The Scripture declares that Jesus has given us power to
bind and loose in reference to Satan and his cohorts.
The context to this promise is in connection with Peter's
declaration concerning Jesus: "Thou art the Christ, the
son of the living God." Now, note the reply of Jesus:
And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon
this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell
shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the
keys of the kingdom of heaven: AND WHATSOEVER
THOU SHALT BIND ON EARTH SHALL BE BOUND IN
HEAVEN: AND WHATSOEVER THOU SHALT LOOSE ON
EARTH SHALL BE LOOSED IN HEAVEN. Matt. 16:18,19
This passage has been controversial in its
interpretation. But it makes a lot of sense once one has
obtained a little understanding of the Christian's power
and authority over demon spirits. What is the
immediate context of the authority to bind and loose?
The immediate preceding phrase is: "AND THE GATES
OF HELL SHALL NOT PREVAIL AGAINST IT", i.e. the
church. In other words, the church is given complete
authority over the "gates of hell". The Amplified Bible
translates this, "The gates of Hades (the powers of the
infernal region) shall not overpower it - or be strong to
its detriment, or hold out against it." Thus, the; church
is pictured as militant. Nothing can stop it - not even
the forces of satan!
The power to bind and loose in regard to satan is
described as "the keys of the kingdom of heaven". The
word for "kingdom" is basileia which means "to rule". It
is the promise of God's word that those who inherit the
kingdom of God will rule with Christ.
For if by one man's offense death reigned by one; much
more they which receive abundance of grace and of the
gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus
Christ. Romans 5:17
Praise God, He has promised that we shall reign, or
rule, as kings in life-NOW! How could we do this apart
from being able to bind the power of the devil and to
loose that which he had already made captive?
This is precisely what the Lord has promised. Christians
need to wake up and realize that they have been given
much more authority than they have imagined. It is no
longer a matter of prayer by which we cry out, "Oh,
God, please come and do something about this awful
devil that is giving me such a hard time." But it is a
matter of rising up in the power of the name of Jesus
and telling the devil what he has to do!
What is the meaning of the phrase "shall be bound in
heaven ... shall be loosed in heaven"? Williams, the
Bible translator, points out for us that the verb form is
the perfect passive participle, so the reference is to
things in a state of having been ALREADY forbidden (or
permitted).
This tells us that whatever is bound or loosed by the
believer is done on the basis that it has already been
done "in heaven", i.e. by the Lord himself.
What is it, then, that the Lord has already bound and
which he has given us power to bind again? Jesus
teaches us: Or else how can one enter into a strong
man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind
the strong man? and then he will spoil his house.
Matt. 12:29
The context of this passage finds Jesus casting out
demons. His authority for thus doing is challenged by
the religious authorities. They accuse him of doing it
by the power of the devil himself Jesus is explaining
that he is able to control demon spirits and make them
obey him because he has already bound the strong man
- Satan.' The fact that the demons obey Him is evidence
of Satan being bound. Satan is already bound "in
heaven" - by heaven's power. His power is broken. The
key is given to us. We have power over him, too. Amen!
The Greek word for "bind" in the passage before us is
deo. It means to fasten or tie - as with chains, as an
animal tied to keep it from straying.
This is glorious! When Satan is bound he is made
inoperable. He loses his ability to act against us. An
example of how this works was shown to my wife
several years ago. We were just coming into the
knowledge of demon spirits and how to deal with them.
She was working in a bank. Once or twice a week
a certain customer came into the bank who used very
bad language.
He was very loud and extroverted. Each time he opened
his mouth he punctuated every phrase with profanity
and cursed using the name of Jesus. Since my wife had
never been exposed to such foul language in all
of her life she was horrified by it. She began to pray
and told God, "You know that it is not me saying those
things and I do not approve of them.
Then God spoke back and said, "That is a spirit of
blasphemy causing the man to talk like that, and you
have power over it."
My wife had never attempted anything like this before.
She was acting on the word that the Lord had given her.
