Two Keys Overlapping

Symbol:

Two keys overlapping to form an X.

Meaning:

In Scripture keys are a symbol of power and authority (Isaiah 22:22; Matthew 16:19; Revelation 1:18; 3:7; 9:1).  They confine but also set free, since they both lock and unlock. 

The key is also a symbol of the pastoral office, which is also called “the office of the keys”.  In Matthew 16:13-20, Jesus Christ gave the keys of heaven to the Christian Church.  Each Christian congregation then calls pastors to carry out the office of the keys publicly on their behalf by forgiving the sins of repentant sinners or by withholding forgiveness from the unrepentant. 

The pastor does not do this by his own power and authority but by the power and authority of Jesus Christ (John 20:22-23).  The two keys in the widow form the Greek letter “Chi” which is the first letter of the title “Christos”, which is Christ in Greek.  This reminds pastors that they are acting in the stead and by the command of Jesus Christ.

This window is located in the pastor’s office.