- All Christians have the “keys of the kingdom of heaven.” They can open heaven for repentant people by telling them that their sins are forgiven. They can close heaven to the impenitent as long as they do not repent by telling them that they are not forgiven.
- Though all Christians have the keys, God has also established the public ministry of the church. He wants leaders who are specially called by a group of believers to administer the means of grace on their behalf, serving as Christ’s representatives. Only men are to serve as pastors, in keeping with the headship principle revealed in God’s Word since creation.
- It is important to confess our sins to God. We may do so in our private prayers, with others in public worship, or alone before our pastor or some other Christian. When repentant Christians confess their sins, a Christian pastor or layperson should speak an absolution, announcing the forgiveness of sins for the sake of Christ and by Christ’s authority.