The next time the man came in the bank he began to
curse and blaspheme as usual. She stood a few
feet away from him and under her breath began to
say,"You demon of blasphemy, God has shown me that
it is you. I have power over you to bind you in the name
of the Lord Jesus Christ. You cannot curse in my
presence and take the name of my Saviour in vain." Of
course the man heard none of this but the demon was
hearing plenty! The color drained out of his face and he
began to gulp as though something was stuck in
his throat. He never said another word of profanity in
that bank.
From then on, each time this customer came in she
bound the spirits in him and he could not curse. The
other employees noticed the change in his
behavior and commented about it. They had no idea
what had taken place. But Satan's power had been
bound on earth even as it is already bound in heaven.
Satan has his "strong man" appointed over nations,
cities, churches, homes and individuals. God is showing
us that these strong men have already been defeated
and bound by heaven's power.
For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he
might destroy the works of the devil. I John 3:8b
To us are given the "keys of the kingdom". There is
power to rule over the forces of darkness. We do not
have to pray for it. The battle has been won in heaven;
we are to bind on earth what has already been bound
in heaven.
Then, to what does the loosing refer? The loosing is
setting the captive free. Through deliverance ministry
the captives are released from the bonds of
enslavement which Satan has put about them.
And behold there was a woman which had a SPIRIT OF
INFIRMITY eighteen years, and was bowed together,
and could in no wise lift up herself. And when Jesus
saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her,
Woman, thou art LOOSED from thine infirmity. Luke
13:11-12
When the ruler of the synagogue became angry over
this deliverance because it was done on the sabbath,
Jesus answered: Thou hypocrite, doth not each one of
you on the sabbath LOOSE his ox or his ass from the
stall, and lead him away to watering? And ought
not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom
SATAN HATH BOUND, lo, these eighteen years, BE
LOOSED FROM THIS BOND on the sabbath day? Luke
13:15,16
The Greek word for "loose" in the text is luo. It is
defined in the lexicon as "to loose anything tied or
fastened; to loose one bound; to set free; to discharge
from prison. To free from bondage or disease (one
held by Satan) by restoration to health." (Thayers)
The victory over demon spirits is already won by Jesus.
As far as heaven is concerned every captive is loosed!
The principle is the same as in salvation. Jesus provided
for every man's salvation. Then why isn't every man
saved?The blood must be personally applied. Every
man who applies the blood by faith is saved. Those who
refuse or neglect to apply that blood are lost. So, Jesus
has provided deliverance. It is finished so far as heaven
is concerned. The key of loosing the captive is given to
the believer. He can loose himself and others on earth
because it is already done in heaven! Glory!
Now, there are those who teach that the loosing spoken
of means the loosing of the Holy Spirit or angels to fill
the vacancy left by the departing demons. Since it has
has been shown that the word “loose” is in respect to
that which is fettered and bound, how could this
possibly refer to the Holy Spirit or angels? Are they in
any sense bound?
Furthermore, it is not within the authority of men to
command angels. While it is a blessed truth that angels
are "ministering spirits" in behalf of all who are heirs of
salvation (See Heb. 1:14), it must be carefully noted that
they are "SENT FORTH" to minister in our behalf.
Who does the sending forth? That is God's business. We
can pray and ask God to release the angels, but there is
no precedent in scripture for our commanding or
directing them ourselves. It is extremely dangerous to
elevate angels to a higher role than is established in
scripture, for one thereby begins to look to angels for
help rather than to the Lord. This, in fact, amounts to
idolatry and may soon degenerate into a "worship of
angels" which is altogether forbidden.
(See Col. 2:18). To look to angels rather than God for
help is failure to hold the Head in proper respect, that is
Christ. (See Col. 2:19).
To reiterate, the binding refers to Satan and demons,
and the loosing to the person who has been bound by
the forces of darkness. Satan is bound; the victim is
loosed! This is what happens as the result of an
effective deliverance ministry.
Matthew 16:19 Binding and loosing were common rabbinic terms that meant to include or exclude, to permit or forbid, to declare a precept not binding, or to impose an obligation. Peter and the other apostles would make decisions for God’s new community that would prohibit or permit certain teaching and practices in the newly formed Church. His leadership would impact the Church’s direction throughout the age. Later Jesus delegated this authority to other apostles as well (Matt 18:18). The Book of Acts shows Peter and the other apostles making important decisions under the guidance of the Holy Spirit at the Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15:6-29). The validity of the Church’s decisions in any age are only as valid as the extent to which they conform to Scripture.
