Peter's Keys to the Kingdom

Asking God to Unlock the Gate to the Narrow Way.

God Unlocks the Gate to the Narrow Way

Matthew 16:19 NIV

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." (Read the content this verse is in.)

Jesus gave Peter the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Matthew recorded that whatever Peter would bind, command, or demand would be bound in heaven.

When did Peter use these keys to the kingdom?

Peter demanded that those who had heard and believed the gospel repent of their sin and be baptized.

Repenting carries the idea of turning away from sin,

The purpose of baptism was a petition to God for the forgiveness of sin. The person who has believed in the Gospel message and has repented looks to God to forgive his sin. God is pleased to forgive the sins of those who have believed Jesus and his teaching. (John3:16)

Peter’s Sermon Looked at and Studied

A summary of what had transpired on the day Peter first preached his sermon was that:

(1) many of his listeners heard the presentation of the gospel story,

(2) many believed, and

(3) many asked what else they should do.

Peter commands them to repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of their sin, and they would also receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Each one who desires to be baptized or asks to be baptized is "calling upon the Lord." (Romans Chapter 10. See verse 12.)

Peter required these initial items to open the way or gate toward the kingdom of heaven.

Since Peter required them here on earth, God will require this of them who desire to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.

Therefore, each must desire (ask) to be baptized, so God can complete his promise, granting the forgiveness of sin, receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit, and thus gaining the hope of heaven.

I thought of this several times and am still writing because of the faith-only teaching. They fail to see the need to ask God to forgive their sin.

It is your faith in Jesus that allows you to ask God to forgive your sin.

God is faithful and just to forgive sin.

Are you faithful to ask God to forgive your sin as you are being baptized?

Don’t wait. The hope of heaven awaits.

9/24/2023

Larry E. Whittington