The important function of the gates which were set into the walls of ancient cities led to the use of the words "gate" and "gates" as figures of speech in Bible literature. Citizens and friends might freely come and go through the guarded openings, but all gates could be firmly closed against an enemy. Just within the main gate was a broad space where the people gathered for the administration of justice, for the transaction of business, and for the discussion of news.
Small wonder that the word "gates" came to have a symbolic meaning connected with dominion, protection, rejoicing, and the kingdom of God. The Psalmist wrote (Ps. 100:4), "Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name."
Today there is a gate which stands open to all. Mary Baker Eddy writes in the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 535): "When will man pass through the open gate of Christian Science into the heaven of Soul, into the heritage of the first born among men? Truth is indeed 'the way.'"
