Matt. 16:18-19 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”
If a person is ‘in Christ’ a true believer (Galatians 3:26-28)-this verse should reach out and grip our heart. Jesus is saying He is giving us the key that will unlock the gates of heaven, all eternal life changing blessings given from God. Many would agree with me that having a key to access Gods heavenly kingdom will bring His glory and truth down from above that will save the lost, heal the sick and bring His presence and joy to His church as never before!
Matt. 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
This truth transcends any earthly affiliation, denomination or religious organization. If the God in heaven is the giver of all good things-and He is;
James 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights
and His power in heaven is greater that all evil power-and it is Ephesians 1: 19-21 That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion,
-than having spiritual keys to unlock heaven should have priority in every Christian’s life. Quite frankly, for the sake of our loved ones, understanding and applying this verse should be a spiritual quest that should set the course for our lives. We need to come to a full spiritual reality that Jesus, the savior of the universe is telling us
1) This ‘KEY’ will open Gods heaven!! That means using this ‘key’ will open the Fathers glory and presence, break darkness on our loved ones and will deliver His heavenly blessings to us. (2 Cor. 4:4-6, Rev. 22:1-6)
According to Paul, having His presence and blessings from heaven pour into our lives is the greatest experience one could ever hope for-
Ephesians 3:14-21-LIVING BIBLE
17) And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts, living within you as you trust in Him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God’s marvelous love;18-19) and may you be able to feel and understand, as all God’s children should, how long, how wide, how deep and how high His love really is, and to experience this love for yourselves, though it is so great that you will never see the end of it or fully know or understand it. And so at last you will be filled up with God Himself. 20) Now glory be to God who by His mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of-infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes. 21) May He be given glory forever and ever through endless ages because of His master plan of salvation for the Church through Jesus Christ.
2) Jesus uses the word ‘KEY’ for a purpose. A specific ‘key’ opens a specific ‘door’. This door is the Kingdom of heaven. So this particular ‘key’ if vitally important! The ‘key’ to open Gods heavenly kingdom is clearly stated by Jesus after He gives them to Peter (and the church)
Matt. 16:19 ‘I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”
While faith in Christ’s work on the cross brings eternal life to an individual, there is no other ‘KEY’ in the Word of God that believers use to open Gods heavenly kingdom. Thus, Jesus is saying that the work of ‘binding and loosening’ is the only way (the only ‘key’) for the church to pour out the full glory and blessings from heaven to earth.
Simply, Jesus would not use the word ‘key’ if other methods would open the kingdom of heaven. For example, there are many ‘parts’ in the body of Christ as stated throughout His Word, and many gifts in the spirit shared among the body of Christ. It is incredibly beautiful how many different gifts and callings can all work together to accomplish the work of the church (1 Cor. 12-14). When it comes to opening the kingdom of heaven however (and fighting the forces from ‘the gates of hell’) Jesus specifically uses the concept of a particular key that opens a particular door. We cannot deviate from His holy Word. The key is ‘binding and loosening’ and the door is the ‘kingdom of God’. Thus, understanding ‘binding and loosening’ is one of the most critical aspects of our Christian walk. Our hearts should be crying out …Lord, help me understand and apply this ‘key’ to my life!
Biblical Explanation To Unlock The Kingdom Of Heaven
The first lesson the Lord gives us is there will be a spiritual and physical war over this key.
Matt. 16:18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it…. (Rev. 12, Rev. 6: 9-11).
When followers of Christ use this ‘key’ that will open the heavens, there will be a ‘full-attack’ from the open gates of hell and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. We shall see later why Jesus mentions this ‘key’ and Satanic warfare are mentioned in the same teaching. We need to always remember however that we will have victory if we abide in the rock of Christ. (Heb. 10: 35-39, Heb. 13:6, Ps. 62).
Let’s now use His word to discover the key given by Jesus to unlock His Fathers glory and blessings from His throne Matt. 16:19 ‘I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”
Part 1-What Are the ‘Keys’ to Gods House
We can start by showing how Jesus was relating to Jewish scripture (the Old Testament). The typical Jewish person knew that there were ‘keys’ to the house of God.
When the Israeli’s traveled in the wilderness after leaving Egypt, they had a temporary worship place called the tabernacle. This house (or tent) of God was prior to the temple in Jerusalem and on a smaller scale.
