Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will dine with him, and he with Me” (Rev. 3:20). Commenting on this text, Matthew Henry says, “Christ is graciously pleased by his word and Spirit to come to the door of the heart of sinners.” But is Henry’s interpretation, although the popular one, the proper view of the text? Perhaps not.

First, Jesus Christ is concluding His remarks in seven letters to seven churches. The letters are addressed specifically to the angels of the respective churches. Angels are messengers. Jesus calls John an angel (Mark 1:2; Luke 7:27, Greek New Testament). These angels are likely the pastors of the churches. Christ delivers His message to His churches through His pastors. These pastors are also shepherds of the local flocks. All of this has significance for our interpretation.

Second, Scripture never likens the heart to a door the sinner must open. If it ...