keys to the kingdom
how does preaching the good news open and close the kingdom of heaven?
According to the command of Christ:
The kingdom of heaven is opened by proclaiming and publicly declaring to all believers, each and every one, that, as often as they accept the good news promise in true faith, God, because of Christ’s merit, truly forgives all their sins.
The kingdom of heaven is closed, however, by proclaiming and publicly declaring to unbelievers and hypocrites that, as long as they do not repent, the wrath of God and eternal condemnation rest on them.
God’s judgment, both in this life and in the life to come, is based on this good news testimony.
So says the Heidelberg Catechism (1563), question and answer #84.
As I read this the other morning, I was both sobered and provoked about what this means for me as a disciple of Jesus Christ and a resident here in Salida, Colorado. For I am surrounded, as you are, by these two kinds of people: believers upon whom rest the forgiveness of sins; and unbelievers and hypocrites, upon whom rest the wrath of God and eternal condemnation.
And Jesus says that as his disciples, we have the joyful duty of proclaiming and publicly declaring the Good News to those around us, which will work out for their salvation or condemnation,
And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven. (Matthew 16:19)
Huh.
Those are weighty words, and a high calling.
Jesus has entrusted us with good news about who he is, and what he has come to do. He has given us the Holy Spirit, to empower our proclamation and public declaration, as the precursor to the making-alive work that the Holy Spirit will accomplish. Ours is to live a life seeking those around us whom we may help move just one, small step closer to our Beloved King.
For some that will mean life.
For some death.
And the important thing is to live our lives and speak the truth in such a way that they smell Jesus.
Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume. And who is adequate for such a task as this? (2 Corinthians 2:15-16)
Who is adequate, indeed.
I sure don’t feel qualified.
But we are.
For he has saved us, anointed us, and sent us.
And in answer to his own question of adequacy (above), Paul provides the answer. Those who:
…proclaim the word of God with sincerity and with Christ’s authority, knowing that God is watching us. (2 Corinthians 2:17)
