Author: David

Reading Time: 8 minutes

“By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of His mouth.” “For He spake, and it was;” “He commanded, and it stood fast.” Psalms 33:6, Psalms 33:9. He “laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be removed forever.” Psalms 104:5.

And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters. And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so. (Gen 1:6-7)

Note those four words, “and it was so.” Whatever God ordains always comes. You will find that it is true of all his promises that, whatever he has said, shall be fulfilled to you, and you shall one day say of it all, “and it was so.”

“and it was so.” These words are often repeated in this chapter. They convey to us the great lesson that the word of God is sure to be followed by the deed of God. He speaks, and it is done. (Spurgeon)

In nature the clouds that float above us are separated from the waters at our feet so in Christian experience we must seek to quench our thirst not only from below, but from above. See Col 3:1-4. Our wells must be filled from Heaven. Notice how in creation there are repeated separations, as between Day and Night, Seas and Lands; so as we live in the Spirit, we are quicker to distinguish not only between white and black, but the different shades of gray. The test of plant-life is the power of reproducing “after their kind;” (Gen 1:11) We are always reproducing ourselves in others, and sowing many different plants. Since God maintains suns and planets in their various bright and ordered beauty, He can definitely keep us:

Look up to the skies. Who created all those stars? Who created all those “armies” in the sky? Who knows every star by name? He is very strong and powerful, so not one of these stars is lost. People of Jacob, this is true. Israel, you should believe it. So why do you say, “The LORD cannot see the way I live; he will not find me and punish me”? (Isa 40:26-27, ERV)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (1 Pet 1:3-5, ERV)

Do you need encouragement? Peter’s words offer joy and hope in times of trouble, and he bases his confidence on what God has done for us in Christ Jesus. We live with the wonderful expectation of eternal life (1 Pet 1:3). Our hope is not only for the future; eternal life begins when we trust Christ and join God’s family. God will help us remain true to our faith through whatever difficult times we must face. The “last day” is the judgment day of Christ described in Rom 14:10 and Rev 20:11-15. No matter what trials or persecution you may face, your soul cannot be harmed if you have accepted Christ’s gift of salvation. You will receive the promised rewards.

He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keeps thee will not slumber.(Psalms 121:3)

The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore. (Psalms 121:5-8)

Likewise, Christ walks in the midst of His churches through the length and breadth of the earth. He looks with intense interest to see whether His people are in such a condition spiritually that they can advance His kingdom. He is present in every assembly of the church. He knows those whose hearts He can fill with the holy oil, that they may impart it to others. Those who faithfully carry forward the work of Christ, representing in word and deed the character of God, fulfill the Lord’s purpose for them, and Christ takes pleasure in them {7BC 956.3}

“Write this to the angel of the church in Ephesus: “Here is a message from the one who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands. “I know what you do, how hard you work and never give up. I know that you don’t accept evil people. You have tested those who say they are apostles but are not. You found that they are liars. You never stop trying. You have endured troubles for my name and have not given up. “But I have this against you: You have left the love you had in the beginning. So remember where you were before you fell. Change your hearts and do what you did at first. If you don’t change, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. (Rev 2:1-5, ERV)

In this scripture are outlined the conditions of acceptance with God. The first experience of the Ephesus church led to good works. God took delight in the fact that His church reflected the light of heaven by revealing the spirit of Christ in tenderness and compassion. The love that dwelt in the heart of Christ; the love that caused Him to give Himself a sacrifice for humanity, and to suffer with forbearance the reproach of men, even to the extent of being called a devil; the love that prompted Him to perform mighty works of healing during His ministry–this was the love that was to be revealed in the lives of His disciples. {7BC 956.4}

But they neglected to cherish Christ’s compassion and tenderness. Self, as manifested in hereditary traits of character, spoiled the principles of the grand, good works that identified the members of the Ephesus church as Christians. The Lord Jesus must needs show them that they had lost that which was everything to them. The love that constrained the Saviour to die for us, was not revealed in its fullness in their lives; and hence they were unable to bring honor to the name of the Redeemer. And as they lost their first love, they increased in a knowledge of scientific theories originated by the father of lies {7BC 956.5}

