While He’s Still Knocking
Jesus is knocking now, but the day is coming when the knocking will stop. From Noah’s ark to the parable of the ten virgins, Scripture warns that the invitation won’t last forever. Open the door while there’s still time.
“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.” (Revelation 3:20)
The picture is simple — Christ outside the door, knocking. The invitation is open. The choice is yours.
But here’s what most people don’t think about: that knocking doesn’t go on forever.
It’s not because He grows tired of you. It’s not because His love runs out. It’s because there’s a day appointed when the offer ends. God’s Word says, “It is appointed for men to die once, and after this comes judgment.” (Hebrews 9:27)
Noah preached while the ark was being built, warning anyone who would listen. The door stood open. Then the rain began, and “the Lord closed it behind him.” (Genesis 7:16) On the other side of that door were people who had ignored the warning until it was too late. You can almost hear the pounding on the wood, the desperate cries, the realization that the opportunity was gone.
Jesus told of ten virgins waiting for the bridegroom. Five were ready, five were not. “Now while the bridegroom was delaying, they all became drowsy and began to sleep. But at midnight there finally was a shout, ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. Now the foolish virgins said to the prudent ones, ‘Give us some of your oil, because our lamps are going out.’ However, the prudent ones answered, ‘No, there most certainly would not be enough for us and you too; go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.’ But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut. Yet later, the other virgins also came, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open up for us.’ But he answered, ‘Truly I say to you, I do not know you.’” (Matthew 25:5–12)
Proverbs gives the same warning: “Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently but will not find me, because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord.” (Proverbs 1:28–29)
Every example tells the same story. The invitation is real. The offer is sincere. But it is not endless.
Right now, Christ is still knocking. Right now, the door is still open. You can open it in faith and surrender, and He will come in. But if you wait — if you put it off — there will come a moment when the knocking stops.
And when that moment comes, the choice will no longer be yours.
You may pound on the door like the people in Noah’s day (Genesis 7:16). You may cry out like the foolish virgins (Matthew 25:11–12). You may plead like the rich man in torment who begged for someone to warn his brothers (Luke 16:27–31). But the answer will be the same: it’s too late.
Jesus is knocking now. His voice is clear now. His mercy is available now.
Open the door while He’s still knocking.
Because the worst sound you will ever hear… is silence when the knocking stops.
“What I write is not for everyone, but what I write is meant for someone.” – Dean Butler
I am the author of two books: Embracing God's Wisdom: A Journey of Faith and Reflection and Embracing God’s Wisdom: Paul’s Commands for Victorious Living. Both are available on Amazon.
This work may be shared for ministry or personal use, but please credit the author when doing so. © Dean Butler – Dean’s Bible Blog. All rights reserved.
Please reach out at: hopeinchrist2024@yahoo.com
“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service.” (1 Timothy 1:12)
