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# The Office of the Keys **The Authority of the Keys** Jesus gave his disciples the authority of the keys. * John 20:22-23: Jesus breathed on them and said "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven." * Matth...

# The Office of the Keys **The Authority of the Keys** Jesus gave his disciples the authority of the keys. * John 20:22-23: Jesus breathed on them and said "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven." * Matthew 16:19: "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." **The Disciples Give the Authority to the Church** The disciples gave the authority of the keys to the church. **When does the Church Forgive People?** The church often and regularly forgives people their sins. **Why Does the Church Forgive People?** The Church needs to forgive people, and the authorities have the authority to do it in an official way. **Why Would the Church Not Forgive People?** The church would not forgive if a person is defiant or unrepentant. **Congregations Give Authority to their Pastor** Congregations give their pastors the authority of the keys. **Priesthood of all Believers vs. Office of the Ministry** * Designated people (church leaders) 1 Corinthians 14:33, 40: "For God is not a God of disorder but of peace... But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way."