knocks; and so everywhere in the Scriptures it is represented as an easy thing, if the heart is willing, to secure the salvation of the soul. (2) This is a _reasonable_ thing. We invite him who knocks at the door to come in. We always assume, unless there is reason to suspect the contrary, that he applies for peaceful and friendly purposes. We deem it the height of rudeness to let one stand and knock long; or to let him go away with no friendly invitation to enter our dwelling. Yet how different does the sinner treat the Saviour! How long does he suffer him to knock at the door of his heart, with no invitation to enter――no act of common civility such as that with which he would greet even a stranger! And with how much coolness and indifference does he see him turn away――perhaps to come back no more, and with no desire that he ever should return! ¶ _I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me._ This is an image denoting intimacy and friendship. Supper, with the ancients, was the principal social meal; and the idea here is, that between the Saviour and those who would receive him there would be the intimacy which subsists between those who sit down to a friendly meal together. In all countries and times, to eat together, to break bread together, has been the symbol of friendship, and this the Saviour promises here. The _truths_, then, which are taught in this verse, are, (1) that the invitation of the gospel is made to all――“if _any_ man hear my voice;” (2) that the movement towards reconciliation and friendship is originated by the Saviour――“behold, I stand at the door and knock;” (3) that there is a recognition of our own free agency in religion――“if any man will hear my voice, and open the door;” (4) the _ease_ of the terms of salvation, represented by “hearing his voice,” and “opening the door;” and (5) the blessedness of thus admitting him, arising from his friendship――“I will sup with him, and he with me.” What friend can man have who would confer so many benefits on him as the Lord Jesus Christ? Who is there that he should so gladly welcome to his bosom? 21 To him that [171]overcometh will I grant to [172]sit with me in my throne, even as [173]I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.