As the number of believers multiplied in Jerusalem and in other places visited by the messengers of the cross, the talents possessed by Peter proved of untold value to the early Christian church. The influence of his testimony concerning Jesus of Nazareth extended far and wide. Upon him had been laid a double responsibility. He bore positive witness concerning the Messiah before unbelievers, laboring earnestly for their conversion; and at the same time he did a special work for believers, strengthening them in the faith of Christ. {AA 514.2}

It was after Peter had been led to self-renunciation and entire reliance upon divine power, that he received his call to act as an undershepherd. Christ had said to Peter, before his denial of Him, “When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” Luke 22:32. These words were significant of the wide and effectual work which this apostle was to do in the future for those who should come to the faith.

For this work, Peter’s own experience of sin and suffering and repentance had prepared him. Not until he had learned his weakness, could he know the believer’s need of dependence on Christ. Amid the storm of temptation he had come to understand that man can walk safely only as in utter self-distrust he relies upon the Saviour. {AA 515.1}

At the last meeting of Christ with His disciples by the sea, Peter, tested by the thrice-repeated question, “Lovest thou Me?” (John 21:15-17), had been restored to his place among the Twelve. His work had been appointed him; he was to feed the Lord’s flock. Now, converted and accepted, he was not only to seek to save those without the fold, but was to be a shepherd of the sheep. {AA 515.2}

Christ mentioned to Peter only one condition of service

“Lovest thou Me?”

This is the essential qualification. Though Peter might possess every other, yet without the love of Christ he could not be a faithful shepherd over the flock of God. Knowledge, benevolence, eloquence, zeal–all are essential in the good work; but without the love of Christ in the heart, the work of the Christian minister is a failure. {AA 515.3}

The love of Christ is not a fitful feeling, but a living principle, which is to be made manifest as an abiding power in the heart. If the character and deportment of the shepherd is an exemplification of the truth he advocates, the Lord will set the seal of His approval to the work. The shepherd and the flock will become one, united by their common hope in Christ. {AA 516.1}

The Saviour’s manner of dealing with Peter had a lesson for him and his brethren. Although Peter had denied his Lord, the love which Jesus bore him had never faltered. And as the apostle should take up the work of ministering the word to others, he was to meet the transgressor with patience, sympathy, and forgiving love. Remembering his own weakness and failure, he was to deal with the sheep and lambs committed to his care as tenderly as Christ had dealt with him. {AA 516.2}

Let everyone worship and serve the Lord God, and Him only. Let not selfish pride be lifted up and served as a god. Let not money, service to others, race, tribe, or tongue be made a god. If our thoughts are not kept under the control of the higher powers of the mind, and of Christ’s word, base passion will rule the entire being. Anything that is made the subject of undue thought and admiration, absorbing the mind more than Jesus, is a god chosen before the Lord. God is a searcher of the heart. He distinguishes between true heart-service and idolatry.

Cutting Away the Surplus of Self

God’s word is alive and working. It is sharper than the sharpest sword and cuts all the way into us. It cuts deep to the place where the soul and the spirit are joined. God’s word cuts to the center of our joints and our bones. It judges the thoughts and feelings in our hearts. (Heb 4:12, ERV)

Practical truth must be brought into the life, and the Word, like a sharp, two-edged sword, must cut away the surplus of self that there is in our characters {7BC 928.9}

Transforming Power of the Word.

The Word makes the proud humble, the perverse meek and contrite, the disobedient obedient. The sinful habits natural to all of us are interwoven with the daily practice. But the Word cuts away the wrong desires. It is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the mind. {7BC 928.10}

After the earth with its teeming animal and vegetable life had been called into existence, man, the crowning work of the Creator, and the one for whom the beautiful earth had been fitted up, was brought upon the stage of action. To him was given dominion over all that his eye could behold; for “God said, Let Us make mankind in Our image, after Our likeness: and let them have dominion over all the earth. So God created man in His own image; male and female created He them.”

Here is clearly set forth the origin of the human race; and the divine record is so plainly stated that there is no occasion for erroneous conclusions. {PP 44.1}

God created humanity in His own image. Here is no mystery. There is no ground for the supposition that people are or were evolved by slow degrees of development from the lower forms of animal or vegetable life. Such teaching lowers the great work of the Creator to the level of our very human, very narrow, earthly conceptions.

