Keys of the Kingdom

Question:
What were the Keys of the Kingdom?

Answer:
Keys are used for unlocking an entrance (Revelation_1:18; 9:1; 20:1). In this instance, it is the entrance into that heavenly kingdom or church. It is important that we understand that the "church" and the "kingdom" refer to the same place in (Matthew_16:19). The kingdom or church became a reality in (Acts_2). Peter extended the Lord’s invitation, and three thousand wanted to know what to do to be saved. They accepted his teaching and were baptized for the remission of their sins (Acts 2: 38-41). Here are the five Keys of the Kingdom.

One must Hear the gospel - "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans_10:17)

One must Believe the gospel - "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." (Hebrews_11:6)

One must Confess his faith before men - "Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven." (Matthew_7:21)

One must Repent of past sins - "I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish." (Luke_13:3)

Having done these things One must be baptized - "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned." (Mark_16:16)

Peter allowed entrance (used the keys) to the kingdom on that day. He did that when he preached the gospel the good news. The seed of the kingdom is the word of God (Luke_8: 11). When the gospel is preached and people and accept it, they are using the key God has given man and are allowed entrance into God’s kingdom (Colossians_1: 13 -14).

These are indeed the keys that have been preached and used for almost 2000 years.

Bill Watkins