And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven. (Mat 16:19)
Sometimes, I must wonder if I should have gotten up in the morning. Sometimes, I do such foolish things. Have you ever been looking for your car keys, and they were in your hand the whole time? Have you ever went running out of the house in a hurry to be on time? Then lock your house keys inside the house. Then arrived late to the appointment you were rushing for. All because you locked yourself out. Lost keys can be a real problem.
There are some Bible Keys that have been “lost.” And the whole time these lost keys are right in our own hands! And that presents a major problem!
Now we will review what one Church teaches about the subject of “the keys.” Since this is where our challenge comes from for this topic. Then we will look at what the Bible says about “the keys.”
“Peter alone receives the keys of the church. He alone is the rock on which the church builds. On the faith of him alone, the faith – even of the other apostles depends; he alone is the shepherd of the whole flock.” (William E Addis and Thomas Arnold, A Catholic Dictionary, pg. 669).
According to the Catholic Church ONLY, all Christians must be subordinate to Peter. “Peter” and his successors, prescribe all the laws the church is to keep. If these laws are not kept, dire results are to follow, as shown by the following:
“While the church lasts, Peter, (and his successors), will hold it’s keys. Peter is the steward to whom the keys belong. He admits to and excludes from the church in his master’s name. In other words, he is the center of the church’s unity. All the way from the great apostle of the Gentiles. Down to the most obscure of the church’s children hold their place and exercise their functions. But in subordination to Peter.” In other words, to the Pope. “What he binds and looses on earth; is bound and loosed in heaven” He is the ultimate judge of what is lawful, and unlawful. He is to lay down the laws and the conditions for communion with the church. For participation in it’s privileges. And for any of the decisions of this Papal tribunal here on earth. All this, is ratified in the heavenly court.” (William E Addis and Thomas Arnold, A Catholic Dictionary, p.669).
These, and many similar statements by the Catholic church affirm the authority claimed. How they teach that Peter was somehow given what they view as some sort of literal “keys of the kingdom.” And whereby they may, at will, wield the “power” thereof. Through the succession of various Popes, these keys are retained and used. Unlike The Dark Ages where no one could have their own copy of the Bible. Rome now boasts that they let their members read the Bible. Have their own copy even. BUT “all authority” is to be from Rome to decide what is truth. So, no one reads the Bible as a Catholic and decides for themselves what is truth. The Pope has the final word on that. I have done Bible studies with people who would say
“let me go ask my Priest first.”
The Bible informs that this “all authority” goes ONLY to Jesus (Mat 28:18) in building up His church. Christ died for the church. (Eph 5:25) It is His Church. His authority alone. No denomination can claim this right. Jesus’ followers are to exhort and rebuke with “all authority.” (Titus 2:15), but that authority is not theirs it is Christs. That we may say at the end of life’s journey:
“Christ Alone”
What Does The Bible Say About Keys?
The Gift Of Keys
Mat 16:19 “And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth will be bound in heaven. Whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth will is also in heaven.”
The Catholic doctrine of the Petrine supremacy builds upon this and a few other texts. The keys, so their church claims, (and Augustine has affirmed), given to only “Peter,” and no one else.
Were these instruments given only to the authority of only one person? Does the Omnipotent God deliver into the hands of such a capricious character as what Peter at the time was? Should our all-knowing God give to Peter the exclusive authority over the church? To admit or reject which of God’s decrees are lawful, or unlawful? Sinners judging divinity?
Mat 16:18 “I say unto you, Whatsoever ye will bind on earth will be bound in heaven. :and whatsoever ye will loose on earth will be also loosed in heaven.”
This text is bruited by the Catholic Church to bolster their perceived authority for Mat 16:19. But; in this whole chapter INCLUDING THIS VERSE, Jesus is speaking to ALL HIS DISCIPLES. Not one of them!
Jesus now explains to His disciples. His own life of self-abnegation was an example of what theirs should be. Jesus calls about Him, with the disciples, the people who had been lingering nearby. Jesus says
“If anyone will come after Me, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily, and follow Me.”
The cross is associated with the power of Rome. It was the instrument of the most cruel and humiliating form of death. The lowest criminals had to bear the cross to the place of execution. Often as it was lain upon their shoulders, they resisted. With desperate violence. They experience defeat. The instrument of torture was bound upon them.
But Jesus bade His followers take up the cross and bear it after Him. (Luke 9:23)
To the disciples His words are understandable. Showing their submission to the most bitter humiliation. Submission even unto death for the sake of Christ. No more complete self-surrender could the Savior’s words have pictured. But all this Jesus had accepted for them. Jesus did not count heaven a desirable place to us in our lost condition.
