this book.

Worship God (the Father) (Revelation

The Key of David 22: 8 – 9; emphasis added).
(Copyright ©OneTruthOneLaw.com 2019)
In the latter part of verse 9, where it says,
What does the phrase “key of David” mean? Is “Worship God,” the original Greek word for God
it referring to an object, an individual, or a is “theos”. SHD 2316 (Strong’s Hebrew
concept? The following scripture is one of only Dictionary) defines “theos” as: “…. the word
two containing this phrase. appropriated by Jews and retained by Christians
to denote the one true God.”
And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia
write, ‘These things says he who is holy, he who With this in mind, the following phrases in
is true, “He who has the key of David, he who Revelation 3:7 can be reviewed in more detail.
opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one
opens”: “I know your works. See, I have set “These things says He who is holy”
before you an open door, and no one can shut
it; for you have a little strength, have kept my What’s important to remember is that God the
word, and have not denied my name.” Father is the originator of this information.
(Revelation 3: 7 – 8; NKJV used throughout Therefore, the individual being referred to here
unless otherwise noted) as “holy” can only be God the Father in the
ultimate sense of holiness. Christ reinforced this
So “what” or “who” is being referred to in these many times during his earthly ministry.
verses? In order to properly answer this, we
have to go to the beginning of the book of Now I am no longer in the world, but these are
Revelation. in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father,
keep them through your name which you have
The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God (the given me, that they may be one as we are (John
Father) gave him (Christ) to show his servants - 17: 11; emphasis added).
things which must shortly take place. And he
sent and signified it by his angel to his servant Christ is showing here that his Father is the
John (Revelation 1: 1; Ed. notes in parentheses). source of all that is regarded as holy. The goal
of the physical and spiritual creation is that
In this verse, God the Father revealed important everyone eventually becomes holy as a result of
information to Christ who then sent it by a loyal God the Father’s actions in their lives. Christ also
angel, or messenger, to the apostle John who emphasized that there is only One who is “good”
was one of Christ’s servants. in the ultimate sense of goodness.

Now I, John, am the one who heard and saw So he (Christ) said to him (rich young ruler),
these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell ‘Why do you call me good? No one is good but
down to worship before the feet of the angel One, that is, God (Almighty) (Mt. 19:17a; Ed.
who showed me these things. Then he said to notes in parentheses).
me, “See that you do not do that. For I am your
fellow servant, and of your brethren the
prophets, and of those who keep the words of

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 “He who is true” For I (Christ) have not spoken on my own
authority; but the Father who sent me gave me
By extension, we can conclude that this phrase a command, what I should say and what I
is also referring to God the Father as the ultimate should speak (Jn. 12:49; Ed. note in
source of everything that is truthful. parenthesis).

And we know that the son of God has come and Then Jesus came and spoke to them (his
has given us an understanding, that we may disciples), saying, “All authority has been
know Him (the Father) who is true; and we are given to me in heaven and on earth.” (Mt.
in Him (the Father) who is true, in (through) 28:18; Ed. note in parenthesis; emphasis added)
His son Jesus Christ (because of Christ’s
sacrifice) (I Jn. 5: 20; cf. John 17:3; Ed. notes in Almighty God stated in a prophecy that He would
parentheses; emphasis added). give this key to His chosen servant.

Then Jesus cried out, as he taught in the temple, The key of the house of David I will lay on his
saying, “You both know me, and you know shoulder; so he shall open and no one shall shut;
where I am from; and I have not come of myself, and he shall shut and no one shall open (Isa.
but He (the Father) who sent me is true, whom 22:22).
you do not know. But I know Him, for I am from
Him, and He sent me.” (John 7: 28 – 29; Ed. Therefore, in a figurative sense, Christ has this
note in parenthesis; emphasis added) key in his hand and is able to open and shut or
lock. So, what is being opened and shut?
For they themselves declare concerning us what
manner of entry we had to you, and how you Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away
turned to God from idols to serve the living and the key of knowledge. You did not enter in
true God, and to wait for His son from heaven, yourselves, and those who were entering in you
whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who hindered (Lk. 11: 52; emphasis added).
delivers us from the wrath to come (I Thes. 1: 9
– 10; emphasis added). The word translated “key” in Luke 11:52 is
“kleis” from SHD #2807, and it is exactly the
“He who has the key of David” same Greek word translated “key” in Revelation
3:7. So this key opens up knowledge and,
Now we see that He who is holy, and He who is according to SHD # 1108, the word translated
true, is also He who has the key of David. knowledge, “…in the N.T., refers to spiritual
This means that God the Father is the ultimate truth.” Consequently, the key of David opens up
owner of the key. However, as He has the understanding of spiritual things, which the
delegated His authority to His faithful witness lawyers were incapable of discerning.
and son, this key is now being used by Jesus
Christ. This spiritual knowledge would also include
understanding prophecy, which according to
And from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness… Revelation 3: 7 can be shut or closed. The
(Rev. 1:5a; cf. 3:14; emphasis added). following series of scriptures lead to an example
of shutting up knowledge related to prophecy.

