^3:7 “To the messenger of the church in Philadelphia, write:

The one who is holy, who is true, who has the key of David, who opens ⌞a door⌟ that no one can shut, and who shuts ⌞a door⌟ that no one can open, says:

“To the messenger of the church in Philadelphia, write:

The One

• who is holy,

  This is the first church where the "sender" is not described in terms of His attributes in Revelation chapter 1. This One who is HOLY expects us to be holy (Leviticus 19:1-4). Holiness leads us toward perfection (Matthew 5:48). Lastly, holiness wants to dwell where righteousness lives (2 Peter 3:10-13).

• who is true,

  This is one of the great attributes of Christ as explained throughout the New Testament. As Christians, we want to know Him who is true (1 John 5:20).

• who has the key of David,

  Christ already has the keys of DEATH and HADES (Revelation 1:18) and now He has the key of DAVID. Not only does a key give the ability to open and shut as we will see later in this verse, but it also places a great responsibility on the bearer. In Isaiah 22:15-25, Shebna apparently proved not to be able to bear the keys responsibly, so the keys were given to Eliakim. The keys in Isaiah's days locked up the treasures of the Kings of Judah. Figuratively, it refers to the great responsibilities of government. The keys were on a large ring carried over the shoulder. The future key bearer is none other that Jesus Christ (Isaiah 9:6-7).

  To the Philadelphia church, Christ now proclaims to have the keys which control governments (nations) and He will use them for His purposes. We must heed current world events in light of His having the KEY OF DAVID.

• who opens ⌞a door⌟ that no one can shut, and
• who shuts ⌞a door⌟ that no one can open,

  The keys give you the authority to open or let in whomever the bearer wants. Likewise, He can close or keep out whomever He wills. He has all authority in heaven and earth (Matthew 28:18-20). This includes the church (Ephesians 1:22-23) and all mankind (John 17:1-3). This can be viewed with terror if you feel Jesus will keep the "door" shut because you have not accepted Him as your Lord and Savior. To those who have accepted Him, He will open the door!

says: (continued in next verse)