People are so intent upon excluding God from the sovereignty of the universe that they degrade man and defraud him of the dignity of his origin. He who set the starry worlds on high and tinted with delicate skill the flowers of the field, who filled the earth and the heavens with the wonders of His power, when He came to crown His glorious work, to place one in the midst to stand as ruler of the fair earth, did not fail to create a being worthy of the hand that gave him life. The genealogy of our race, as given by inspiration, traces back its origin, not to a line of developing germs, mollusks, and quadrupeds, but to the great Creator. Though formed from the dust, Adam was “the son of God.” {PP 44.3}

Just like all of the beautiful plants and flowers in Eden created and kept by the power of God (Gen 1:11) we too are God’s crowing creation and are promised that we will be “kept by the power of God.”

At the end of our day, if you are stuck in a rut, its not really about you as much as its about God. Remember that Jesus really does love you and He will care for you and His promise is for you:

Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. (Jer 33:3)

Reading Time: 15 minutes

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}

Reading Time: 10 minutes

Asa prayed to the LORD his God: “O LORD, there is no one but you who can help the weak when they are vastly outnumbered. Help us, O LORD our God, for we rely on you and have marched on your behalf against this huge army. O LORD, you are our God; don’t let [anyone] prevail against you!” (2 Chron 14:11, NET)

The RV version of the Bible says it like this:

“Lord, there is none beside thee to help.” (2 Chron 14:11, RV).

As Christians, as the adopted sons and daughters of God, we can remind God of His entire responsibility and claim this promise in prayer and by stepping out in faith, towards the direction of said prayer.

“There is none beside thee to help.”

The odds against Asa were enormous. There was a million soldiers in arms against him, in addition to three hundred chariots. It seemed impossible to hold his own against that vast multitude. There were no allies who would come to his help; his only hope, therefore, was in God. According to Rev 3:10  we will all face such times of severe testing where we can only rely on Jesus and His word. There will be no other avenue of hope of help. But so often so may of us tend to rely on our own knowledge, our own actions as the religious panacea that is needed.

It may be that your difficulties have been allowed to come to such an alarming a pitch that you might also be compelled to renounce all creature aid, all human comforts and resources to which in lesser trials you have had recourse, and cast yourself back on your Almighty Friend.

Most of us Christians don’t worry too much about such things as long as we have our properties, our assets, our savings,our beliefs liturgical practices. But are any of these able to take the place of relying ONLY on Christ? As Paul stated it:

When I talked with you or preached, I didn’t try to prove anything by sounding wise. I simply let God’s Spirit show his power. That way you would have faith because of God’s power and not because of human wisdom. (1 Cor 2:4-5, CEV)

Put Jesus between yourself and the your biggest impossibility. Your very worst enemy. To Asa’s faith, God seemed to stand right between the might of Zerah and himself, as one who had no strength. Nor was he mistaken. We are told that the Ethiopians were destroyed before the Lord and before His host, as though celestial combatants flung themselves against the foe in Israel’s behalf, and put the large host to rout, so that Israel had only to follow up and gather the spoil.

In verity, our God is Jehovah of hosts, who can summon unexpected reinforcements at any moment to aid His people. Believe that He is there between you and your difficulty, and what baffles you will flee before Him, as clouds before the gale. “”The LORD said He would dwell in the dark cloud.” (1 Kings 8:12) Exodus 19:9  And the LORD said to Moses, “Behold, I come to you in the thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with you, and believe you forever.” So Moses told the words of the people to the LORD.

There truly IS “light in every cloud.” That light is Jesus! He has assured us in many Bible passages that He alone is the “light of the world.” Joh 8:12  Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

“When nothing whereon to lean remains,
When strongholds crumble to dust;
When nothing is sure but that God still reigns,
That is just the time to trust.

“’tis better to walk by faith than sight,
In this path of yours and mine;
And the pitch-black night, when there’s no outer light
Is the time for faith to shine.” (author unknown)

Maybe we think of our faith and our Christian walk as failure. Maybe the way seems impossible. But according to the everlasting gospel, it is just at such a time when the gospel can go forth with ever increasing light and power:

Exodus 19:9 Glory of Cloud Emanated From Christ.

