In Whose Hands Are the Keys?
By T. E. Bowen
GREAT stress is laid by some upon what they count as a fact, that the keys to the kingdom of heaven are in the human hand of Saint Peter. There is no word of Scripture confirming this, which, were it true, would be the greatest calamity that could befall a sinful race. Ah, no! the keys are in another hand, the hand of the mighty Son of God, human, to be sure, but infinitely more, being also divine. Jesus says, "I am the door." "No man cometh unto the Father, but by Me." "Fear not; I am the first and the last, and the Living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys." Not only is Jesus the door, but the keys are in His hand. The Son of God knows the innermost motives of the soul. He is the One who searches the reins and the heart, and makes no mistake—being the Sinless One. He holds the keys to the tomb, and His bruised hand holds also the keys to the gates of Paradise. And no one enters there until His hand swings back the gates of pearl upon their glittering hinges. For this let us ever thank God.