These words expand upon the effect of having the key of David. As all power belongs to Jesus Christ, no force anywhere in God’s creation is able to ruin what he does. If Jesus opens access to the New Jerusalem, no one is able to close it; if he closes access, no one can open it. It is important to note that opening is mentioned first. After all, ever since our exile from the garden of Eden on account of our rebellion in Paradise, the way back was firmly blocked (Genesis 3:24). But Jesus Christ is able to “open” that door because of his work on the cross (Colossians 1:13). His opening work is valid for Jews and Gentiles alike.
7 “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens.