Anonymous (via GotQuestions)
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S. Michael Houdmann
Supporter
The phrase the "gates of hell" is translated in some versions as the "gates of Hades." "Gates of hell" or "gates of Hades" is found only once in the entire Scriptures, in Matthew 16:18. In this pas...
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RICK PORTER
Supporter
Where were Jesus and His disciples when this discourse occurred? They were in Caesarea Philippi and could have been at foot of Mt. Harmon where there is a cave called the gates to Hades. Where there were also statues of gods place around, Pan being the most prominent. Jesus, I believe intentionally waited to ask the question, who do people say I am, till they were at this location. Peter then states the true statement, " You are the Christ, the Son of the living God". Jesus then declares his response was inspired by His Father, so Peter's answer was his spirit, not his flesh. Matthew 16:13-20. Jesus then told Peter, that he was a small rock but Jesus was the cornerstone[ 1Peter 2:4-8 ] and the gates of hell or hades and I believe implied, even all these false gods could not prevail over Him and His church. Who is His Church not material buildings, but all born-again believers? Because Jesus is The Cornerstone His church will stand and all believers can rest assured of this.
Nils Jansma
Supporter
What are the “gates of hell?” Gates can refer to a means of both entering and exiting a walled city. They can also refer to the means of preventing prisoners from escaping their place of imprisonment. We know with reference to Hell or Hades, its gates are not intended to keep people out; they are intended to keep people in as if they were in prison. One of the purposes of the Church is to release the prisoners of hell through the liberating Gospel of Grace and thereby allowing Jesus to open the gates of hell with a special Key. (Revelation 1:17-18) When Death itself is destroyed, hell’s gates will also be destroyed and all its prisoners will be released. (1 Corinthians 15:25-26; Revelation 20:13) Eventually, Hell will likewise be destroyed completely. (Revelation 20:14) That, in my opinion, is what Jesus meant when he said that the Gates of Hell will not be able to prevail against the on-slot of the Church's ever growing attack to release its prisoners. (Matthew 28:18-20)
Jack Gutknecht
Supporter
Jesus said in Matthew 16:18, “I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” What a powerful promise. The “gates of hell” means the powers of death and everything that tries to keep people separated from God. In Bible times, gates represented authority and control. The gates of a city were where rulers made decisions (like who gets to marry whom -- Ruth 4:1), so when Jesus spoke of “the gates of hell,” He was talking about the power that death and sin have held over mankind. "Job 38:17 and Psalm 9:13 speak of the 'gates of death,' showing that death once had a strong grip on us. [I know this from personal experience in my 'BC' life-- before I met Christ personally -- before I met Jesus I was scared to death of death!]. Isaiah 38:10 calls it the 'gates of the grave.' Yet through His death and resurrection, Jesus Christ broke those gates wide open. Acts 2:24 says that death could not hold Him, and 1 Corinthians 15:54-57 declares that He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." Nave's Topical Bible (found at classic.net.bible.org) Friend, that means death, fear, and sin do not have to rule your life anymore. The Lord Jesus has already conquered them. Jesus built His church on the truth that He is the Son of the living God, and everyone who puts their trust in Him becomes part of that victorious church. If you have never received Christ, this is your invitation. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead can give you new life right now. He offers forgiveness, freedom from sin, and the sure hope of eternal life. You can pray something like this: Prayer: Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner, and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You died for my sins and rose again to give me eternal life. I open my heart to You and ask You to be my Savior and Lord. Thank You for breaking the power of death and giving me new life in You. Help me to follow You and live for You from this day forward. Amen.
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