Jesus left the heavenly courts for a life of reproach and insult, and a death of shame. He who was rich in heaven’s priceless treasure, became poor, that through His poverty we can be rich. We are to follow in the path He trod. {DA 416.3}
The church is the community of believers who confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. In continuity with the people of God in Old Testament times, we come out from the world. We join together for worship. For fellowship. For instruction in the Word. For the celebration of the Lord’s Supper. For service to all mankind, and for the worldwide proclamation of the gospel. The church derives its authority from Christ alone. Who is the incarnate Word. And from the Scriptures which are the written Word. The church is God’s family; adopted by Him as children, its members live based on the new covenant.
The church is the body of Christ, a community of faith of which Christ Himself is the Head. The church is the bride for whom Christ died that He might sanctify and cleanse her. At His return in triumph, He will present her to Himself a glorious church. The faithful of all the ages. The [acquisition] of His blood. Not having spot or wrinkle, but holy and without blemish. -Fundamental Beliefs, 12
“Keys” are for opening and shutting something. Keys, used by themselves, without the skilled hand to use it, cannot function in their intended use.
It is true that there are real Christians in the Roman Catholic communion. Thousands in that church are serving God according to the best light they have. They are not allowed access to his Word, and so they do not discern the truth. They have never seen such a contrast between a living heart-service and a round of mere forms. And ceremonies. God looks with pitying tenderness upon these souls. Educated as they are in a faith that is delusive and unsatisfying. He will cause rays of light to penetrate the dense darkness that surrounds them. He will reveal to them the truth, as it is in Jesus, and many will yet take their position with God’s people. {GC88 565.2}
In the above scriptures mentioned we see that Christ gave the keys of the kingdom to all the disciples. As a group. We use these to provide these “keys” to uplift fallen mankind. Loving our neighbor as ourselves. There is NO EXCUSE to give anyone a bad attitude because they do not see eye to eye with us.
What Are These Keys?
Some, like the Catholic Church, seem to be saying that these keys are some kind of literal keys. Some (authority) that opens something. To tell people what to accept or reject in scripture.
The Bible only tells us that there are two “keys” that will open and close Heaven. It calls these “keys” “Witnesses.” These two witnesses are the Old Testament, and the New Testament. I realize this answer will not be suitable for everyone reading this, but let’s look at it a little closer. Jesus says:
I will give power unto my two witnesses. They will prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days., clothed in sackcloth. These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth. And if any man will hurt them, fire proceeded out of their mouth, and devours their enemies. If any man will hurt them, he must in this manner die. These have power to shut heaven. That it rains not in the days of their prophecy.: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will. (Rev 11:3-6)
During this time of 1260 years the “two witnesses” are in a state of sackcloth. Or obscurity. God gives them power to endure and maintain their testimony. Through that dark and dismal period. But who or what are these witnesses?
These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth. (Rev 11:4)
Evident allusion is here made to Zech 4:11-14. Where it implies that the two olive trees represent the Word of God. David testifies:
“The entrance of Thy words giveth light;” and “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalms 119:130; Psalms 119:105.
Written testimony is stronger than spoken. Jesus declared of the Old Testament Scriptures:
“They are they which testify of Me.” John 5:39.
Some preachers say how the ‘Two Witnesses’ are the Old and New Testaments. The essential purpose of the Scriptures is to give witness to the mercy and verity of God. Our Lord commands.
‘Search the Scriptures, they are they which testify [bear witness] of Me.’ (John 5:39).
This is to the Jews and describes the character and office of the Old Testament. The New Testament is as the giver of testimony.
‘This gospel of the kingdom preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations.’
Many other related declarations and considerations are enough. To sustain the conclusion. (Mat 24:14). The Old and New Testaments are Christ’s two witnesses.
This is why we can always say how that there is
“Light in every cloud.”
The light of Christ as contained in His Word will bless the clouds of our experience with God’s light.
The Bible, (OT & NT), is in obscurity during the Dark Ages. People forbidden to read the Bible on their own. But it is only God’s Word, that has His power, (the keys) to open or “shut heaven.” The Bible. God’s Word. If studied and followed will open the doors of Heaven for us. If disregarded, or misinterpreted, it will work the opposite way. The Old and New Testament of the Bible were the “keys” entrusted to all the disciples. To every church member. To every believer in every age, including Peter. But not limited to Peter. There is not a single verse in Scripture to support this concoction of error and deception.
Is There More In The Bible About This?
Luke 11:52 “Woe unto you, lawyers! You have taken away the key to knowledge. You have not entered in yourselves. Them that were entering in you hindered.” {hindered: or forbade}
Christ Himself speaks of “the key” as “the key to knowledge,” on how to enter heaven.