The cloud that guided Israel, stood over the tabernacle. The glory of the cloud emanated from Jesus Christ, who from the midst of the glory talked with Moses, as He had talked with him from the burning bush. The brightness of God’s presence was enshrouded in the darkness of the cloud which He made His pavilion, that the people could endure to look upon the cloud, as seeing Him who is invisible. This was God’s plan whereby He might approach man {1BC 1103.12}

Jesus once said:

“Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.” (John 6:12)

Christ often tests us to show what we shall say and do in the presence of overwhelming difficulty, but He always knows the way out. We at once begin to calculate our paltry resources, and to confess their inadequacy. We come back to explain that when we have done our utmost, we can provide very little. Then He steps in, determined that everyone shall be filled, with an ample supply left over. He makes His guests sit down in comfort on the grass, because there is plenty of time, as well as an abundance of food, for a happy and comfortable meal. We must bring Him what we have, however small it may be; the Church must enter into His great plan and arrange the people for the banquet; we too must distribute the food and gather up the broken pieces. The world is to be fed by the cooperation of Christ and His Church.

According to the everlasting gospel, there is hope among the fragments. if your heart has been broken by grief, by worry, by fear, or by anything else, JESUS will just make art with the pieces. We are borne by the anguish we bear, and as Christ-followers, we turn that into the love that we want to give. This can only happen as we reach out to Him in total dependence. (John 14:6) We can take all the tattered fragments of our life to Jesus and He will  make beautiful art out of the pieces.  (Eccl 3:11, Rom 8:28), Praise God!

Isa 43:19  Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert.

Isa 42:16  I will bring the blind by a way they did not know; I will lead them in paths they have not known. I will make darkness light before them, And crooked places straight. These things I will do for them, And not forsake them.

None Besides Thee: If you are facing battles you feel you can’t possibly win, don’t give up. In the face of a vast horde of enemy soldiers, Asa prayed for God’s help, recognizing his powerlessness against such a mighty army. The secret of victory is first to admit the futility of unaided human effort and then to trust God to save. His power works best through those who recognize their limitations (2 Cor 12:9). It is those who think they can do it all on their own who are in the greatest danger. (Life Application Study Bible Notes)

God Will Work With Us When We Trust Him.

And Asa cried out to the LORD his God, and said, “LORD, it is nothing for You to help, whether with many or with those who have no power; help us, O LORD our God, for we rest on You, and in Your name we go against this multitude. O LORD, You are our God; do not let man prevail against You!”  (2 Chron 14:11)

This is an appropriate prayer for us to make today. Generally speaking, our current prospects are anything but flattering. There are vast numbers arrayed against the truth, whom we must meet in presenting the light to others. Our hope is not in our knowledge of the truth, and in our own ability, but in the living God … There should be … living faith for the mighty God to manifest His power, else all will prove a failure. God defeated the enemies of Israel. He put their forces into disorder. They fled they knew not whither. Who can stand before the Lord God of Israel? {3BC 1131.10}

Now we are not warring against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers and spiritual wickedness in high places. The Lord would encourage us to look to Him as the source of all our strength, the One who is able to help us. We may look to [other people], and they will give us counsel, and yet this may be defeated; but when the God of Israel undertakes work for us, He will make it a success. We want to know that we are right before God; if we are not right before Him, then we want to make an earnest effort to come into right relation to Him. We must individually do something ourselves. We are not to risk our eternal interest upon guesswork. We must set everything right; we must follow out the requirements of God, and then expect God to work with our efforts. 2 Chron 20:15. God works in us by the light of His truth. We are to be obedient to all His commandments. {3BC 1132.1}

If only  we could take this point into consideration, that the work in which we are engaged is not our work, but God’s work, and we as humble instruments are laborers together with Him; and with an eye single to God’s glory, (Mat 6:22) not mistake the beginning of the Christian life for its consummation, but see the necessity of training upon the earth to prepare us for doing God’s will! We are not to lift up ourselves, not to be self-confident, but to trust in God, knowing that He is willing and able to help us. God will work with His people, but we want to be in that position where our trust and confidence will become firm in Him (RH May 10, 1887). {3BC 1132.2}

The application Asa made to God on occasion of the threatening cloud which now hung over his head, 2 Chron 14:11.

