Lord’s Day 31
Q84. How does preaching the gospel open and close the kingdom of heaven?
As Christ commanded: The kingdom of heaven is opened when believers are told that all their sins are truly forgiven by God because of what Christ has done. The kingdom of heaven is closed when unbelievers and pretenders are told that, as long as they do not turn from their sin, God's anger and eternal punishment remain on them.
Scripture Proofs — King James Version
Matthew 16:19
“And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
John 3:31–36
“He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all. And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony. He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true. For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure . The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.”
John 20:21–23
“Then said Jesus to them again, Peace unto you: as Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on , and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; whose soever ye retain, they are retained.”
Parent Guide
Discuss this question together
Discussion Questions
- 1
What happens when believers are told that their sins are forgiven because of Christ?
- 2
What happens when unbelievers are told that God's anger remains on them?
- 3
Why is it important that the church speaks both of these messages and not just one?
Illustration
A lifeguard at the pool does two things: he calls swimmers to safety, and he blows his whistle to warn those in danger. Leaving out either job would be a failure. The church preaches the open door of forgiveness to believers and the closed door of judgment to those who refuse to repent. Both messages come from Christ himself.
Application
This week, thank God that the gospel is an open door for everyone who trusts in Christ. Pray for someone you know who has not yet believed. Ask God to use the preaching of his Word to bring that person through the open door.