Memory #72-80
72 What is the Office of the Keys?
The Office of the Keys is that special authority which Christ has given to His church on
earth to forgive the sins of repentant sinners, but to withhold forgiveness from the
unrepentant as long as they do not repent.
73 Where is this written?
This is what St. John the Evangelist writes in chapter twenty: "The Lord Jesus breathed
on His disciples 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." John 20: 22-23
74 What do you believe according to these words?
I believe that when the called ministers of Christ deal with us by His divine command,
in particular when they exclude openly unrepentant sinners from the Christian congregation
and absolve those who repent of their sins and want to do better, this is just as valid
and certain, even in Heaven, as if Christ our dear Lord dealt with us Himself.
75 Romans 10:9
If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised
him from the dead, you will be saved.
76 1 Peter 3:15
In your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a
defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.
77 What is the Sacrament of the Altar?
It is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ under the bread and wine,
instituted by Christ Himself for us Christians to eat and to drink.
78 Where is this written?
The holy evangelist Matthew, Mark, Luke, and St. Paul write: Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night
He was betrayed, took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to the
disciples and said, "Take, eat, this is My Body, which is given for you.
This do in remembrance of Me."
In the same way also He took the cup after supper, and when He had given thanks,
He gave it to them, saying, "Drink of it, all of you, this cup is the new testament
in My blood, which is shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.
This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me."
79 1 Corinthians 11:26
For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death
until He comes.
80 1 Peter 1: 18-19
For you know it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed
from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious
blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.
The Office of the Keys is that special authority which Christ has given to His church on
earth to forgive the sins of repentant sinners, but to withhold forgiveness from the
unrepentant as long as they do not repent.
73 Where is this written?
This is what St. John the Evangelist writes in chapter twenty: "The Lord Jesus breathed
on His disciples 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." John 20: 22-23
74 What do you believe according to these words?
I believe that when the called ministers of Christ deal with us by His divine command,
in particular when they exclude openly unrepentant sinners from the Christian congregation
and absolve those who repent of their sins and want to do better, this is just as valid
and certain, even in Heaven, as if Christ our dear Lord dealt with us Himself.
75 Romans 10:9
If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised
him from the dead, you will be saved.
76 1 Peter 3:15
In your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a
defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.
77 What is the Sacrament of the Altar?
It is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ under the bread and wine,
instituted by Christ Himself for us Christians to eat and to drink.
78 Where is this written?
The holy evangelist Matthew, Mark, Luke, and St. Paul write: Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night
He was betrayed, took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to the
disciples and said, "Take, eat, this is My Body, which is given for you.
This do in remembrance of Me."
In the same way also He took the cup after supper, and when He had given thanks,
He gave it to them, saying, "Drink of it, all of you, this cup is the new testament
in My blood, which is shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.
This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me."
79 1 Corinthians 11:26
For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death
until He comes.
80 1 Peter 1: 18-19
For you know it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed
from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious
blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.