it to the new heavens and earth coming. It will be fully finished and inhabitable for the saints of all ages. Will you be there my friend? I hope so, and I know so for all who have turned from self and false religions to receive Jesus Christ as their only Savior from sin and as their Lord God for this life and eternity. May God add His blessings to these words for Jesus’ sake. Amen.