Lord’s Day 31
Q83. What are the keys of the kingdom?
The preaching of the gospel and church discipline that calls people to turn from sin. Both preaching and discipline open the kingdom of heaven to believers and close it to unbelievers.
Scripture Proofs — King James Version
Matthew 16:19
Matthew 18:15–20
John 20:21–23
Parent Guide
Discuss this question together
Discussion Questions
- 1
What are the two "keys" of the kingdom that the catechism describes?
- 2
How does preaching the gospel open the kingdom of heaven?
- 3
Why do you think Jesus gave his church both preaching and discipline instead of just one?
Illustration
A key can lock a door or unlock it. The same key does both jobs. Gospel preaching works the same way. When the good news is declared, it opens the door to everyone who believes. It also closes the door to everyone who refuses to believe. The same message does both.
Application
The next time you hear a sermon, listen for both parts of the message: the invitation to trust Christ and the warning to those who will not. Thank God that his church has been given the responsibility to proclaim both.