2 Tim 3:15 “how that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which can make thee wise unto salvation. Through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”
It is God’s Word which makes us “wise unto salvation.”
2 Tim 3:16 “All scripture comes by inspiration of God. It is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”
From the Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, we get pure doctrine.
“Instruction in righteousness.”
“That the person of God may be perfect, furnished unto all good works.” {perfected} 2 Tim 3:17)
If we want to be true children of God, we must study for ourselves. We must also adhere to the instructions related to us in the Word of God. (John 7:17) Things like perfection and good works will follow on their own. When the Scriptures guide us, this is how “the keys of the kingdom,” will open heaven. We will no longer be “bound” to anything on the earth. Sin will lose its charm, and its power over us. We will then be heaven bound.
St. Augustine An Exemplar
St Augustine had a very deep regard for Scripture. He once said:
“As soon as respect for the Holy Scriptures fails, faith totters. In that which stands plain in Holy Scriptures, we find the whole of faith and morals. I have learned to bring this reverence to the books of Holy Scripture alone. That their authors stay preserved from every error in writing them. Other things are too conspicuous, for sanctity and learning. I read them so that I do not take anything for granted. They supposed it to be true. But they convince me by means of those canonical writers, or on reasonable grounds.” (St Augustine, Bishop of Hippo, De Doctrina Christiana, pg.37, (On Christian Doctrine).
Every professing Christian should have this same deep regard for the Holy Bible. St. Augustine agrees on this matter with some Protestant writers:
“The Bible is received and studied as the voice of God. Telling the human family how to reach the abodes of eternal happiness. How to secure the treasures of heaven. “All scripture is the inspiration of God. Is profitable for doctrine. For reproof. For correction. For instruction in righteousness. That the people of God may be perfect. Furnished unto all good works.”
Are we then so dull that we cannot comprehend it? Should we cultivate a deep hunger for the productions of learned authors. And disregard the word of God? This great longing for something they never ought to crave is at fault. Makes people substitute for knowledge that which cannot make them wise unto salvation.” (EGW in SPTED.148.001)
St. Augustine, and Ellen White both believed in the true “keys of the kingdom.” They refused to follow even writers in their own churches. If their writings were not based on the Holy Bible.
Peter Used the Keys
Acts 2:14 “Peter standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice. He said unto them: Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem. Be this known unto you. Hearken to my words: “For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.
“On the day of Pentecost, Peter preached from the book of Joel. With glorious results – amazing results! (Joel 2:28-32).
The Lord Will Pour Out His Spirit
“And it will come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh. Your sons and your daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams. Your young men will see visions. Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit. “And I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and columns of smoke. The sun will turn to darkness, and the moon to blood, before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes. And it will come to pass that everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will have eternal life. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be those who escape., as the LORD has said, and among the survivors will be those whom the LORD calls. (Joel 2:28-32)
“For David speaks about him. I foresaw the Lord always before my face. For he is on my right hand, that I should not change my mind. Be moved. Thus did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad. My flesh will rest in hope. Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.” (Acts 2:25-27)
Peter proved that Christ was the true Messiah, from the prophecy which David wrote 1,000 years before. As recorded in Psalms 16:8-11.
“To him give all the prophets witness. That through his name whosoever believeth in him will receive remission of sins.” (Acts 10:43)
Peter was an enthusiastic Bible student. He was a man of the Word. Peter understood these prophecies. They are very old prophecies. Written many years earlier, revealing the first advent of Christ.
“While Peter yet spoke these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all of them which heard the word.” (Acts 10:44)
The Holy Spirit came upon the Gentile believers who “heard the Word.” Peter shows us how he made good use of the “keys to the kingdom.” as the Bible here opens the hearts of the Gentiles and converts them to Christ!
“And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell at his feet, and worshipped him. But Peter took him up, saying, stand up; I also am a man.” (Acts 10:25)
It was in the home of Cornelius that Peter refused to accept homage of any kind. Had Peter accepted the adoration, Cornelius and his kinsmen being attracted to Peter. Rather than to God. (Acts 20:20) Peter’s refusal to accept worship by others. And his teaching from the Bible, opened the kingdom to the Gentiles. Peter made good use of the two “keys to the kingdom;” by the Old and the New Testaments.
