9 Principles & Spiritual Keys to Open Doors in the Bible!

This blog post is all about spiritual keys to open doors in the Bible

Hey Friends, I’m super excited to be talking about spiritual keys to open doors!❤️

For starters, doors are mentioned in the Bible numerous times—some doors appear as merely physical structures used as literal entryways.

However, I’ve found that doors in the Bible also carry symbolic references to greater spiritual truths.

This article will go in-depth (like for real) to explore the various types of biblical doors and their meanings.

I’ll discuss:

• 9 principles of doors
• Types & purposes of doors
• Main characters of spiritual doors
• 5 spiritual keys to open doors
• 9 ways to know whether a door is from God.

P.S. The inspiration for this blog post is the 5784 Jewish Year of Open Doors post! I’ll also write another post about prayer points based on this theme soon!

Ready? Let’s go

What is a door & what’s its purpose?

In the dictionary, a door is defined as an entrance or exit point between two areas, typically used to separate spaces.

So let’s move on to the purpose of doors…

The significance of doors in the Bible (purpose of doors )

Ephesians 6 tells us we don’t wrestle against flesh and blood.

So with that understanding, let’s talk about Spiritual doors!

Here are 7 purposes of doors (some good and some bad).

1. Protection: Doors can provide spiritual protection from the enemy. It is a reminder to stay in God’s light and away from darkness.
2. Restriction & access: Doors can restrict access to certain areas. This allows us to have control over who/what we let into our lives. This allows us to keep out those who do not have permission to enter.
3. Stagnation: Doors can also create stagnation in our spiritual lives by keeping us from progressing.
4. Boundaries: Doors remind us to set boundaries for ourselves and others, providing a barrier between right and wrong.
5. Sign to grow and adjust: Some doors only open when we are ready! Why? Because whatever is behind that door can crush us if we aren’t prepared. Often the purpose of such a door is this: a sign that God wants us to grow, reflect and readjust before we move forward.
6. Directional Change, Opportunities, or Promotion: Doors can also represent a change in direction or an open door that will bring us closer to our goals and purpose.
7. Closure/End of an era/Beginning of a new one: Last but not least, doors can signify closure in our lives when one chapter is complete and it is time to move on to the next. This can be a bittersweet moment, but it should be celebrated as an opportunity for growth and a new beginning.

Main actors/ characters of doors

Here are some protagonists and antagonists when it comes to doors:

a) God

God is the final say when it comes to doors. As stated in Revelation 3:8, He opens, and no one can shut. He is the ultimate giver of access to all good things, including peace, joy and fruitfulness. God desires His people to have a life full of abundance and purpose (John 10:10).

b) Enemy

The enemy is the one who seeks to shut spiritual doors and keep people from having access to spiritual blessings. He works against God’s purposes (Ephesians 6:11-12) and may try to hinder progress in order to bring destruction, fear, and confusion.

The enemy uses many tactics, such as temptation, lies, and deception, but if we remain in God’s will and trust Him, we are promised victory (1 John 5:4).

c) Gatekeepers

Gatekeepers are those who have the authority to guard access points. They allow access only to those who have been authorized.

In the spiritual realm, gatekeepers serve as protectors of spiritual doors (Isaiah 45:2). The Kingdom gatekeepers work closely with God and have the power to open or close doors in agreement with Him.

d) Strongmen

Strongmen are spiritual forces that oppose God’s will and greatly influence people. They may be demons, rulers of darkness, principalities, or powers that seek to control individuals and keep them from entering spiritual doors of opportunity. ( Read 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 & Ephesians 6:12)

e) Destiny helpers

Destiny helpers are God’s appointed servants who lead people in the right direction. They provide encouragement, prayer, and wisdom as they help guide others toward their destiny.

They often work behind the scenes, helping unlock spiritual doors of opportunity and break down strongholds for people to move forward. They are vessels of light and grace who faithfully serve God and His people.

f) Angelic Help

In Psalm 91:11-12 and Psalm 103:20, we are told that angels are sent to minister on our behalf. These angelic helpers have been assigned to us by God as part of His divine plan for our lives. They protect and guide us through the spiritual doors that He has opened for us.