RichardAnna Boyce so are you saying you don’t agree that “we” the body of Christ can bind and loose as explained in the article and supported by the scriptures?
RichardAnna Boyce so then your answer is that you disagree with the article. That we do not have the authority to bind demonic spirits.
You view this passage of scripture as making decisions only. With the restrictions of the Word only. Meaning modern day leaders can only make rulings based on scriptures authority.
RichardAnna Boyce personally I see it as a part of spiritual warfare that we engage into through prayer when the enemy is coming against Gods Church. Or our marriages, our lives, or family.
RichardAnna Boyce personally I believe we have a very limited view or glimpse of spiritual warfare as an actual act. We have the book of Acts that gives us limited stories. But mainly teaching of spiritual warfare by Paul in the letters and such.
V17 The helmet of the hope of salvation means to focus on major theology and big picture The sword of the Spirit is the Word because it is Jesus’ answer to Satan’s attack at any time Satan has power to sow thoughts into our mind, but he doesn’t know how we are responding to those thoughts until we speak out. Only God is omniscient, all knowing. Jesus in the wilderness spoke out God’s Word, letting Satan know He could handle attack. Many sincere Christians are defeated by verbalising defeat, doubts, fears etc. The secret to victory in any situation is to know what God says and then agree with Him. 2 Cor 12:9,10, Joel 3:10. Don’t agree with the enemy, or even with your circumstances.
V18 Persecution and supplication. Our present sufferings are not worthy to be compared with our future hope. 2Cor 4:8-10 Gal 6:9, 1Cor 15:32 We’re not discouraged by the present because of the future.
RichardAnna Boyce the same passage says “against.” Paul is describing a war stance against an enemy. In this passage it’s spiritual enemies, not humans.
V11 ‘Put on whole armour of God’ is God’s armour connecting us to His grace and power. After sitting at Jesus’ feet and knowing who we are, walking in the knowledge of that, we then only need to stand against the deception of Satan who Jesus has already defeated. The only weapon left for Satan is deception, the Father of lies, seducing lying spirits. Satan deceives by questioning and denying God’s Word sending false teachers and doctrine We don’t defeat Satan, but stand in the finished defeat of him by Jesus on the Cross.
Well Troy Day is this is the true meaning of the text do the world a favor and keep him bound for a while. Let me know when your church is done with him. Thanks.
Just curious, can you cite me an example in the N.T. where demons were bound? Jesus cast them out, just as we have the power to do, but I don’t recall a time when even he bound them. The only binding I am aware of is when Satan for 1,000 years. What am I missing?
Now that’s a great article! I couldn’t agree more!
I would love to see more of these teachings and discussions in this group personally. They seem to be way more effective for the church than the negative discussions i’ve read since I’ve joined. Just being honest and not meaning that comment as an insult at all. I’m obviously not saying that we need to be ostriches that hide from all negativity by any means. But this type of great teaching if taken in and applied can transform our lives as individuals, our fellowships, our work places, and our world!
James Michael Sanders I’ve not see you commenting before in this group so I cant really comment on the negative discussions you participated in But this one is NOT a new thing – it is from Pigs in the Parlor book somewhat rejected by Paul L. King and Robert Borders We;ve discussed it over a dozen times with Joe Absher and Isara Mo as part of our deliverance ENCYCLOPEDIA which was published on every 13th of the month for the past 1-2 yrs here Now why you chose to jump in just now with an interesting comment could be of interest to many in the group
Troy Day I’m new to the group. ? I teach this teaching myself and have for years to the congregation. I believe it’s sound biblical doctrine.
Yet I’ve noticed a rise of Pastors/Teachers speaking against it lately. Which honestly, I believe is a distortion of clear biblical truth.
Far as the negative statement or comments. I simply mean I’ve noticed over the years of service that humans tend to be more negative or critical by their human nature or sin nature, how ever you prefer to word that. So I’ve noticed the constant drive to always talk about backsliding, apostasy, or the loss of salvation, or too put down traditional teachings of the gifts of the Spirit, or too insult denominations as some heresy groups for example.
