Keys To The Kingdom

When we say the words "key" or "keys," it creates the imagery of a key that is used that fits into a lock. As we know, locks are used to secure something in or keep something out.

In order to open that which is locked, there must be a key or granted authorization to open up what is closed.

We secure our personal possessions every day. From money, valuables, cars and our homes. We work hard to protect them. In order to gain entry to our protected property, we use passwords, remotes, alarms, keys and special codes.

When we read the Word of God, we see references to "KEYS". One of the most well known verses comes from Matthew 16:19, "And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on Earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on Earth will be loosed in heaven."

In this passage, Christ is telling Peter "I will give to you, Peter, the Keys of the Kingdom." When the Lord speaks these words, He was not yet able to give Peter those keys, as He still needed to go to the cross to pay for the sins of mankind. The death, burial and resurrection still had to happen. In order for this authority to be released, Christ had to descend, resurrect, and ascend.

In my opinion, Matthew 16:19 is one of the most misquoted verses of the Bible. Many tend to teach this as a warfare scripture. This passage is actually about teaching and preaching.

It was a Rabbinical commissioning to preachers that gave them the right to teach others. In this, they were given the right to teach what was prohibited and what was permitted. What they would teach would trigger a response from the Kingdom and would be mirrored in Heaven.

Many understand this to mean the ability to open or shut the door on who could or could not enter into the House of the Lord. In the same way the saved can enter the Kingdom, the unsaved are locked out.

It is the governing authority of The Kingdom being instituted to the Church.

According to Isaiah 22:22, The key of the house of David I will lay on his shoulder; So he shall open, and no one shall shut; And he shall shut, and no one shall open.
Revelation 3:7 also says,  "And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, 'These things says He who is holy, He who is true, "He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens".

This is a governing scripture that reveals the ability to open and shut doors.
 
In ancient times, a key was not just a key like we think of today. It was actually similar to a plaque that was carried upon the shoulder that the individual carrying was an authorized governing official. They had the authority to walk about and enter in and out of places, because they bore the seal of the king or the government they represented.

We will see in a moment that Christ bore the government upon His shoulder. As He carried the cross and won the victory, He grants and gives permission to His followers and called ones to carry the government too.

The word "key" in Isaiah 22:22 is the word "mapteach" it literally means "an opener."

It is the same word to describe the responsibility of the Levites to open the temple in 1 Chronicles 9:27.  And they (Levites) lodged all around the house of God because they had the responsibility, and they were in charge of opening (mapteach) it every morning.

We do not just have the charge to open up the house of the Lord, but we are to open up the Kingdom of God.

When we make mention of the word "kingdom", we can generate a different thought based on culture and where we were born and raised.
In the general sense of the word "kingdom", it means a country, state, or territory ruled by a king or queen.

The Apostle Peter was told he would receive keys to the "Kingdom". What are these keys and to what extent are they to be used? What were they to be used for? What was Peter going to be authorized to unlock?

All human governments have terms that define positions of authority and the boundaries or extent of their rule. They are to understand extent and limitations of their authority.

We must understand that we can overreach our boundaries when it comes to power and authority. At the same time though, many never exercise faith to begin to demonstrate what they have been given. They are coming up short of the fullness of potential, because of a lack of understanding.

We have natural governments and authorities that we can see. However, as the Church, we must grow in an understanding of The Kingdom of God. It is an Authority that is unseen, but can be felt.

At its very best, human efforts at governing come up short. It is flawed because of the fall of man. Even the most brilliant minds cannot carnally put into place what is spiritually needed for the sake of humanity.

In the Book of Isaiah, we catch a glimpse into the role of Christ in the Earth in regards to the Kingdom of God:

Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

7 Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

In verse 6, we see that this prophecy is about the coming Redeemer.

Isaiah releases names and character traits that define who He is. In verse 7, we see the results of Him conquering the grave.

Isaiah prophesies the promise of the increase of His government and peace. One thing that human government is unable to do is bring about permanent and eternal peace.

The government of The King of kings creates peace, because it is founded upon the sacrifice and the atonement of the Lamb that breaks down the middle wall of partition. For the repentant and those that confess Him, the enmity has been destroyed. The handwriting on the wall against us has been removed. We can now celebrate Him and each other.

The result of conquering over hell and death is that there will be a release of power into His government. His Kingdom will advance, go forth, multiply, and it will increase. Where does this increase take place? It is happening in the Earth - in the heart of mankind. In His Government, there shall be no end. It is Eternal.

This victory will establish authority on the throne of David. The lineage of the tribe of Judah will rise, roar and rule. Those that connect with the Savior are now part of an unstoppable eternal Kingdom. We feel and see the rule of His authority and Government.

How do we feel and see the impact of this Kingdom? The impact is felt and seen when the principles of its Government is received among men.

The purpose of this is to bring order by establishing The Kingdom with judgment and justice.
           
When we read Matthew 6:33, it says, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

We are to seek after the Kingdom first and His righteousness.
 
When we say "Kingdom", we are speaking about:

1.    The Rule

2.    The Realm

3.    The Royalty

4.    The Reign of the King

When we seek righteousness, we are asking for that which is morally correct. We are asking for that which lines up with Christ. We are asking for the Law and the Law Giver. We are asking for the Word: The One who came in the Flesh. We are crying out and yearning for that which represents His nature. We are saying, "King of the universe, give to me Your character, wisdom, knowledge, understanding, justice, mercy and righteousness."

When Christ came, He said in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes unto the Father, but by me."
When Christ laid down His life, it was for the purpose of Him becoming "The Key" that unlocks access to The Father.

Who was this key for?

This key or revelation was to bring the unsaved into the understanding of who Jesus is, and what He had done on their behalf.

Luke 16:16 says, The law and the prophets were until John. Since that time the kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is pressing into it.

He became "The Key" and then distributed keys to His Apostles.

That same anointing is still available to the Church today.

What keys did Christ give?

He gave the Keys of revealing the Gospel of Good News. The ability to reveal Himself and His work on the cross. This ability is given to reveal Christ to the world and unsaved. Once individuals can see, then The Lord can begin to build them and place them in His Body.  Matthew 16:18 says, "And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it."

The Church becomes the increase of the government of God and peace on the Earth. She becomes the visible and tangible existence of the Kingdom operating before mankind.

In the Upper Room, in Acts 2, the Holy Spirit poured out filling the apostles and all who were present. Once this new power and assurance was in and upon them, they began to understand all that had been prophesied and spoken to them. They were now ready to unlock the Kingdom to the world.

Opening the Kingdom to the Jews   

In Acts 2, it is Peter who explains to the Jews that King Jesus is on the throne, and that in Him and in all who believe in Him, the Kingdom of Heaven has arrived (Acts 2:30-36). Peter explains in his sermon that the coming of the Holy Spirit indicates that the rule of God on Earth had arrived (Acts 2:17-21). Peter indicates later that he knows this message will be spread further, to those who are afar off, to whomever God may call (Acts 2:39).

Opening the Kingdom to the Samaritans                                                   

 In Acts 8, Philip, one of the early church leaders, preaches the gospel to the Samaritans, and, right in line with the statement from Jesus about the church storming the gates of hell, unclean spirits are cast out of people, and the lame are healed (Acts 8:7).

When the apostles in Jerusalem hear about this, they send Peter and John to Samaria. Why? To use the keys of the kingdom to open the gates of hell which imprison the Samaritans. This is exactly what Peter does in Acts 8:17, with the laying on of hands so that the Samaritans also receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Opening the Kingdom to the Gentiles                                                          
 Finally, Peter opens the door to the Gentiles in Acts 10:24-48. A Gentile named Cornelius summons Peter, and after Peter explains the gospel to him and his family, they believe, and the Holy Spirit comes upon them all just as it did with the Jews and with the Samaritans.

Peter had used the "Keys" of the Kingdom he was given. Do we?

Matthew 28:18 says, And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on Earth.

 19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

 20 "teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.

Before we can receive The Kingdom of God, we must pass through the Lamb. We must walk through the Door and enter the Way. We then embrace the Truth which allows us to fully receive Life.

We read in the Book of revelation Christ's declaration of victory.

Revelation 1:18 "I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.

The Keys of the Kingdom are given to open up the mystery of who Jesus is. He wants every person to escape the prison of Hell and the affects of sin that leads to death.

Romans 16:25 says,  Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began.

The revelation of Jesus had been locked away or shut up. It had been "kept secret". This term literally means kept silent or to shut the mouth.

Now that Christ fulfilled His work on the cross, the Holy Spirit has been given and full access has been granted.

As believers, we are not called to be silent, but to boldly open our mouths as led by the Holy Spirit to bear witness of Him.
When we do this, we point the way to Christ who grants access to the Father. When we receive salvation, we receive the Kingdom.

Let us make sure we are mobilized and not paralyzed.

We must become completely set on fire by the revelation of who Christ is. In the days when Messiah walked the Earth, many were blind and could not see Him or His mission. Many became a hindrance to those who wanted to enter into the Kingdom.

Luke 11:52 says, "Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge. You did not enter in yourselves, and those who were entering in you hindered."

Use the Keys of the Kingdom!

In His Service,
Apostle Jesse Griffin

Kingdom Reign International Ministries