Matthew 16:13-20 / Mark 8:27-30 / Luke 9:18-21…
The king and the keys…
Jesus was revealed as Christ, the Son of God, and the Apostles were given the responsibility of founding the early church. Jesus wasn’t simply exalting Peter; He was exalting the fact that His church would prevail no matter what or who the opposition, even from within. This very fact will be proven only moments later.
The keys are the preaching of the gospel. Every preacher uses the keys of the kingdom when he proclaims the person and work of Christ and the terms of salvation.
So what are the gates of hell? Gates are defensive not offensive: to “possess the gate of your enemies” (Genesis 22:17), meant to conquer your enemy. When the gates of the city were breached, the attacking army had conquered; the gates had not prevailed. In Hebrews 2:14-15 we learn that by His death Jesus destroyed the power of the devil which is the fear of death. The fear of death is what the gates of hell are about.
So Jesus is saying that He will build His church, and the gates of hell (fear of death) shall not prevail against it. It is not so much about the assault of the powers of darkness but that the Messiah and His church will never perish. He is predicting His own resurrection, and also the resurrection of all believers (cf. Romans 8:11 / 1 Corinthians 6:14 / 2 Corinthians 4:14). Death cannot overpower the church (1 Corinthians 15:54). The gates of Hell shall not prevail.
Now we represent the King, and we can storm the “gates of hell” and rescue people from the clutches of eternal death, rescuing those who are in fear. Our mission is to act on the truth of Christ’s statement and snatch the captives as “brands from the fire” (Zechariah 3:2 / Jude 23).
Yes this means YOU (1 Peter 2:9).
Yes this means YOU (1 Peter 2:9).
2 comments:
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Rom 12:2
preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 2 Tim 4:2
but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 1 Pet 3:15
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