Why is the authority of the church emphasized in Revelation 11?

In Revelation 11, the authority granted to the church symbolizes its pivotal role in declaring God's truths, even in the face of opposition. The imagery of the two witnesses reflects the church's power to proclaim the gospel, which spiritually nourishes and brings judgment upon a sin-filled world. The church has received, through Christ, the keys to the kingdom, empowering it to bind and loose. This authority serves not only as the church's responsibility to share the gospel but also underscores the seriousness of its message. The church's role as a witness is not passive; it actively engages with the world, announcing both the grace extended to sinners and the looming judgment for those who reject this grace, thus preserving the integrity of the gospel.