The concept of Key in Christianity
Synonyms: Solution, Guide, Opening, Access, Entry, Combination, Essential, Primary, Main, Significant, Vital
In Malay: Kumci; In Swedish: Nyckel; In Finnish: Avain; In Dutch: Sleutel; In German: ³§³¦³ó±ôü²õ²õ±ð±ô; In Spanish: Llave; In French: °ä±ôé
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Christian concept of 'Key'
From: Ante-nicene Fathers
(1) The key is what Caiaphas had, and it was used to seal the door where Joseph was locked in, and the people were surprised when they found the seals unbroken.[1] (2) These are what the Lord left here to Peter and through him to the Church, which every one who has been here put to the question, and also made confession, will carry with him, according to the text.[2] (3) The keys are given to those who are fortified against the gates of Hades, allowing them to open gates that were closed to those who had been conquered, and granting access to the kingdom.[3] (4) The key is associated with knowledge, and it opens the gate of life and the entrance to eternal life, implying it is an essential tool for access to something significant.[4] (5) The keys are mentioned in relation to Caiaphas, and the fact that they had them.[5]
From: Gospel of Thomas Commentary
(1) These items are taken and hidden, which prevent others from accessing or understanding something of importance, creating a barrier.[6]
From: Summa Theologica (English translation)
(1) This pertains to the power of the ministers and is mentioned in the context of the priest's role in absolving sins, as described in the provided text.[7] (2) This represents a metaphorical concept that demands careful consideration, and the act of using them requires prudence and careful assessment of the situation at hand.[8] (3) Symbolic instruments representing authority and power to open and shut access to the heavenly kingdom, differentiated into sacred and jurisdictional uses.[9] (4) In this context, keys refer to the spiritual authority given to Church ministers to bind and loose souls.[10]
From: The Complete Sayings of Jesus
(1) These are given to someone, and they are associated with the kingdom of heaven, and actions on earth are connected to events there.[11]
From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)
(1) These are not of the storehouse, but of the mansion itself, and the gift of them points to the privilege of admitting others into the Kingdom, according to the text.[12]
From: Expositions of Holy Scripture
(1) The kingly Christ has the keys in His own hand, indicating authority to open and shut, and control over death and the regions of the dead.[13]
From: The Kebra Nagast
(1) Instruments Zadok uses to access the house of the sanctuary, symbolizing authority and access to sacred spaces.[14]
From: The Second Helvetic Confession
(1) The text explains that a lord gives up his power to the steward in his house and gives him the keys to admit or exclude those whom the lord chooses.[15]