I’m NOT saying we can avoid these discussions all together. Because we definitely need balance on all things and issues. But I’ve simply noticed (not here only per say) that we all tend to stick to the negative subjects more so than teaching and focusing on spiritual growth, edifying, and encouraging one another with all the other teachings from His Word.
But again, that’s my limited perspective of life on these matters. Have a blessed day brother!
Troy Day no not against deliverance in this group. ?
But I’m sure you’ve heard of strange fire conferences right? I started watching the videos on that and realizing just how much damage that’s doing to the body of Christ first. Which led me to watching his other videos. He and others that follow him teach that we don’t have authority over demons for example. That Jesus only gave that authority to the Apostles, not the church.
That of course led me to other Pastors and teachers that are now teaching that as well.
Of course in some circles it’s always been ignored or overlooked. But I’m noticing and aggressive stance to teach against it all now.
Troy Day which I’m fully against their false doctrines. Jesus is the same yesterday today and forever. His Holy Spirit, His callings, His Gifts, will never cease. Not until we are standing with Him. The same authority He gave to the Apostles, disciples of the early church is still for us today. But sadly because of these Pastors and teachers that seem so adamant to teach against the Power of the Holy Spirit many are embracing those doctrines and the church is losing its effectiveness. Not all of us of course, I just mean at large.
Acts 10:38 KJV — How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
Jesus is the head of the church. Our Captain. Jehovah Sabaoth. A mighty man of war.
The need for soul winners and prayer warriors is much needed. The rebuke of sin and those willing to fight that old devil can never be overstated in these last days.
God bless you and keep you in Jesus name
James Michael Sanders well I am surprised on your negative comment in this group at least We’ve been trying to keep up with the subject and the ministry to some extent
Troy Day Brother obviously what I wrote somehow offended you. If I was wrong then there is no reason to be offended.
If I was right that it seems to be a lot of negative comments against denominations which most certainly involve His bride, sarcasm toward each other, etc… then there’s still no reason to let that offend you. WE ALL can learn from each other and help keep each other in check gently.
My true heartfelt intent was simply that I hope to see more teachings/articles on subjects like this. Or how to apply other teachings from His Word and so on. I can assure you NOTHING in me meant that comment from a place of offense toward anyone.
RichardAnna Boyce I can see what you’re saying there brother! I’ve seen many believers become puffed up by the power of the Holy Spirit and His gifts when unchecked.
But technically pride can seep in through many cracks of ones armor if we are not in constant prayer.
Left to our own devices we can be some foolish people sadly ?
Joe Absher
I’ve always loved romans 5:17
RichardAnna Boyce
Matthew 16:19 Binding and loosing were common rabbinic terms that meant to include or exclude, to permit or forbid, to declare a precept not binding, or to impose an obligation. Peter and the other apostles would make decisions for God’s new community that would prohibit or permit certain teaching and practices in the newly formed Church. His leadership would impact the Church’s direction throughout the age. Later Jesus delegated this authority to other apostles as well (Matt 18:18). The Book of Acts shows Peter and the other apostles making important decisions under the guidance of the Holy Spirit at the Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15:6-29). The validity of the Church’s decisions in any age are only as valid as the extent to which they conform to Scripture.
James Michael Sanders
RichardAnna Boyce so are you saying you don’t agree that “we” the body of Christ can bind and loose as explained in the article and supported by the scriptures?
Or you agree with the article?
RichardAnna Boyce
James Michael Sanders i am saying it is not binding of spirits etc., but leaders making decisions; but they MUST be Biblical.
James Michael Sanders
RichardAnna Boyce so then your answer is that you disagree with the article. That we do not have the authority to bind demonic spirits.
You view this passage of scripture as making decisions only. With the restrictions of the Word only. Meaning modern day leaders can only make rulings based on scriptures authority.
Thank you for clarifying your position brother ?
RichardAnna Boyce
James Michael Sanders how often did believers bind demonic spirits in the Bible?
