Pastor Joshua Kiluba
Staying in the presence of God means that we have to enter into it in the first place. The Church is one place where we enter the presence of God. As we will learn in the following texts, Jesus Christ, the only way to the Father, holds the key to the presence of God.
The next part will help us shine a light on Jesus Christ and the key to staying in the presence of God. This will also be an opportunity to discover what is in for those who stay in the presence of God (see Psalms 91). The key of David is given to the Faithful Church of Philadelphia by Jesus Christ in His divine authority when He addresses the seven churches in the book of Revelations (Revelations 3:11). The question of “what is the key of David” then emerges. By comparing Matthew 16:19 to Revelation 3:7, 8, and 12, we can see that Jesus Christ not only possesses the key of David but also the keys of the kingdom [of God].
These Scriptures also teach us that anytime the keys are mentioned, they are always in relation to the Temple of God and the City of Jerusalem, and hence the presence of God. It is also vital to comprehend that a key provides access to what may have been present but could not be used until it is “unlocked”.
Now, keep this in mind, for such is the anointing residing in the concept of keys. Whilst 2 Samuel 7 reveals to us that the key of David is King Solomon, whom God ordained to build a Temple in Jerusalem in the Old Testament, we learn that the keys of the Kingdom that Christ gives to Simon Peter – those pertaining to His Temple like in the Old Testament – empowers His Church or any “two or three people gathered in His Name” to bind or loosen things on earth with God’s Authority. In the New Testament, the power of the keys of the Kingdom applies both to the Church on earth and the New Jerusalem to come, each representing the Kingdom of God (Revelations 3: 7-13).
With the keys of the kingdom, we are empowered to make disciples of all nations, to call upon the Heavenly hosts in the fight against the principalities of this world, and to proclaim the healing of the sick and salvation of the lost.
What then grants such authority in the Keys of the Kingdom of God?
The answer resides in Him who holds the keys in both instances: Jesus-Christ. The revelation of the identity of Jesus Christ is the strongest foundation for one to stay in the presence of God. When we decipher the identity of Jesus Christ, we decipher our own identity in Him, and this always brings us to a place of thanksgiving. Whilst many confuse Jesus-Christ with a prophet whether it be John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, or any other prophet, He still asks you today, “Who do you say I am?” in the same manner He asked His disciple Simon Peter (read Matthew 16: 14-16).
According to Jewish theology, Peter’s statement that “You are the Christ, Son of the Living” suggested that Jesus was equal to God because God the Father and the Son have the Same Substance (see John 5:18 and Matthew 16: 18). For this reason, the Jews attempted to kill Jesus in John 5:18.
Today, As followers of Jesus, we abide in the knowledge that He is God, walking in the revelation of that knowledge and abounding in the Grace of it, for “no one knows the Father except the Son. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him” (Matthew 11:27).
In conclusion, unpacking the mystery of Jesus Christ reveals that He is equal to God the Father. The revelation of the knowledge of who Christ is allows us to STAY IN the fullness of God! The Church of God received its Authority in heaven and earth through Christ (Matthew 28:18). As we gather in His Name, He has empowered us as His Church through the Keys of His Kingdom. As we sit in His presence, we are of those who dwell in His shelter, He remains our refuge and fortress forever (Psalms 91), Hallelujah!