There is the accusation made how even the Bible does not say you should use “only the Bible,” to understand Truth. But Peter did not think so:
“We are born again. Not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which lives and abides for ever.” (1 Pet 1:23)
The rebirth, or conversion experience. (“the kingdom of God”) is through the incorruptible [seed]. The Word of God. Better known as the Bible that you and I read today. Peter knew the power of this holy book, and it’s two “keys.” Wherever Bible teaching is and accepted. Even today, it releases souls from sin, opens the way to heaven; and reveals Christ crucified to the sinner. (Gal 6:14, Eph 2:13)
“But the word of the Lord endures for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel comes unto you.” (1 Pet 1:25)
Peter always preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ, based only on the Word of God – the Holy Bible. Thus, we have the two “keys” to the kingdom of God.
Paul Used the Keys to The Kingdom
“For a great door and effectual is open unto me, and there are many adversaries.” (1 Cor 15:9)
Once again, the keys, (Word of God), opened the doors to the mission field, for Paul to enter.
“Having so obtained help of God, I continue unto this day. Witnessing both to small and great. Saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:” (Acts 26:22)
Paul’s teachings show what Moses and the prophets had written.
“But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers. Believing all things are in the law and in the prophets:” (Acts 24:14)
Paul was even accused of heresy, because he had left the popular synagogue, or church, of his day. Paul defended his position. By stating that he worshipped according to whatever the Bible taught. These keys had loosened him from error and had opened the way to heaven for him. This will be the same kind of experience of all, who like Paul, want to enjoy guidance by the Scriptures.
Timothy Given the Keys
2 Tim.4:1-2 “I charge thee thus before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ. Who will judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom. Preach the word. Be instant in season, out of season. Reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.”
The charge given to Timothy, by Paul, was to “preach the Word.” Timothy had the same “keys,” the use of which would open hearts to prepare for the judgement. and the coming of the Lord.
2 Tim.4:3 “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine. After their own desires will they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears. ;And they will turn away their ears from the truth, and will turn unto fables.”
The Bible records that in time, false teachers would not teach correct doctrines. and they would turn away from hearing the Truth as it is in Jesus. In His Word.
” John 17:17 “Sanctify the through Thy truth; for Thy Word is Truth
What is this Truth that Paul said people would not listen to? It is God’s Word.
Wrong Use of Keys
2 Pet 3:15-16 “And account that the long suffering of our Lord is salvation. Even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you. As also in all his epistles. Speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to understand. The unlearned and unstable wrest as they do also the other scriptures. Unto their own destruction.”
As Peter said, the wrong application of Scripture will mislead people. And thus, error, instead of truth cherished. The sad results will be destruction, thus the kingdom of heaven shuts. The keys turned the wrong way. Used for the wrong reasons.
In your study of the word, lay at the door of investigation your preconceived opinions. Your hereditary and cultivated ideas. You will never reach the truth if you study the Scriptures to vindicate your own ideas. Leave these at the door, and with a contrite heart go in to hear what the Lord has to say to you. As the humble seeker for truth sits at Christ’s feet, and learns of Him, the word gives him understanding. To those who are too wise in their own conceit to study the Bible. Christ says, you must become meek and lowly in heart if you desire to become wise unto salvation.
Do not read the word in the light of your former opinions. But, with a mind free from prejudice, search it. If, as you read, conviction comes, and you see that your cherished opinions are not in harmony with the word. Do not try to make the word fit these opinions. Make your opinions fit the word. Do not allow what you have believed or practiced in the past to control your understanding. Open the eyes of your mind to behold wondrous things out of the law. Find out what it says, and then plant your feet on the eternal Rock.{MYP 260.1-2}
Your mind is being enlightened. By the opening of God’s word to the understanding. You realize the responsibility to God. And to the world. You will feel that your talents must develop in a way that will produce the very best results. knowing that you are to “show forth the praises” of Him who has called us “out of darkness into His marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:9.
While growing in grace and in a knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, (2 Pet 3:18) you may realize your own imperfections. Feel your real ignorance. Seek to preserve and put to the stretch the powers of mind, that you may become an intelligent Christian. Imbued with the Spirit of Christ we will grasp knowledge with all their faculties. Without this experience, education loses its true brightness and glory. {CT 37.2}
The entrance of God’s word is the application of divine truth to the heart. Purifying and refining the soul through the agency of the Holy Spirit. The faculties devoted to God, under the guidance of the divine Spirit, develop. Devotion and piety establish such a close relation between Jesus and His disciples. The Christian becomes like Him. Through the power of God, the weak, vacillating character becomes changed.
To one of strength and steadfastness. You become a person of sound principle, clear perception, and reliable, well-balanced judgment. (2 Cor 5:17) Having a connection with God, the source of light and understanding. Your views unbiased by preconceived opinions, become broader. Discernment more penetrative and farseeing. The knowledge of God. The understanding of His revealed will. As far as human minds can grasp it, will, when received into the character, make an effectual people. {CT 37.3}