James Michael Sanders
RichardAnna Boyce personally I see it as a part of spiritual warfare that we engage into through prayer when the enemy is coming against Gods Church. Or our marriages, our lives, or family.
BUT, I can respect your view on the passage.
RichardAnna Boyce
James Michael Sanders Eph 6 we stand, stand, stand; but don’t bind brother.
James Michael Sanders
RichardAnna Boyce personally I believe we have a very limited view or glimpse of spiritual warfare as an actual act. We have the book of Acts that gives us limited stories. But mainly teaching of spiritual warfare by Paul in the letters and such.
James Michael Sanders
RichardAnna Boyce stand is aggressive in that passage would you agree? That doesn’t just mean stand by with limp wrist and buckling knees.
RichardAnna Boyce
V17 The helmet of the hope of salvation means to focus on major theology and big picture The sword of the Spirit is the Word because it is Jesus’ answer to Satan’s attack at any time Satan has power to sow thoughts into our mind, but he doesn’t know how we are responding to those thoughts until we speak out. Only God is omniscient, all knowing. Jesus in the wilderness spoke out God’s Word, letting Satan know He could handle attack. Many sincere Christians are defeated by verbalising defeat, doubts, fears etc. The secret to victory in any situation is to know what God says and then agree with Him. 2 Cor 12:9,10, Joel 3:10. Don’t agree with the enemy, or even with your circumstances.
V18 Persecution and supplication. Our present sufferings are not worthy to be compared with our future hope. 2Cor 4:8-10 Gal 6:9, 1Cor 15:32 We’re not discouraged by the present because of the future.
James Michael Sanders
RichardAnna Boyce the same passage says “against.” Paul is describing a war stance against an enemy. In this passage it’s spiritual enemies, not humans.
RichardAnna Boyce
V11 ‘Put on whole armour of God’ is God’s armour connecting us to His grace and power. After sitting at Jesus’ feet and knowing who we are, walking in the knowledge of that, we then only need to stand against the deception of Satan who Jesus has already defeated. The only weapon left for Satan is deception, the Father of lies, seducing lying spirits. Satan deceives by questioning and denying God’s Word sending false teachers and doctrine We don’t defeat Satan, but stand in the finished defeat of him by Jesus on the Cross.
James Michael Sanders
RichardAnna Boyce excellent word brother ?
James Michael Sanders
RichardAnna Boyce but as Jesus declared His Word against Satan in replies what happened? Didn’t Satan eventually leave Him?
So if Satan or another demonic spirit lets say was personally attacking our church/fellowship in a similar manner. Yet maybe through men.
Couldn’t I stand on the Lords Word and take His Word as my authority to rebuke this attack? Or as one could say, bind the demonic forces?
I’m not saying it would be instant grits everytime. But doesn’t prayer of a righteous man avail much?
The enemy will definite come against His church. But they will not prevail correct? I personally see that as now and in the here after.
I’m NOT saying or advocating that believers will not suffer tremendous persecution’s at times. We know that we will by His Word.
Mike Partyka
Well Troy Day is this is the true meaning of the text do the world a favor and keep him bound for a while. Let me know when your church is done with him. Thanks.
Andrew T. Stube
You bind up demons, cast them out, and loose the person from the bondage be it mastrubation, etc.
Richard Shores
Just curious, can you cite me an example in the N.T. where demons were bound? Jesus cast them out, just as we have the power to do, but I don’t recall a time when even he bound them. The only binding I am aware of is when Satan for 1,000 years. What am I missing?
James Michael Sanders
Now that’s a great article! I couldn’t agree more!
I would love to see more of these teachings and discussions in this group personally. They seem to be way more effective for the church than the negative discussions i’ve read since I’ve joined. Just being honest and not meaning that comment as an insult at all. I’m obviously not saying that we need to be ostriches that hide from all negativity by any means. But this type of great teaching if taken in and applied can transform our lives as individuals, our fellowships, our work places, and our world!
Again Great article!
