Q. 84. How is the kingdom of heaven opened and shut by the preaching of the holy gospel?

Question. How is the kingdom of heaven opened and shut by the preaching of the holy gospel?

Answer. Thus: when, according to the command of Christ, it is declared and publicly testified to all and every believer, that whenever they receive the promise of the gospel by a true faith, all their sins are really forgiven them of God, for the sake of Christ’s merits (Acts 13;38, 39); and on the contrary, when it is declared and testified to all unbelievers, and such as do not sincerely repent, that they stand exposed to the wrath of God and eternal condemnation, so long as they are unconverted (John 8;24); according to which testimony God will judge them, both in this life and the life to come (Rom. 2;16).

Proofs.

• [proof-1] Acts 13;38, 39.—Be it known unto you, therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins; and by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.— Acts 10;43.—Mark 2;3-5.—John 6;37.—Ezek. 33;11.
• [proof-2] John 8;24.—If ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sin.— Acts 8;21.—Matt. 3;7, 8.—Matt. 18;3.
• [proof-3] Rom. 2;16.—God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.—2 Cor. 2;15, 16.—2 Tim. 4;2.—Gal. 5;21.