I am the living one. I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave. Revelation 1:18 (NLT)
Jesus holds the keys of death and the grave. Possession of the keys indicates authority. The Resurrection was more than an event fixed in history two thousand years ago, it represents a fundamental change in man's relationship with God. God, through Christ, paid the penalty for our sin and conquered death and the grave. There is no domain excluded from his authority and rule.
John recorded the visions pertaining to the things which were to come when he heard a voice behind him instructing him to prepare a letter to the seven churches. When he turned to see who it was, he saw the risen Christ standing among the lamp stands.
What John saw was more than he could take, the scripture tells us that he fell at Christ's feet as though he were dead. The Lord then placed His right hand on John and began by reassuring him, "Do not be afraid." He was the one who conquered death and the grave and who is now "alive for ever and ever!."
We have received a commission from Christ. It is a task that is impossible in our own efforts and abilities. We must understand the relationship between keys, authority, and open doors. Christ Jesus still holds the keys, and he has delegated the use of those keys and authority so that doors can be opened for us as we engage this world for the cause of the gospel.
Delegated Authority
I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will have been loosed in heaven.” Matthew 16:19 (CSB)
Years ago, I worked for a company that issued key cards to the employees allowing access into the building and rooms. These key cards represented delegated authority. As a manager, I had access to different buildings and areas. Occasionally, I found out that my card did not permit access into a room that I needed to enter. I would have to contact security to gain proper authority.
Christ has delegated authority to the church. In fact, far greater authority than most believers understand. If we do not exercise authority that has been given to us, it has the same effect as not possessing it.
The centurion who came to Jesus requesting healing for his servant, understood authority:
“Lord,” the centurion replied, “I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I too am a man under authority, having soldiers under my command. I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this!’ and he does it.” Matthew 8:8–9 (CSB)
Jesus was amazed at his faith, and his understanding of authority. For we as Christ followers to be effective, we must gain a greater understanding of the authority that has been delegated to us. A failure to do so will result in an inability to fully fulfill our commission.
Open Doors
“Write to the angel of the church in Philadelphia: Thus says the Holy One, the true one, the one who has the key of David, who opens and no one will close, and who closes and no one opens: I know your works. Look, I have placed before you an open door that no one can close because you have but little power; yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. Revelation 3:7–8 (CSB)
Authority opens doors, but we still must be willing to enter. Christ open doors for the church at Philadelphia, not because they had power, but because of their faithfulness. As we look around the mission field that God has placed us in, we may be overwhelmed by the enormity of the task in front of us. Like the believers in Philadelphia, we have little power in ourselves.
Even when doors are open, it does not mean that there will not be opposition: There is a wide-open door for a great work here, although many oppose me. 1 Corinthians 16:9 (NLT). In fact, we should be concerned about any “open door” that does not face opposition. Satan is on the prowl, eagerly attempting to reclaim anything that once belonged to him. Opposition is really a good sign.
Christ still holds the keys that open doors, but he wants us to ask him to open doors for us: Don’t forget to pray for us, that God will open doors for telling the mystery of Christ, even while I’m locked up in this jail. Colossians 4:3 (MSG)
Open doors are only effective when we enter. Circumstances may not seem to be ideal, but if God is for us, who can be against us?
Resurrection Power
And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, then he who raised Christ from the dead will also bring your mortal bodies to life through his Spirit who lives in you. Romans 8:11 (CSB)
We see that there is a relationship between authority, possession of the keys, and the capacity to open doors. It was the Resurrection that gave Jesus the right to hold the keys of death and the grave. That same power gives us the authority to use the keys to unlock doors. However, authority is useless until it is exercised. “He Holds the Keys” is the name of a song sung by Steve Green that illustrates the difference the keys will make in our lives.
For He holds the keys
He holds the keys
And though we've been held captive
At long last we are free
For He holds the keys
Everything has changed because he still holds the keys!
Steve Ekeroth