The very one that sought God in the day of his peace and prosperity could with holy boldness cry to God in the day of his trouble, and call him his God. His prayer is short, but has much in it.

1. He gives to God the glory of his infinite power and sovereignty: It is nothing with thee to help and save by many or few, by those that are mighty or by those that have no power. See 1 Sam 14:6. God works in his own strength, not in the strength of instruments (Psalms 21:13), it is his glory to help the weakest and to perfect strength out of the seemingly impossibilities that we face. “We do not say, Lord, take our part, for we have a good army for thee to work by; but, take our part, for without you we have no power.” (John 14:6)

2. He takes hold of their covenant-relation to God as theirs. O Lord, our God! and again:

“Thou art our God, whom we have chosen and cleave to as ours, and who has promised to be ours.” (Exodus 6:7, Rev 21:7)

God’s promises in these verses were fulfilled to the letter when the Hebrews left Egypt. He freed them from slavery, became their God, and accepted them as his people. Then he led them toward the land he had promised. When the Hebrews were rescued from slavery, they portrayed the drama of salvation for all of us. When God redeems us from sin, he delivers us, accepts us, and becomes our God. Then he leads us to a new life as we follow him.

3. He pleads their dependence upon God, and the eye they had to him in this expedition. He was well prepared for it, yet trusted not to his own preparations,saying instead:

“Lord, we rest wholly in YOU, and in YOUR name we go against this multitude, by warrant from YOU, aiming only for your glory, and trusting to YOUR strength alone.”

4. He interests God in their cause: “Let not man” (meaning mortal man) “prevail against thee. If he prevail against us, it will be said that he prevails against YOU , because thou art our God, and we rest on YOU and go forth in your name, which YOU encouraged us to do. The enemy is a mortal, impermanent thing. The gospel is “everlasting.” (Rev 14:6) Make it to appear what an unequal match he is for an immortal God. Lord, maintain your honor and your glory in our life now.”

“Hallowed by thy name.”

Now we are not warring against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers and spiritual wickedness in high places. The Lord would encourage us to look to Him as the source of all our strength, the One who is able to help us. We may look to men, and they will give us counsel, and yet this may be defeated; but when the God of Israel undertakes work for us, He will make it a success.

We want to know that we are right before God; if we are not right before Him, then we want to make an earnest effort to come in right relation to Him. We must individually do something ourselves. We are not to risk our eternal interest upon guesswork. We must set everything right; we must follow out the requirements of God, and then expect God to work with our efforts. 2 Chron 20:15. God works in us by the light of His truth. We are to be obedient to all His commandments. {3BC 1132.1}

The work in which we are engaged as Christians is not our work, but God’s work, and we as humble instruments are laborers together with Him; and with an eye single to God’s glory, not mistake the beginning of the Christian life for its consummation, but see the necessity of training upon the earth to prepare us for doing God’s will! We are not to lift up ourselves, not to be self-confident, but to trust in God, knowing that He is willing and able to help us. God will work with His people, but we want to be in that position where our trust and confidence will become firm in Him {3BC 1132.2}

As Paul would say:

My teaching and my speaking were not with wise words that persuade people. But the proof of my teaching was the power that the Spirit gives. I did this so that your faith would be in God’s power, not in human wisdom. (1 Cor 2:4-5, ERV)

Paul had written briefly to the church, admonishing them “not to company” with members who should persist in profligacy; but many of the believers perverted the apostle’s meaning, quibbled over his words, and excused themselves for disregarding his instruction. {AA 300.1}

In my other letter I told you not to have anything to do with immoral people. But I wasn’t talking about the people of this world. You would have to leave this world to get away from everyone who is immoral or greedy or who cheats or worships idols. I was talking about your own people who are immoral or greedy or worship idols or curse others or get drunk or cheat. Don’t even eat with them! Why should I judge outsiders? Aren’t we supposed to judge only church members? (1 Cor 5:9-12, CEV)

We cannot pray other than:

“O LORD, there is no one but you who can help the weak when they are vastly outnumbered. Help us, O LORD our God, for we rely on you and have marched on your behalf against this huge army. O LORD, you are our God; don’t let [anyone] prevail against you!” (2 Chron 14:11, NET)