Types of Biblical Doors

Doors in the Bible come in two types:

• literal/physical doors
• figurative/symbolic doors.

Let’s explore them:

Literal/Physical Doors

Here are some literal or physical doors mentioned in the Bible.

Please be keen to think of the spiritual principles these doors convey! We need to understand all this in preparation for the new year of open doors!

a) The Ark Door (Symbol of Safety)

Genesis 6:16-17 speaks of entering into safety during a time when God’s judgment was being poured out on the earth. Noah and his family were safe inside the Ark, protected from the impending destruction. This door illustrates God as our refuge and protector in times of trouble and chaos.

b) The Temple Door (Symbol of separation & access to God)

In 1 Kings 6:31-35, it says that the temple door was made of olive wood and carved with many designs. These included cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers. This was done to represent God’s presence in His Temple among His people. It also signified our separation from Him; only authorized priests could enter this sacred place.

The New Testament changed this separation from God through Jesus. In John 10:9, Jesus says He is the door, and whoever comes to Him will be saved by His grace. This means anyone can now access God’s presence without any limitations or requirements as long as they come through Jesus.

Yep, Jesus opened up a way for us to enter into a relationship with God, allowing us to have direct access to Him. He bridged the gap created by our sin; we no longer need an authorized priest or temple ceremony to be in God’s presence.

c) The Passover Door (symbol of redemption)

In Exodus 12:7, God instructed His people to paint their doorposts with blood so that death would pass over them as they were spared from its consequences. The Passover foreshadows Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice.

Ephesians 1:7 says, “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.”

d) The Shepherd Door (Symbol of eternal life)

John 10:7-9 outlines the security and safety we have when we are connected to Jesus. He is the good shepherd who will protect us and lead us into a life of eternal peace and joy.

e) The Tomb Door (Symbol of victory over death)

This serves as a powerful reminder of Jesus’ victory over death. The tomb door was sealed shut after His body was placed inside, and the stone rolled in front of it. Jesus rose from the dead three days later and opened the door for all who believe, demonstrating His power over death.

f) The Wide and Narrow Gates/ Doors (Symbol our eternal destination)

This is described in Matthew 7:13-14 speaks of two different paths that believers can choose to take—the broad path that leads to destruction and the narrow path that leads to life. This door speaks of how our choices can determine our eternal destination and how important it is to make wise decisions.

Figurative/Symbolic Doors

In the beginning of the post, I mentioned that doors in the Bible also carry symbolic references to greater spiritual truths. Well, that’s precisely what figurative or symbolic doors are! They carry spiritual truths.

Now to understand the symbolism, let’s explore principles of doors!

P.S. I can’t stress enough that all these points are so important!

9 Principles to open doors / Symbolic principles of doors!

Principles for open doors are basic guidelines that should be followed if you want to keep your door open.

You need to understand these principles to ensure the right God-appointed door is opened!

1. God- doors can bring opposition (1 Corinthians 16:9)

In 1 Corinthians 16:9, “because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.”

This verse is crystal clear! When a great door opens that will lead to effective work, the enemy comes there to oppose you! Please be aware of this when a door opens!

2. Persistent prayer can cause a shut door to be opened (Luke 11:8)

Luke 11:8 “yet because of his persistence he will rise and give him as many as he needs.”

The idea of “persistence” or “shameless audacity” as used in NIV is a principle that encourages us to pray with zeal, boldness, and confidence. Like the persistent knocking on the door mentioned in the scripture verse, this principle teaches us not to give up when we pray.

We should remain focused and passionate about our petitions, even when we don’t receive an immediate answer from God. This is because we know that our heavenly Father always hears and answers in due time when we pray with faith, even if it doesn’t happen the way we think it should or when we want it to.

3. Knocking may be required to open a door (Matthew 7:7)

Matthew 7:7, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye. shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.”

