The Keys of the Kingdom

Christ has given to the church in every age not just Word and Sacrament, not just the promise of His presence, but taking these two things combined we have been given the promise of what Christ, bu His Spirit will do through the means of grace, He will proclaim both mercy and judgment through Word and Discipline. These two "keys" are the means by which the door is opened for believers and closed for unbelievers and Christ continues to build, to preserve and purify His holy church for the coming of His glory one day in the future. As you sit under the Word preached, and through the faithful discipline of the those given to rule and oversee the church, the elders you will see men brought to life, and you will men condemned for their unbelief. Praise be to God that we have such effectual means used to reveal Christ's church, even while on earth.