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Introduction
When we talk about the keys of the kingdom, we are talking about opening a significant lock. But who has these keys, and what do they actually do? Some understand these keys as belonging to a particular individual or a succession of individuals. As Reformed Christians, we understand that Christ has entrusted the keys to his church. So what does that mean? How does the church exercise these keys, and what are the implications for us? As we look at Matthew 16, we see that Christ establishes his church, gives her the keys of the kingdom, and reminds us that the gospel brings both the promise of life and the warning of judgment.
Christ Confirms the Keys
The keys of the kingdom are given to the church. The kingdom is opened and closed by the preaching of the gospel. The Canons of Dort say it well: by this ministry, people are called to repentance and faith, and the promise with the command to repent is to be announced without discrimination to all nations. All who are called are called seriously (COD Head 1 Article 3 and 5; Head 3,4 Article 8). So, we do not bring people into the church through our schemes, cleverness, or manipulation. The Lord uses a means.
We can see in Scripture that there are two views presented. There is God’s view, where we see the Lord’s eternal intention. The other view we see in Scripture is the earthly view.
There is the earthly view, where we see that God uses means. Matthew 11:28 is clear on this, where Christ generally calls for those who come to him who are weary and heavy-laden. His promise is that he will give them rest. However, in Matthew 11:25 Christ celebrates that the Lord has revealed this only to certain people. The Father reveals this truth, heavenly view, and Christ gives the general call, earthly view, for people to come to him.
It is important to note that when we preach the gospel, we do not make the gospel effective. In Acts 17, Paul preaches, and some say, "Tell us more." Others think he is a kook and dismiss his message.
Christ asks his disciples an important question, "Who do you say that I am?" Not what the crowds say. What do you say? Is Jesus a nice guru with good advice for being a better person? Or is he the Christ, the Son of God, the only one who saves a sinner? Peter affirms that Christ is the Son of the living God. And Jesus says flesh and blood did not reveal it. The Lord will build his church on this rock.
Edmund Clowney helpfully reminds us that we cannot separate Peter's confession from Peter himself and his apostolic office. Peter is both a rock in Christ's establishment of the church and, as we see in his rebuke by Christ, a stumbling stone. The church is not founded on Peter’s confession or the person of Peter. Sure, he is the spokesman for the Apostles, but he is also an Apostle. So, it is not Peter’s confession, but the prophetic and apostolic gospel that is the rock or foundation of the church (Ephesians 2:20).
Christ Calls His Church to Exercise the Keys
So what does Christ call his church to do with these keys? The church is called to proclaim the gospel faithfully and to exercise discipline according to his word. We already heard that the preaching of the gospel calls sinners to repentance.
Gospel preaching continues for the saints’ nourishment. This is a means that God uses to continue to grow our faith. To belong to Christ's church is to identify ourselves with his people and to live under his word.
This gospel preaching grows our faith and calls us to conform to Christ. The other side of this key is that sometimes people persist in unrepentant sin. In those cases, the church must lovingly admonish that person and, when necessary, exercise discipline. The purpose of this discipline is ultimately for the person to repent. Ultimately, the desire is for the person to be restored, and it keeps the church’s testimony pure. They might have to go through a season of Satanic sifting, and hopefully they return to the church.
Christ Warns of the Lasting Consequences of the Keys
This is where we see the devastating consequences of the keys. The gospel challenges us to find our life in Christ. There is a difference between someone who struggles against sin, grieves over it, and desires to put it away versus someone who knowingly embraces sin and refuses to repent.
Church discipline is not intended to be rash or unloving. This is why we are reminded in our catechism to give several loving admonitions. The Lord uses a means. We pray and hope that the person will change their course.
It is tempting to think that this is just man’s opinion. However, to be put out of the church is a warning of facing the Lord’s judgment. Christ gives the chilling warning that what is loosed in this age is loosed in heaven. Christ gives a warm encouragement and assurance that what is bound in this age is bound in heaven.
Conclusion
So who has the keys of the kingdom? Christ has entrusted them to his church. The keys of the kingdom are exercised through the preaching of the gospel and the faithful administration of church discipline.
As the gospel goes forth, Christ is calling sinners to repentance from the coming judgment. The gospel will be the means that God uses to change lives. Or it is the means that drives the person away from the gospel. People either bow the knee to Christ, or are turned away by the call.
We should remember that we do not conform to Christ simply to become better people, but because we belong to our gracious Redeemer and desire to glorify him. May we continue to submit to his word, pursue his will by his grace, and find our confidence in Christ, who is building his church through his means. Let us have the Apostle Paul’s mindset: “ Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.” (Phil. 3:12). Let us be a people who push forward because Christ has made us his own.
Don't forget to check out our Sermon Shorts on YouTube for brief summaries and highlights from our sermons, or listen to the full message through our podcast.