What is "keys of the kingdom"

n. (alternative form of keys to the kingdom English)

The keys of the kingdom is a Christian concept of eternal church authority established in the 1st century A.D., initially through St. Peter, then through the rest of the 12 Apostles, these who, continuing with the early Church Fathers, would eventually comprise the early church and its doctrine. It is this authority, having been given the keys, that subsequent doctrinal points have been built upon.

The authority with the keys can be literally traced to one passage in the New Testament where Jesus mentions them first in response to St. Peter answering a question, and secondly in speaking to a group of disciples. In these two instances, the concept of authority follows having been given the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and regards loosening and binding things on earth, and thus, having loosened and bound the same in heaven. (Matthew 16:19), (Matthew 18:18). A third authority regarding sin is seen without mentioning keys in (John 20: 23).

Not all adherents to the faith in the risen Christ follow the further doctrinal concepts of sole authority held in any particular church, organization or individual today. One view is that the keys were used for a specific purpose and at a set time; namely at the Day of Pentecost - the baptism of the Holy Spirit. There is much debate regarding the further doctrinal base the church's leadership established in the early centuries.

Many subsequent Protestant denominations and religious groups today, including The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and The Family International, believe to also hold this authority to further doctrine. In the LDS Church, the concept is strongly tied to the priesthood keys held by the President of the Church and their Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Keys of the Kingdom is a 1991 studio album by The Moody Blues

(The) Key(s) of (or, to) the Kingdom may also refer to:

• The Christian concept of the Keys of the kingdom
• The Keys of Heaven used in heraldry
• The Keys of the Kingdom, 1941 novel by A. J. Cronin
  • The Keys of the Kingdom (film), 1944 film based on the Cronin novel
• The Keys to the Kingdom, book series by Garth Nix
• The Key to the Kingdom, 2003 manga series
• Key to the Kingdom, board game

• "Key to the Kingdom", 1956 single by The Nutmegs
• The Key to the Kingdom, 1995 compilation album of gospel songs recorded on the Motown record label
• "Key to the Kingdom", song by Spin Doctors on the 1999 album Here Comes the Bride (album)
• "The Key to the Kingdom", song by Praga Khan on the 2003 album Not Strictly Rubens
• "Key to the Kingdom", song by Spencer Wiggins on the 2003 album of the same name
• "Keys to the Kingdom", song by Group 1 Crew on the 2008 album Ordinary Dreamers
• The Key To the Kingdom, 2009 album by Stephan Mathieu
• "Key to the Kingdom", title track of a 2010 album by Lulu Roman
• "Keys to the Kingdom" (song), song by Linkin Park on the 2014 album The Hunting Party