The Keys of the Kingdom

As noted in a previous post the Lord speaks of the restoration of the priesthood in the Doctrine & Covenants and says that the keys of authority were bestowed for the last times and for the last time. For example:
 

And also with Peter, James and John, whom I have sent unto you, by whom I have ordained you and confirmed you to be apostles, and especial witnesses of my name, and bear the keys of your ministry and of the same things which I revealed unto them; whom I have committed the keys of my kingdom, and a dispensation of the Gospel for the last times; and for the fullness of times (D&C 27:12-13).

Therefore, thou art blessed from henceforth that bear the keys of the kingdom given unto you; which kingdom is coming forth for the last time (D&C 90:2).

For unto you, the Twelve, and those, the First Presidency, who are appointed with you to be your counselors and your leaders, is the power of this priesthood given, for the last days and for the last time, in the which is the dispensation of the fullness of times. Which power you hold, in connection with all those who have received a dispensation at any time from the beginning of creation. For verily I say unto you, the keys of the dispensation, which ye have received, have come down from the fathers, and last of all, being sent down from heaven unto you (D&C 112:30-32).

The revelations also repeatedly say that the kingdom has been given to the Church.

Hearken, O ye people of my church, to whom the kingdom has been given (D&C 45:1).

Wherefore, gird up your loins and be prepared. Behold the kingdom is yours, and the enemy shall not overcome . . . . Therefore, be ye strong from henceforth; fear not, for the kingdom is yours (D&C 38:9, 15). 

In his revelation on the law of the Church the Lord says, 

“Lift up your hearts and rejoice, for unto you the kingdom, or in other words, the keys of the church have been given (D&C 42:69). 

So having the Kingdom and having the keys of the Church are the same. Those keys are the keys of the Kingdom restored by Peter, James and John. As described in the scriptures, they refer to the Melchizedek Priesthood which they committed to Joseph Smith which administers the gospel and holds the key of the mysteries of the kingdom” (D&C 84:19) and holds “the keys of all the spiritual blessings of the church” (D&C 107:18). Hence, the “keys of the Church” (D&C 42:69). The Kingdom or in other words the keys of the Church are to be held by and with the Church “until I come” the Lord says (D&C 35:27)

The Lord also says, 


“Zion shall rejoice upon the hills and flourish; And Israel shall be saved in mine own due time; and by the keys which I have given shall they be led, and no more be confounded at all (D&C 35:24-25). 

The Lord’s people were to be “led” and “saved” by the keys which have been given (in 1830), and no more confounded. And so the keys are to continue through the Church whose foundation of apostles and prophets was restored and established in these Latter-days through Joseph Smith (D&C 1:30).