This verse is a reminder that sometimes in life, opportunities won’t just come without effort! We may have to go out there and take the initiative.

I know many people are passive at times and wait for somebody else to knock on their behalf. Friends, remember that sometimes it isn’t enough to just wait for a door to be opened; we may have to knock.

4. God is still in the business of opening doors (2 Corinthians 2:12)

2 Corinthians 2:12 “Now when I went to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ and found that the Lord had opened a door for me.”

Paul states that God opened a door for the gospel. Guess what folks, God is the same yesterday today and forever and He is still in the business of opening doors today.

We can take comfort in knowing that God will make a way, no matter how impossible it may seem to us. When we are faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles or challenges, we need to remember to trust in God and let Him open up the right doors for us. Just as He opened a door for the gospel in Paul’s day, He will open up the right doors for us today.

5. Opening doors require right timing (Matthew 25)

Matthew 25:10, “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.”

Jesus speaks about how five wise and five foolish virgins were waiting for their bridegroom. The wise ones had filled their lamps with oil beforehand and were ready when he came at midnight.

On the other hand, the foolish virgins did not prepare properly and were therefore unable to go into the wedding feast with the bridegroom.

From this parable we learn that it is essential to be prepared and watchful, so that when opportunities come our way, we will not miss our chance.

P.S. I talk a lot about weddings in my post, “10 Must-Haves for Iconic Weddings in the Bible!“

6. Doors can be divinely opened doors (especially in Spiritual Warfare)– Acts 16:26-33

Acts 16:26, “Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose.”

Another figurative door in the Bible is found in Acts 16:26-33 where Paul and Silas were divinely delivered from imprisonment. This door serves as a reminder of how God can open unexpected doors for us when facing trials and struggles, especially in spiritual warfare.

The scripture encourages us to keep trusting that God will always provide a way out, no matter what it looks like. By having faith in God and following His lead, we can be assured that He will always make a way for us to overcome any obstacle.

7. Some doors are dangerous- they lead to sin and are that of the enemy – Genesis 4:7

Genesis 4:7, “If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.”

In Genesis 4:7, God warns Cain to guard his heart from sin and its consequences. This door reminds us how easily the enemy can deceive us if we do not keep our hearts guarded against temptation.

We must always keep ourselves in check and not allow the enemy to take control of our lives. By recognizing the dangers of sin and taking steps to protect ourselves, we can ensure that we do not fall prey to its schemes.

8. Opening a God-door requires obedience- (Acts 10)

In Acts 10, God commanded Peter to visit Cornelius and preach the gospel. This door serves as a reminder that we must always be ready and willing to obey God’s instructions, even if they seem strange or out of the ordinary.

By keeping our hearts open and obedient to Him, we can be sure that He will always provide us with the guidance and direction we need to make it through whatever situation comes our way.

9. Beware of counterfeit doors

The enemy creates counterfeit doors and can often look similar to a God door. These deceptive doors may appear to open up opportunities that seem too good to be true, but it is essential to remember that these false openings will lead nowhere. Behind the counterfeit door lies only disappointment, for what seemed like a way to joy is a road leading away from the Divine.

I know firsthand that a counterfeit door may promise an easier path than the one God has laid out, and it’s easy to be tempted by its attractive façade. I’ll talk about a personal testimony in a YouTube video this September…but just know that these counterfeit doors are untrustworthy and will not lead us closer to our ultimate destination but take us farther away.

5 Spiritual Keys to Open Doors in the Bible

A key is an essential spiritual tool in the spiritual realm! Keys unlock doors, hidden knowledge, insight, and understanding.

