THE KEY OF KNOWLEDGE

“Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge. You did not enter in yourselves, and those who were entering in you hindered.”

– Luke 11:52

Proverbs 9:10 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” The key to knowledge is God. The charge against the scribes was that they took away this key, but how? They were the ones responsible for rightly dividing God’s Word. They were the “learned class.” They were the copyists, editors, and teachers of the Mosaic law. How could they have this key of knowledge, never use it, and hinder others from using it? They neglected to seek His Kingdom first and relied upon their understanding.

While the Pharisees and scribes were shocked that Jesus did not wash His hands in a prescribed way, the Lord pointed out that He never prescribed that way. It was a manufactured tradition never given to Moses by God, but because of its continuous practice over many years, man’s culture became more important than God’s Word. As a result of traditions and incorrect teaching, those who thought they were close to God by keeping a set of rules were being separated from Him and not following Him at all.

Any religion prescribing a set of rules appealing to your self-righteousness must be examined closely. Obedience is required, to be sure. Yet God’s blessings do not ever come as a result of anything I do, have done, or will ever do. Everything given to us by the Lord, including salvation, is done by His good grace! You will know you are right with the Lord when you realize He came down to you, not the other way around. That is the key! Do not let anyone hinder you from entering the Kingdom of Heaven!

“Sins against a holy God;
Sins against his righteous laws;
Sins against his love, his blood;
Sins against his name and cause;
Sins immense as is the sea-
From them all he cleanseth me.”

– Unknown