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Now on the twenty-fourth day of the first month, be the one with authority to speak on behalf of
as I was by the side of the great river, that is, Almighty God.
the Tigris, I lifted my eyes and looked, and
behold, a certain man clothed in linen, whose “I am he who lives (as a result of being
waist was girded with gold of Uphaz! His body resurrected), and was dead (because he was
was like beryl, his face like the appearance of sacrificed), and behold I am alive forevermore
lightning, his eyes like torches of fire, his (because his Father resurrected him) (Rev. 1:18;
arms and feet like burnished bronze in color, Ed. notes in parentheses).
and the sound of his words like the voice of
a multitude (Dan. 10: 4 – 6; emphasis added). So, by comparing these scriptures in Daniel with
those in Revelation we see that the spirit being
Who is this referring to? who is speaking to Daniel is the same one who
would later become known as Jesus Christ.
And in the midst of the seven lampstands one Following on from Daniel chapter 10, Christ
like the Son of Man (Christ), clothed with a continued to “open up” detailed prophecies until
garment down to the feet and girded about chapter 12. In chapter 12, he states that he has
the chest with a golden band. His head and the authority to “shut up” understanding in order
his hair were like wool, as white as snow, and to fulfill his Father’s will. We see that this
his eyes like a flame of fire; his feet were “shutting up” pertains to “end time” prophesies.
like fine brass, as if refined in furnace, and his
voice as the sound of many waters (Rev. 1: At that time Michael shall stand up, the great
13 – 15; emphasis added). prince who stands watch over the sons of your
people; and there shall be a time of trouble such
Then, suddenly, a hand touched me, which as never was since there was a nation, even to
made me tremble on my knees and on the that time. And at that time your people shall be
palms of my hands (Dan. 10: 10; emphasis delivered, every one who is found written in the
added). book. And many of those who sleep in the dust
of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life,
Then he said to me, “Do not fear, Daniel, for some to shame and everlasting contempt. Those
from the first day that you set your heart to who are wise shall shine like the brightness of
understand, and to humble yourself before your the firmament, and those who turn many to
God, your words were heard; and I have come righteousness like the stars forever and ever.
because of your words.” (Dan. 10:12; emphasis But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal
added) the book until the time of the end; many shall
run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase
And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. (Dan. 12:1- 4; emphasis added).
But he laid his right hand on me, saying
“Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last” And he said, “Go your way, Daniel, for the
(Rev. 1: 17; emphasis added). words are closed up and sealed till the time
of the end. Many shall be purified, made white,
As no one has ever seen or heard God the Father and refined, but the wicked shall do wickedly;
(John 5: 37), the spirit being who refers to and none of the wicked shall understand, but the
himself as being “the First and the Last” has to wise shall understand.” (Dan. 12:9-10)

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Therefore, Christ can shut up knowledge, or After an individual is given to Christ, the Father
open it, depending on his Father’s will at any begins revealing who His only begotten son is,
given time in history. This includes “opening and
shutting” the correct interpretation of prophecy. When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea
By attaching David’s name to this key of Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, “Who do
knowledge, it identifies Christ as the descendent men sat that I, the son of Man, am?” (Mt. 16:
of David who would be given this key. 13)

Now we can examine how the key of David And Simon Peter answered and said, “You are
works in relation to carrying out the will of the the Christ, the son of the living God.” Jesus
Father. The starting point in the process begins answered and said to him, “Blessed are you,
with a decision from the Father to lead an Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not
individual to the point where they see revealed this to you, but My Father who is
themselves as a sinner in need of forgiveness. in heaven.” (Mt. 16: 16 – 17; emphasis added)

…. the goodness of God (Almighty) leads you to Many in Christianity believe they know who the
repentance (Rom. 2:4b; Ed. note in real Christ is. They frequently use his name and
parenthesis). claim to know him and represent him, but he
warned his own disciples that this would happen.
King David understood, that when he sinned, he He also said that it would be part of an ongoing
was sinning against Almighty God. deception that would continue until his return.