… the four principal gatekeepers, who were Levites, were entrusted with the responsibility for the rooms and treasuries in the house of God. They would spend the night stationed around the house of God, because they had to guard it; and they had charge of the key for opening it each morning. 1 Chron. 9:26-27
These gatekeepers would protect the holy tabernacle and open the gates in the morning. They understood that protecting the tabernacle could mean ‘ fighting to the death’ the enemies of the one true God.
Later, when the Jewish people secured the land promised by God, they built a temple in Jerusalem. The Israelis knew the Temple in Jerusalem was established by King David (he fought the enemies of the land and his son Solomon build it (2 Sam. 7:1-17, 1 Chron. 17:1-15). The Israelis also knew there will be a future King to rule on this site the kingdoms of the world (Joel 2:27, 32).
Ish. 9:6-7 … to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace..He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. Also Is. 16:5
We know this ruler to be Jesus (Matt 2:6, Romans 15:12). We also know from scripture there is a ‘key’ to David’s house, which is the Temple in Jerusalem.
Ish. 22:22 I will place on his shoulder the key to the house of David; what he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.
Confirmed to be Jesus in Revelation
Rev. 3:7 “To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open (starting with Rev. 1:17-18).
The future ruler and priest (Jesus Heb. 4:14, 5:5-6) that reigns in the house of David will have a key that has royal access to all the kingdoms of the world (prior verses). In other words, Jesus will rule a future kingdom that has a key to access to all the powers and kingdoms of the entire world. This part gets really exciting. As stated in the opening verse, we the church also have access to this key and position in Christ
Eph. 2:6-7 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus ,in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.
1 Peter 2:5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. (also 1 Peter 2:9, Rev. 1:6)
Rev. 20:6 Blessed and holy are those who have part in the first resurrection (the saints)…, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.
We can see from the above scriptures the ‘keys’ to the house of God started in the wilderness and will finish in Jerusalem with Christ reigning over all power of the universe. Incredibly, the above verse state we will share in His eternal reign. Today however, we cannot reign with Christ in Jerusalem because the Lord is not in Jerusalem, but at the Father side in heaven.
Heb. 10:13 “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet”
Notice the Lord will sit until His enemies are under His feet (subject to Him). This is the purpose for the church and why the Lord gave Peter (also the church) the ‘keys’ to the kingdom of heaven. Christ has current reign over the kingdoms of this world but is abiding in heaven.
Eph. 1:20-22 which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church,
The Fathers purpose is to bring our two worlds together as one
Eph. 1:10 to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment —to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.
Matt 6:9-10“This, then, is how you should pray:“‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Matt 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
The church is on earth and is commanded to fulfill the Lords reign on earth by advancing His kingdom
Matt. 11:12 From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.
Matt. 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
Luke 9:2 and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God
Luke 9:60 Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”
Luke 4:43 But he said, “I (Jesus) must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.”See Turning the Light of Our Spirit On–Site Map
Preaching the Kingdom of God however does not in itself unlock the door between heaven and earth. What has locked up our access to heaven?
Part 2 Who Does The Church Bind And Loosen To Gain Heavenly Access
For the church to reign on earth they have to establish authority and rule. Who is now in governing the kingdoms of this world
Eph. 2:2 when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.
2 Cor. 4:4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
If we simply combine the preceding scriptures, they are telling us Christ has defeated Satan but the devil is still ‘illegitimately’ reigning because the church has not fulfilled it commission to establish His reign on earth. As Israel had to ‘seize’ the countries the Lord gave them authority over, the church has to ‘seize’ the earthly kingdoms Christ has given us authority over. Israel seized by weapons made by man, we seize with heavenly weapons. (Joshua 1, 2 Cor. 10:3-4, see Kingdom of God-It’s about the Power-Part One and Two, Setting the Captives Free-Site Map).
