Matthew 16: 13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
This takes place outside the borders of Israel in Caesarea Philippi. Here they worshipped everything but the real thing. Jesus asked his disciples who the people said he was. They said some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. Jesus asked them what I ask you: but whom say ye that I am? Peter answered Jesus’ question by saying thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. Upon that recognition, upon that trust, upon that rock, Jesus was going to build his church. No matter what Satan does he will not prevail against it.
Our faith gives us stability. Whether we recognize, believe, or receive Jesus doesn’t change the fact that he forever will be the Rock, the Son of the living God. The disciples had left all to follow Jesus, yet they lost nothing. You may leave behind a life of sin, but you won’t lose a thing by trusting the Lord. You will receive the keys to the kingdom of heaven. You don’t have to understand everything about the Bible; you just have to believe it. There is a key to heaven; the door is Jesus. The faith we have opens the door so that we can know we have eternal life. If you do this, you can be saved. When you believe and receive, the door opens for everyone who turns the key. Your key to heaven and salvation is the key to the kingdom.
You get more than a rescue from hell. You get a home in heaven, but by using the key you have forgiveness of sin. Put the key in the lock and be set free. It gives access to heaven and the Father on the throne. The Holy Spirit will drive out the evil; the devil has to let go. Use the key. Not only do you have access to God, he has access to you. Make your stand just like Peter did. Acknowledge Jesus as the son of God. Satan can’t prevail against your faith. When you put faith in Jesus Christ you are able to be rid of the devil. Use your faith. Use the key. Open the door.
I have many keys on my key ring, and I don’t know what some of them go to. They do nothing but weigh down my pants pocket. Maybe it’s time we clean off our key chains spiritually and keep only the key to God. When you put forth faith, God will bless. If you find a closed door in front of you, take out the key of faith. Put it in the lock. Jesus will open the door in spite of the devil. Salvation is not in the government. It’s not in the bank account. It’s not in what a doctor can do for you. Salvation is of the Lord. Don’t use your key on the wrong doors. The only door that leads to life is Jesus Christ.
If you go through life and die lost, it will not be God’s fault. It will be yours because you didn’t use the key. So use your faith. Put it in Jesus Christ.
Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church 