The Bible has lots of hidden meanings and symbols. One of them is the idea of “three knocks”. It seems simple but it’s actually really deep and meaningful for Christians.
Figuring out what three knocks means can help us grow our faith.
Where Are Three Knocks Mentioned?
The Book of Revelation
The most famous place three knocks is talked about is Revelation 3:20. It says “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears me calling and opens the door, I will come in”.
Lots of people think this means Jesus himself is knocking on the door to our hearts, wanting us to let him in.
There are other verses that sort of hint at three knocks too, like in Matthew where Jesus says “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find.
Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.” Knocking here could mean us wanting to get closer to God.
What Do Three Knocks Symbolize?
The Holy Trinity
One of the big ideas is that three knocks represents the Holy Trinity – the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Three is a major number in Christianity because of the trinity. So three knocks could be the trinity inviting us to open up to God’s love.
A Wake Up Call
Another meaning could be that three knocks is like a warning or wake up call. Just like someone knocking wakes you up, three knocks might symbolize God trying to get our attention so we turn away from sin and get right with Him again.
There are other ideas too, like three knocks meaning faith, hope and love. Or it meaning different parts of Jesus’ life. Lots of smart religious people have their own thoughts.
What Do Churches Say?
Old Teachings
The early churches and leaders like Augustine talked a lot about numbers having secret meanings. So they probably looked at three knocks in a symbolic way too, maybe connected to the trinity.
These days different Christian groups have their own ideas about three knocks. Some focus on the trinity part, others on it calling people to get right with God.
Modern Views
In our times, three knocks still gets people thinking. Some religious teachers update the meaning for today’s world. But generally it’s seen as an important symbol that reminds us to have a close relationship with God.
How Can We Apply It?
For Our Faith
We can use the three knocks image to help grow our faith. It makes us think about opening the door for Christ to come into our life. It pushes us to listen for God’s voice and turn back when we stray.
For Others
We can also imagine we are the ones knocking, telling others about Christ just like He knocks for us. Three knocks then is a cool way to talk about sharing the Good News with people who haven’t heard it.
The End
In the end, three knocks is a pretty small thing mentioned in the Bible. But it catches our imagination because it could mean so much!
Whether it’s the trinity or a wake-up call, it ultimately points us to having a tighter bond with God, which is awesome. I’m going to keep pondering and learning about this interesting symbol.
