Heaven! “Its gates will never be shut at the end of the day, because there will be no night there” (Rev 21:25, BSB).
Early in the believer’s life we make our way to Gate 8, “the Horse Gate,” where “the priests made repairs, each in front of his own house” (Neh 3:28). Out from this gate went soldiers to face the foe, and we recall the warning, “Let not the one who puts on his armor boast like the one who takes it off” (1 Ki 20:11). There’s no room for self-confidence. At our “own house” we learn how to battle in prayer. Then make sure your armor’s on (Eph 6:10-18) before heading out each day! It might be good to ask what God’s highest intention was for His city. “Violence shall no longer be heard in your land,…but you shall call your walls Salvation, and your gates Praise” (Isa 60:18). He wanted to offer His people safety, but more, to offer salvation. He wanted protection for His people, but more, He desired praising people. One of the most important gates to think about salvation and praise is Gate 9, “the East Gate” (Neh 3:29), the place of hope and ultimate salvation. “As the lightning comes from the east…so also will be the coming of the Son of Man” (Mt 24:27). From this gate Ezekiel saw the Glory leave (Ezek 11:23), and from the east the King of Glory will ride in triumph into the City (Ps 24:7-10). “Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” (Rev 22:20). Then Gate 10, “the Miphkad Gate” (Neh 3:31), means “review,” where the city’s judges sat. Following the Lord’s return, “we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ” (2 Cor 5:10). Not our sins but our works will be assessed. Our entrance to heaven is based on accepting what HE has done, but our role in the kingdom, based on what WE have done by His grace. “Deeds of merit, as we thought them, He will tell us were but sin; Little acts we had forgotten, He will say were done for Him.”