CONFESSING FAITH IN CHRIST IS THE KEY TO THE KINGDOM

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Ac 8:9-25 A Clever Deceiver�Simon the Sorcerer (Acts 8:9-25)

It is important to note that the Samaritans did not receive the gift of the Holy Spirit when they believed. It was necessary for two of the Apostles, Peter and John, to come from Jerusalem, put their hands on the converts, and impart to them the gift of the Spirit. Why? 436Because God wanted to unite the Samaritan believers with the original Jewish church in Jerusalem. He did not want two churches that would perpetuate the division and conflict that had existed for centuries. Jesus had given Peter the "keys of the kingdom of heaven" (Matt. 16:13-20), which meant that Peter had the privilege of "opening the door of faith" to others. He opened the door to the Jews at Pentecost, and now he opened the door to the Samaritans. Later, he would open the door of faith to the Gentiles (Acts 10).

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Ac 15:6-18 The Defense (Acts 15:6-18)

First, God made a choice that Peter should preach the Gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 15:7). Jesus had given the keys of the kingdom to Peter (Matt. 16:19), and he had used them to open the door of faith to the Jews (Acts 2), the Samaritans (Acts 8:14-17), and the Gentiles (Acts 10). The Apostles and brethren in Judea had censured Peter for visiting the Gentiles and eating with them, but he had satisfactorily defended himself (Acts 11:1-18). Note that Peter made it clear that Cornelius and his household were saved by hearing and believing, not by obeying the Law of Moses.

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Bible Knowledge Commentary - Mt 16:17-20 16:17-20

His church would then begin to be built, starting on the day of Pentecost, and Peter and the other apostles would have important roles in it. He declared that Peter would be given significant authority, the keys of the kingdom of heaven. A “key” was a sign of authority, for a trusted steward kept the keys to his master’s possessions and dispensed them accordingly (cf. “the keys of death and hades” [Rev. 1:18] and “the key of David” [Rev. 3:7], which Jesus possesses). Peter was told he would possess the keys and be able to bind and loose people. These were decisions Peter was to implement as he received instruction from heaven, for the binding and loosing occurred there first. Peter simply carried out God’s directions. This privilege of binding and loosing was seen in Peter’s life as he had the privilege on the day of Pentecost to proclaim the gospel and announce to all those who responded in saving faith that their sins had been forgiven (Acts 2). He was able to do the same thing with the household of Cornelius (Acts 10-11; cf. Acts 15:19-20). The same privilege was given all the disciples (John 20:22-23).

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AMG's Encyclopedia of Bible Facts - Part 4-Facts from the New Testament - Encouragement from every New Testament book - Revelation (3)

Rev. 1:18 "I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am Alive For Evermore, Amen; and have the Keys Of Hell And Of Death." Rev. 3:20 "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My Voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me." Rev. 5:10 "And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth." Rev. 7:12 "Saying, Amen: Blessing, and Glory, and Wisdom, and Thanksgiving, and Honor, and Power, and Might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen." Rev. 12:10,11 "And I heard a loud voice saying in Heaven, Now is come Salvation, and Strength, and The Kingdom of our God, and the Power of His Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by The blood of the Lamb, and by the Word of their Testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death." Rev. 15:3 "And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and Marvelous are Thy Works, Lord God Almighty; Just and True are Thy Ways, Thou King Of Saints." Rev. 15:4 "Who shall not fear Thee, O Lord, and glorify Thy Name? for Thou only art Holy: for all nations shall come and worship before Thee; for Thy Judgments are made manifest." Rev. 19:7 "Let us be Glad and Rejoice, and give Honor to Him: for The Marriage Of The Lamb is come, and His wife hath made herself ready." Rev. 21:6,7 "And He said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give unto him that is athirst of The Fountain Of The Water Of Life freely. He that overcometh shall Inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be My son." Rev. 22:16,17 "I Jesus have sent Mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the Root And The Offspring Of David, and the Bright And Morning Star. And the Spirit and the Bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the Water Of Life freely."
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