121. Peter’s Declaration
All Christians agree with Peter that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah (Matthew 16:16; Mark 8:29; Luke 9:20).
122. A Prevailing Church
All Christians believe Jesus’ promise of a church that prevails beyond the grave. “I will build my assembly [church], and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18b) The church of God has never ceased to exist on earth.
123. Peter and the Keys
Because of his declaration that Jesus was the Christ, all Christians believe that Peter was the first to receive the keys. “I will give to you [singular] the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven; and whatever you release on earth will have been released in heaven.” (Matthew 16:19a), and that others also received this authority, “Most certainly I tell you, whatever things you [plural] bind on earth will have been bound in heaven, and whatever things you release on earth will have been released in heaven.” (Matthew 18:18)
124. Peter’s Rebuke
All Christians believe that Peter was far from perfect, and was severely reprimanded by Jesus at times. “Get behind me, Satan! For you have in mind not the things of God, but the things of men.” (Mark 8:33b cf. Matthew 16:23b)
125. Transfiguration
All Christians believe that Peter, James and John saw Moses and Elijah on the mount of transfiguration with Jesus, “who appeared in glory, and spoke of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.” (Luke 9:31; cf. Matthew 17:1-9; Mark 9:1-10; Luke 9:27-36)
126. Listen to Him
All Christians believe that the teachings of Jesus are central to our common faith, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to him." (Matthew 17:5; Mark 9:7; Luke 9:35)
127. Elijah
All Christians believe that John the Baptist fulfilled prophecies of an Elijah to come. (Matthew 17:10-13; Mark 9:11-13)
128. Inability
All Christians believe that disciples are still sometimes unable to cast out demons. (Matthew 17:16; Mark 9:18; Luke 9:40)
129. Believe
All Christians agree that “all things are possible to him who believes." (Mark 9:23)
130. Mustard Seed Faith
All Christians believe that, “if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will tell this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20b) And that, “If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you would tell this sycamore tree, 'Be uprooted, and be planted in the sea,' and it would obey you.” (Luke 17:6)