Against You (Almighty God), You only, have I And Jesus answered and said to them (his
(David) sinned, and done this evil in Your sight disciples): “Take heed that no one deceives you.
(Ps. 51:4). For many will come in my name (using the name
of Christ), saying, “I am the Christ,’ (claiming to
The next step in the process involves the Father know who Christ is) and will deceive many.” (Mt.
giving the repentant individual to His son, Jesus 24: 4 – 5; Ed. notes in parentheses)
Christ, after they are baptized.
To summarize so far, God the Father leads an
No one can come to me (Christ)) unless the individual to repentance, after repentance He
Father who sent me draws him (Jn. 6: 44; cf. gives the newly converted individual to Christ
6:65; Ed. note in parenthesis). who is then responsible for teaching that person.
This is confirmed by the command given by
This is the will of the Father who sent me, that Almighty God.
of all He has given me I should lose nothing,
but should raise it up at the last day (Jn. 6: 39; “This is my beloved son, in whom I am well
emphasis added). pleased. Hear him!” (Mt. 17: 5; emphasis
added)
They were Yours (the Father’s), You gave
them to me (Christ), and they have kept Your Christ confirmed that he had authority to teach
word (Jn. 17: 6b; emphasis added). those who are given to him.

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“You call me teacher and Lord, and you say well, earliest opportunity. The phrase “lying in wait” is
for so I am.” (Jn. 13: 13) probably not a coincidence because it is used in
Deuteronomy 19:11-12 to describe pre-
At some point in this teaching process, Christ meditated murder.
reveals who the One True God is. This is clearly
stated in the following scripture. And as he said these things to them, the scribes
and the Pharisees began to assail him
Nor does anyone know the Father except vehemently, and to cross-examine him about
the son (Christ), and he (the converted many things, lying in wait for him, and seeking
Christian) to whom the son wills to reveal Him to catch him in something he might say (Lk. 11:
(Mt. 11: 27; emphasis added). 53 – 54; emphasis added).

Unless Christ reveals this understanding, no one Going back to Revelation 3: 8 – 9, we can
could enter God’s kingdom. Figuratively continue examining other truths that the key of
speaking, because Christ has the key of David, David is revealing.
he is able to open up this truth to those who
have repented, been baptized, and received the “I know your works”; which is a reference to
Father’s Holy Spirit. the works of God’s faithful servants. To assist
them, Christ opens up spiritual knowledge,
Jesus spoke these words, lifted up his eyes to which is inclusive of the *hidden mysteries that
heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Paul referred to on a number of occasions. The
Glorify your son, that your son also may glorify majority of mankind doesn’t yet know these
you, as you have given him authority over all mysteries because the ability to understand
flesh, that he shall give eternal life to as many them has been shut by the key of David.
as you have given him. And this is eternal life
that they may know you, the only true Then his disciples asked him say, “What does
God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent this parable mean?” And he said, “To you it has
(Jn. 17:1 – 3; emphasis added). been given to know the mysteries of the
kingdom of God, but to the rest it is given in
Christ warned the Jewish religious leaders that parables that ‘Seeing they may not see, and
they were actively working to remove the key of hearing they may not understand.’ Lk. 8: 9
knowledge, thereby preventing anyone under – 10; cf. *1Cor. 2:7; 15:51; Eph. 1:9; 5:32; Col.
their influence from entering God’s kingdom. 1:26; emphasis added)

“Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away “you have a little strength”; which refers to
the key of knowledge. You did not enter in miraculous power, or mighty works, according to
yourselves, and those who were entering in you SHD # 1411. So, although God’s true servants
hindered.” (Lk. 11: 52; emphasis added) are not known for the working of miracles, or
performing mighty works, Christ complimented
As we now know, the key of knowledge is them because they had…. “kept My word, and
personified in Jesus Christ. Therefore, Luke’s not denied My name.”
next statement exposed the motives of the
religious leaders who wanted to deny Christ’s As Jesus Christ is also known as the Word of God
authority as well as destroying him at their (Rev. 19:13), true servants of his Father are to