So the keys to bring down Gods glory and will (sovereignty) on earth are keys that establishing Gods rule and authority on earth. Since the above verse mentions Satan is ruling (illegitimately) as the god of this world over man (Eph. 2:2, 2 Corth. 4:4), than the keys to bring in Gods heavenly kingdom “HAVE TO BE’ keys that bind and loosen Gods heavenly power that will conquer satanic forces! (Mk 3:2-27)
1 Cor. 4:20 For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power
The god of the air (Eph. 2:2) has copied a similar ruling hierarchy from the Lord (Eph. 6: 12, Col. 1:16–see A Trilogy of False Teaching (part one)-Kingdom of God-site map. When the church unites to proclaim the full gospel And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, Math. 24:14, as Jesus disciples did in Luke 9 and in Luke 10, the church will also bind and loosen heavenly powers–thus defeating satanic forces in our communities. As we bind and loosen (on earth) the evil ground forces (lower demonic powers), the Lords angelic heavenly forces will work to conquer satan’s forces in the air (bind and loosen in heaven) (Eph. 2:2). This is important-the key to the Lords presence, glory and victory on earth is simply using His Word to proclaim His kingdom on earth as we bind (loosen) the believers sovereign power over the satanic forces region by region on earth. (Matt. 6:33, Matt. 16:18-19, Lk. 9 & 10). A full description of the church accomplishing this task is in Rev. 12:7-11. It is no coincidence that when the Lord talks about being ‘in the mist’ 0f those praying, He is talking about being in the middle of believers in a community binding and loosing Satanic powers.
Math. 18:18-20 “I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, I will be in the midst of them.”
Personal Note:
The Lord initiated a ‘first priority’ for a reason.
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matt. 6:33
Jesus knew if the church did not ‘bind and loosen’ the powers of His heavenly realm to defeat satanic forces, there would never be God’s great glory from heaven defeating evil spiritual rulers of this world. Scripture declare God’s glorious authority and power from heaven is the only force able to conquer satanic powers. Even Jesus used the kingdom of Gods message and methods to prepare His way (Matt. 3:1-2, Lk. 4:43, 1 Cor. 4:20, 2 Cor. 4:4-6, Matt. 11:12, Gen. 3:15, Ep. 1:17-23). As a Christian, removing darkness from our family and friends hearts so they can see the need for a savior-eternal life-must also be a first priority in our lives. Proclaiming the Kingdom of God while we bind (loosen) satan’s darkness cannot be second to any theology or church affiliation. Which is more important to you-church agenda or having your life and community filled with God’s glory by fighting for it?
Satan has countered with priorities also. His destiny into fiery torment is delayed only by a church that has not been humbled to receive (and advance) the ‘secrets to the kingdom of God’ Mk. 4:11-12, Lk. 10: 8 & 21. It is amazing how one can predict a Christians ability to receive this message before it is proclaimed…by the humility (or lack of ) in their heart.
Prov. 1: 7 states ‘The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.’
Ps. 51:6 talks about our heart having ‘compartments’ that need to be surrendered to Him. When brothers are ‘hanging’ on to recognition from men, or have not surrendered their teachings by ‘fearing His name and crying out for His truth’ –they simply cannot receive the secrets to the kingdom of God’ Matt. 4:11-12. They may receive some initial insight at first, but you can actually observe the evil one working them away from this truth. Many times it takes years for those ‘in good soil’ to be rooted and grow. Sadly, many others fall away as Jesus predicts…
Math. 13:19 When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path.
There is good news however. Jesus guarantees His kingdom on earth will be preached and will grow unto the largest and greatest truth in the Word-His glory will indeed ‘radiate’ in the new church (Ep. 5:27, Ep. 4:13, Matt. 5:14)
Math. 13: 31-32 He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all your seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and perch in its branches.”
For those reading theses verses-go before the Lord and earnestly pray how you can advance the Kingdom of God. The Word declares we will be like mustard seeds. Our ground (heart) first needs to be broken before God in order that we may be ‘planted’. We then need to be ‘tended’ to. Let’s apply the “3C’s”
1) Camp out on the scriptures that mention the Kingdom of God-this is not a Face Book blog, this is eternal destiny for many-it takes effort! See reverence verses in Kingdom of God –site map
2) Camp fire-fear the Lord and throw all self made teachings, traditions and customs on the fire. Dissect every compartment of your heart before the Lord (Ps. 51:6)
3) Come back. A mustard seed needs tending, especially after its first planted! Many never receive the secrets to the Kingdom of God because they never make it a priority in their lives. We reap what we sow (Gal. 6:7-9). If we treat His greatest teaching like a passing whim-the Lord will respond and not give us the ‘secrets’ to His kingdom glory Mk. 4:11. If we humbly come back time and time again and review His Word-He will start to reveal His heavenly glories that will overthrow all darkness and curses of sin. His glory revealed in our hearts!
Jn. 5:19-20 Jesus gave them this answer: “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.
Let’s be the church that opens the heavens so we can be like Jesus, doing what the Fathers will in heaven… Praise His Holy Name