In the letter to the church at Philadelphia, Jesus Christ identifies Himself as the One who holds the key of David, who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens, echoing the authority given to Eliakim in Isaiah 22:22. He declares that He has set before the Philadelphians an open door that no one can shut, acknowledging their limited strength, their faithfulness in keeping His Word, and their refusal to deny His name. This open door signifies the access He grants, not as a mere opportunity for human works or preaching, but as a profound connection to the Father through Him. As the ultimate fulfillment of Eliakim's stewardship role, He provides entrance into the very presence of the Most High God, a privilege that cannot be closed by any other. The Philadelphians, though weak, are encouraged to keep knocking, for He responds by giving more of His Spirit, ensuring that they have the strength to endure through His boundless power.

Doors hold a significant place in biblical imagery, with numerous mentions throughout Scripture. Among these, the most profound reference is made by Jesus Christ Himself, who in John 10 calls Himself the Door of the Sheep. This expression carries deep meaning, illustrating His role in the lives of His followers. As the Door, He stands as the access point, providing entry to salvation and a relationship with the Father. Through Him, the sheep—His followers—gain access to the most sacred and vital places in the universe. Beyond access, Jesus as the Door offers protection. He guards against thieves and robbers, representing false teachers and deceptive influences that seek to harm the flock. Whether through cunning or overt aggression, these threats are kept at bay by His presence in the gap, ensuring the safety of His sheep from both physical and spiritual dangers. Additionally, the Door serves as a separator, marking a clear boundary between the flock of God and the world outside. This distinction sets His followers apart, defining them as different from others through their allegiance to Him. As the Door, He delineates inside from outside, maintaining the integrity of His church. The Door also symbolizes fellowship when open, welcoming the sheep into communion not only with Him but also with the Father and with one another within the body of Christ. This open Door fosters a shared journey of growth and understanding among the flock, uniting them as members dependent on each other for mutual support. Finally, the Door facilitates movement, allowing the sheep to go in and out. This represents the daily walk with the Shepherd, enabling His followers to navigate life securely under His guidance. Whether inside or outside, following Him leads to spiritual nourishment and an abundant life, both in the present and in the eternal future. Through Him, the Door of the Sheep, the path to everlasting life is assured for those who steadfastly follow wherever He leads.

The Worldwide Church of God (WCG) held a strong belief in the concept of an open door as mentioned in Jesus Christ's letter to Philadelphia in Revelation 3:8, where He states, "I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it." This open door was widely interpreted within the WCG as a divine opportunity to preach the gospel, a key identifier that elevated the importance of the organization engaged in this mission. The belief in having God's favor through this open door fostered a sense of significance among the members, as they saw themselves as part of a privileged group tasked with a vital spiritual purpose. This interpretation led to the notion that the organization with the open door would be safeguarded by Jesus from the hour of trial, as promised in Revelation 3:10. Such a promise made affiliation with the organization a priority for many, as it was seen as a means of divine protection. However, this focus sometimes shifted the emphasis from a personal relationship with God to maintaining appearances within the organization, with the open door becoming a symbol of security rather than a call to spiritual responsibility. For some, the organization's role and opinions began to overshadow God's will, leading to a form of idolatry where loyalty to the structure took precedence over genuine faith.

The concept of the open door in Christ's letter to Philadelphia, as understood within the Worldwide Church of God, is seen as a divine opportunity to preach the gospel. This interpretation fueled a belief that possessing this open door signifies God's favor and protection from the hour of trial. Among various organizations that emerged from the scattering, the drive to claim this open door has led to competition and exclusivity, with each group striving to demonstrate greater access to this divine privilege. The emphasis on identifying with the organization that holds this open door has often placed the importance of the group above a direct relationship with God, overshadowing the true essence of brotherly love that the term Philadelphia represents.