Bible Discussion Thread

Hello What are the twelve gates of Jerusalem?

Revelation 21. In ancient times, cities had gates along the walls that surrounded them for protection. They were the only places where one could enter the city. At nights they were often closed and guarded. So if one wanted to enter Jerusalem he had to go through the gates. Jerusalem here symbolizes the new Jerusalem, the saved saints of all times, of all nations. The 12 gates represant the 12 tribes of Israel. Salvation is due to Jesus' sacrifice. Israel had to precede so that the Saviour comes to the world through that nation and offers His life for the salvation of mankind.

And if we like to go a bit further we can consider that that city also symbolizes the unification of God's people. The church can not be considered without the nation of Israel and Israel can not be considered without the church. Two different worlds united in one. They can not exist separate from each other. Israel was a nation created by God and kept the faith in the real God for 2 th years from Abraham to Jesus. But next is the church that will keep the real faith for the next 2 th. years until Israel is saved at the very end. But Israel precedes and the church follows. Both they owe to each other and primarely they both owe to God.