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obey what Christ teaches them. This includes preacher who is described as “the god of this
obedience to God’s law and commandments (Mt. world” (II Cor. 4:4 cf. Rev. 12:9 and 2Cor.11: 14
4:4; 7:21-23; 19:17). Those who claim that – 15).
living by every word of God is no longer
necessary are denying Christ’s name. Many, who refer to themselves as Christians,
worship more than the One True God. They have
He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep a god who is composed of either 2 or 3 entities,
His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not or hypostases. As a result of this false teaching,
in him (I Jn. 2: 4). the majority of Christianity breaks the first
commandment. Because the key of David has
Now we will examine how Christ, the key of the power to shut up understanding, the
David, reveals truths that are a complete majority of mankind does not understand how
mystery to the majority of mankind. the relationship between Christ and his Father
works. Consequently, there is a great deal of
“Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your confusion about Christ’s interaction with
advantage that I go away; for if I do not go mankind as well those who dwell in the spirit
away, the helper will not come to you; but if I realm. Even the most learned students of Holy
depart, I will send it (Holy Spirit) to you.” Scripture do not understand Christ’s past,
“However, when it, the Spirit of truth, has come, present, and future roles in God’s plan of
it will guide you into all truth; for it will not speak salvation. Christ confirmed this when he quoted
on its own authority, but whatever it hears it will his forefather King David.
speak; and it will tell you things to come
(prophecy). It will glorify me, for it will take of Then Jesus answered and said, while he taught
what is mine and declare it to you. All things that in the temple, ‘How is it that the scribes say that
the Father has are mine. Therefore I said that it the Christ is the son of David? 36For David
will take of mine and declare it to you.” (Jn. 16: himself said by the Holy Spirit: The Lord
7:13 – 15; Ed. notes in parenthesis) (Almighty God) said to my (David’s) Lord
(Christ), sit at My right hand, till I make your
Jesus spoke these words, lifted up his eyes to enemies your footstool.’ 37Therefore David
heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. himself calls him (Christ) ‘Lord”; how is he then
Glorify Your son, that Your son also may glorify his son?’ And the common people heard him
You, as You have given him authority over all gladly (Mk. 12:35-37; Ed. notes in parentheses).
flesh, that he shall give eternal life to as many
as You have given him (Jn. 17:1-2). Although Christ could trace his lineage back to
King David, he was nonetheless the Lord of his
John 17: 2 confirms that Christ has authority forefather David while David was still alive.
from his Father to give eternal life to as many as Therefore, the spirit being who spoke with David
the Father has given him. This granting of was the one who would later be known as Jesus
eternal life refers to a future resurrection from Christ. He also taught all the patriarchs going
the dead, and not something that automatically back in time to Adam and brought the nation of
occurs as soon as a person dies. Israel out of Egyptian slavery and then
proclaimed the law and commandments to them
The majority of mankind does not understand at Mt. Sinai.
who God is because they are deceived by a false

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Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and same way Christ’s disciples related to him
forever (Heb. 13:8). (Jn.13:13). Therefore, David knew the real
identity of Jesus Christ and Christ’s position as
The majority of communications and interactions Almighty’s God faithful servant.
during the Old Testament were between Christ To protect the integrity of this document and prevent alteration
and mankind. Even on those occasions when and misapplication of its contents in whole or in part, this
Almighty God spoke, His messages were document is protected under copyright law.
delivered through loyal angels because no man Copyright: This document may be freely copied and distributed
has seen or heard God the Father. Jesus Christ provided it is copied without alteration, addition, deletion, or
is separate and distinct from his heavenly Father charges, and includes the name of the publisher and this
copyright. Quotations may be taken from this document
and was the first of Almighty God’s creations. provided the name of the publisher is cited.

All Rights Reserved

…These things says the Amen, the Faithful and (Copyright ©OneTruthOneLaw.com 2019)
True Witness, the beginning of the creation
of God (Rev. 3:14b; emphasis added).

Although Christ was given wisdom from his

Father, he never regarded himself as being
equal to Him.

But to those who are called both Jews and

Greeks, Christ the power of God and the
wisdom of God (1Cor. 1:24; cf. vs. 30;
emphasis added).

For it pleased the Father that in him (Christ) all

the fullness should dwell, 20and by him
(through Christ’s sacrifice) to reconcile all things
to Himself (the Father), by him (Christ), whether
things on earth or things in heaven, having made
peace through the blood of his cross (Col. 1:19-
20; cf. Eph. 1:17-23; Ed. notes in parentheses;
emphasis added).

(Christ), who being in the form of God, did not

consider equality with God something to be
grasped (RNT; Ed. note in parenthesis).

So, the key of David is a phrase that describes

the ability given to Jesus Christ by his Father to
open or shut the understanding of spiritual
truths. Because King David knew the spirit being
who would later be called Jesus Christ, David
referred to him as his Lord, which is exactly the

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