Matthew 16:19
19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth is already bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth is already loosed in heaven.”
Matthew 23:13
13 “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You lock up the kingdom of heaven from people. For you don’t go in, and you don’t allow those entering to go in.
The “keys of the Kingdom of Heaven” refers to a key that can lock or open the door that leads people to heaven which the Lord gives to all those who believe in Him. When a Christian doesn’t want to preach to people and tell them about Jesus how their sins can be forgiven, they are locking up the door that would lead them to Jesus. In James 4:17 it says, “So it is a sin for the person who knows to do what is good and doesn’t do it.” It is a sin not to tell someone that they are full of sin and in danger of being lost eternally if they would die in that state. Jesus paid the ultimate price for all of us, death on the cross and on the third day rose from the grave, that by believing in Him and repenting, Jesus will forgive their sins.
Next time the Holy Spirit prompts you to share the good news with someone regardless if you feel shy, embarrassed or inadequate, you better do it because that person’s eternal state is in the balance and if you decide not to share the gospel, God will hold you responsible for that person’s spiritual outcome.
Spiritual Minefield 