I have always wondered about Matthew 16 verse 18. Jesus talking, “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of Hades (hell) will not overcome it (or prevail over it). I have talked to several people about this. How can a gate prevail or overcome something? A gate is not an offensive device. How can it attack the church?

One day I was listening to a podcast, and they were talking about C.S. Lewis. They said that in his book about hell, he believed that the gates of hell are locked from the inside. Well now, just wat could he mean by that?

I had always been thinking about this from a Christian perspective, someone who is saved and going to a good church. Ok, but (there always seems to be a but) what if you are saved by the blood of Jesus Christ – You’ve accepted Him into you heart, been baptized and are going to a good church. Then you fall into the trap of sin. Let’s take something simple, like unforgiveness. Suddenly you are trapped in your sin, caught in the sin of unforgiveness. In other words, you are now trapped in the hell of unforgiveness. You are inside trying to get out, not outside trying to get in.

Let me explain myself. Because of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, He has conquered sin and death, the devil and hell. In other words, He has unlocked the gates of hell from the inside and thrown away the key. When you find yourself trapped in hell, in Jesus’ name, just kick open the gates of hell and walk out into the abundant life that He has promised you. The gates of hell cannot hold you in (or prevail against you). Some day Jesus will lock the gates of hell from the outside. You don’t want to be there then.

We pray to You, Lord Jesus, Heavenly Father and Holy Spirit. Give us the strength and knowledge to keep a clean heart and know when to kick down the gates of hell and walk out into the Great Love that You have shown us. Because of Your great love for us, help us to continue to love You and our neighbors.

In Jesus’ precious name,
Amen