Johan SlabbertPhoto: AMarcus Woodbridge
Matthew 16:19: “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”
The Meaning of the Keys
According to Matthew 16:19, Jesus grants His followers, the apostles and believers, the keys of the kingdom of heaven. This is an authority of eternal significance, one that has enduring power and vast implications for both the church and the world.
The keys unlock the kingdom—they are the message of salvation, granting entrance to eternal life to those who believe and repent of their sins. The keys are symbolic of the authority and responsibility entrusted to the church. The keys are not just for entry into the kingdom, but are also tools of governance and judgment.
The key is the confession that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. This confession is so powerful that it retains the power to bind and loose.
An Everlasting Authority
How does Jesus grant the apostles and us as believers the keys to the kingdom of heaven? These keys symbolise the authority given to us through our confession that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God.
Revelation 1:17-18 underscores this power, as Jesus declares, “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.”
Jesus holds the keys of death and Hades, meaning that He has ultimate authority over death, the grave, and hell. By extension, those who confess Jesus as Lord hold the keys to unlock eternal life through this revelation. The power to bind and loose refers to the authority to forgive or withhold forgiveness based on whether or not a person accepts the gospel.
Binding means confining someone in their sin, preventing them from entering the kingdom of heaven.
Loosing means releasing someone from their sin, granting them entrance into the kingdom of heaven through faith in Jesus Christ.
This authority is not ours by merit or ability, but comes from God’s revelation and the gospel of Jesus Christ, which is the key to salvation.
Unlocking the Kingdom
The confession that Jesus is the Christ holds immense power, enabling us to unlock the kingdom of heaven and bind or loose on earth. This confession is not a mere statement but a transformative declaration that can save people from death, hell, and judgment. By sharing this confession, we use the keys to open the doors of death and hell to eternal life for others. Conversely, by withholding it, we bind people in their sins.
The Immense Responsibility
Reflect on whether you are actively using these keys. It is not by merely loving, affirming, or avoiding conflict with people that we bring them into the kingdom. The confession of Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the Living God, is the only key that can truly unlock the kingdom for them.
The church’s responsibility is immense: to proclaim the gospel and offer forgiveness to those who repent, and to warn those who reject it.
Binding and Loosing
As believers, we have an immense responsibility to use the authority given to us. This authority is not about personal power but about proclaiming the truth of the Gospel. When we share the message of Jesus Christ, we are exercising this authority.
As believers, we must use the keys wisely, knowing that the message we carry has eternal consequences. May we be faithful stewards of the authority entrusted to us by Jesus, knowing that the gates of hell will not prevail against His church.
Forgiving and Binding Sins
We can declare to others that their sins are forgiven or not, based on their response to the Gospel. If someone believes in Jesus, repents, and embraces him, we can confidently say, “Your sins are forgiven.” Conversely, if someone rejects the Gospel, we can say, “You are bound in your sins.” This declaration is not made based on our own authority but on the authority of God’s Word.
Speaking with Authority
The true church of Jesus Christ speaks with the authority of the revelation from heaven.
When we proclaim the Gospel, we do so with the power given to us by Jesus. This power is in our hands, not to wield for personal gain, but to faithfully declare the truth and lead others to salvation.
Summary
The true church of Jesus Christ possesses an everlasting authority through the keys of the kingdom. This authority is rooted in the confession that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. It is an huge responsibility to use this authority wisely and faithfully, proclaiming the Gospel and leading others to the truth. Our task is to unlock the kingdom for those who will believe and to declare the binding of sins for those who reject the message.
Looking Ahead
As we continue exploring the true church of Jesus Christ, we will examine how this authority vested in us affects the church’s mission, responsibility, and the final outcome in the world and throughout eternity.
Stay focused to understand more about the power and purpose of the church.
Call to Action
Consider how you are using the keys of the kingdom in your life.
Are you boldly proclaiming the gospel and inviting others into the kingdom through this essential truth that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God?
Write down your thoughts and insights.