Here are 5 essential spiritual keys:

1. Prayer – Pray for yourself and others, asking God to open doors in the heavenly courts that will result in breakthroughs.
2. Fasting – Fast with a purpose and ask God to give you clarity about the situation at hand and how He wishes to intervene.
3. Declaring The Word – Speak the Word of God with authority, declaring it over your situation, and watch as doors open in the heavenly courts.
4. Faith – Believe with all of your heart that God will open the doors of heaven for you, and walk through those doors with assurance and trust that He will be there every step of the way.
5. Courts of heaven – Educate yourself on the courts of heaven and learn how to address your needs there correctly. Understand that God is sovereign in all areas and will open doors when it is time. Pray for wisdom when it is time to step forward and push through. P.S. I have a super detailed 12-step beginner-friendly post on this!

9 ways to know whether a door is from God

1. Is it consistent with the Word of God?

The Bible tells us in Matthew 24:35 that “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.”

This verse is a reminder for us to be very careful when making our decisions. We should always ensure that whatever door we walk through is consistent with the word of God. If it doesn’t align with scripture, we should reconsider our options.

2. Is God glorified?

The Bible also tells us in 1 Corinthians 10:31, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

This verse reminds us to check our motives and intentions when considering a new door. Are we taking this step so that God will be glorified? Or are we primarily concerned about the glory that we will receive? We must ask ourselves these important questions before proceeding.

3. Exercise discernment

The Bible tells us in Proverbs 2:3-5, “Yes, if you cry out for discernment, And lift up your voice for understanding, If you seek her as silver, And search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will understand the fear of the LORD, And find the knowledge of God.”

This verse reminds us to ensure that we are fully equipped with wisdom and understanding before entering into new opportunities. We should always take time to discern what path we should take and be confident in our decision.

P.S. I have a super detailed post on discernment that also has a YouTube video!

4. Pray & fast

The Bible tells us in Philippians 4:6, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

This verse reminds us to take the time to pray and seek God’s guidance when considering a new door. We should ensure we are in constant communication with our Heavenly Father before making any major decisions.

5. Let God order your steps

The Bible tells us in Psalm 37:23, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: And he delighteth in his way.”

This verse reminds us to recognize that only God can properly order our steps. We must trust Him and His timing as we make decisions. He knows what is best for us and will lead us in the right direction if we seek Him earnestly.

6. Seek wise counsel

The Bible tells us in Proverbs 15:22 that “Without counsel, plans go awry, but with many advisers they succeed.”

This verse is a reminder for us to seek wise counsel before making any big decisions. We should ensure that we are surrounded by godly people who can provide insight and advice.

7. Don’t jump into conclusions

The Bible tells us in Proverbs 19:2 that “Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way.”

This verse reminds us to be careful and not act too quickly when confronted with a new door. We should take the time to research and prayerfully consider our options before making any commitments.

Walking through God-appointed doors can be both exciting and challenging, but we must take the time to make sure that we are making wise decisions.

8. Be sure to seek God’s will first

The Bible tells us in Proverbs 3:5-6 that “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

This verse reminds us to always seek God’s will before our own. We must be willing to surrender our plans to Him, knowing that He has the best intentions in mind.

Walking through God-appointed doors requires faith, diligence, and the courage to trust God’s leading. As we seek Him in prayer and research scripture, He will guide us on the right path. May we have the strength to be obedient to His prompting and faithfully follow His commands. Amen.

9. Study the Bible and meditate on It

The Bible tells us in Joshua 1:8 that “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”

This verse reminds us to read and meditate on scripture daily. As we invest our time in God’s Word, He will be faithful to reveal His plans for our lives. We can trust that whatever door He opens for us will bring glory to Him and fulfillment in our lives.

And that’s it, folks, spiritual keys to open doors in the Bible

I hope you enjoyed this super-detailed post!

As a quick recap, open doors in the Bible can take on many meanings and serve several spiritual purposes:

• As literal physical structures, they represent physical barriers between two different places.
• Doors also symbolize the gateway to a new spiritual journey or level of understanding.
• In some cases, doors can signify being shut out from something or closed off from opportunities.
• It is also important to remember that we are not limited by what doors may be closed or -unavailable to us – for God has the power to open doors that may seem impossible or blocked off.

I wish you the very best as you navigate this season of open doors!

P.S. Here is a YouTube video summary of this post:

Hugs,