Varnel Watson
James Michael Sanders I’ve not see you commenting before in this group so I cant really comment on the negative discussions you participated in But this one is NOT a new thing – it is from Pigs in the Parlor book somewhat rejected by Paul L. King and Robert Borders We;ve discussed it over a dozen times with Joe Absher and Isara Mo as part of our deliverance ENCYCLOPEDIA which was published on every 13th of the month for the past 1-2 yrs here Now why you chose to jump in just now with an interesting comment could be of interest to many in the group
http://www.pentecostaltheology.com/?s=encyclopedia
James Michael Sanders
Troy Day I’m new to the group. ? I teach this teaching myself and have for years to the congregation. I believe it’s sound biblical doctrine.
Yet I’ve noticed a rise of Pastors/Teachers speaking against it lately. Which honestly, I believe is a distortion of clear biblical truth.
Far as the negative statement or comments. I simply mean I’ve noticed over the years of service that humans tend to be more negative or critical by their human nature or sin nature, how ever you prefer to word that. So I’ve noticed the constant drive to always talk about backsliding, apostasy, or the loss of salvation, or too put down traditional teachings of the gifts of the Spirit, or too insult denominations as some heresy groups for example.
I’m NOT saying we can avoid these discussions all together. Because we definitely need balance on all things and issues. But I’ve simply noticed (not here only per say) that we all tend to stick to the negative subjects more so than teaching and focusing on spiritual growth, edifying, and encouraging one another with all the other teachings from His Word.
But again, that’s my limited perspective of life on these matters. Have a blessed day brother!
Varnel Watson
James Michael Sanders against deliverance? – certainly NOT in this group Tell us more about this
James Michael Sanders
Troy Day no not against deliverance in this group. ?
But I’m sure you’ve heard of strange fire conferences right? I started watching the videos on that and realizing just how much damage that’s doing to the body of Christ first. Which led me to watching his other videos. He and others that follow him teach that we don’t have authority over demons for example. That Jesus only gave that authority to the Apostles, not the church.
That of course led me to other Pastors and teachers that are now teaching that as well.
Of course in some circles it’s always been ignored or overlooked. But I’m noticing and aggressive stance to teach against it all now.
James Michael Sanders
Troy Day which I’m fully against their false doctrines. Jesus is the same yesterday today and forever. His Holy Spirit, His callings, His Gifts, will never cease. Not until we are standing with Him. The same authority He gave to the Apostles, disciples of the early church is still for us today. But sadly because of these Pastors and teachers that seem so adamant to teach against the Power of the Holy Spirit many are embracing those doctrines and the church is losing its effectiveness. Not all of us of course, I just mean at large.
Joe Absher
Acts 10:38 KJV — How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
Jesus is the head of the church. Our Captain. Jehovah Sabaoth. A mighty man of war.
The need for soul winners and prayer warriors is much needed. The rebuke of sin and those willing to fight that old devil can never be overstated in these last days.
God bless you and keep you in Jesus name
Varnel Watson
so to sum it up James Michael Sanders you are seeing negative stance against deliverance ministry within the church right?
James Michael Sanders
Troy Day unfortunately in many circles, yes.
Varnel Watson
James Michael Sanders well I am surprised on your negative comment in this group at least We’ve been trying to keep up with the subject and the ministry to some extent
James Michael Sanders
Troy Day Brother obviously what I wrote somehow offended you. If I was wrong then there is no reason to be offended.
If I was right that it seems to be a lot of negative comments against denominations which most certainly involve His bride, sarcasm toward each other, etc… then there’s still no reason to let that offend you. WE ALL can learn from each other and help keep each other in check gently.
My true heartfelt intent was simply that I hope to see more teachings/articles on subjects like this. Or how to apply other teachings from His Word and so on. I can assure you NOTHING in me meant that comment from a place of offense toward anyone.
RichardAnna Boyce
i believe devil uses deliverance ministry to tempt believers with pride; and to distract from the real enemy of false teaching.
James Michael Sanders
RichardAnna Boyce I can see what you’re saying there brother! I’ve seen many believers become puffed up by the power of the Holy Spirit and His gifts when unchecked.
But technically pride can seep in through many cracks of ones armor if we are not in constant prayer.
Left to our own devices we can be some foolish people sadly ?
James Michael Sanders
RichardAnna Boyce ok its time for bible study soon, thank you for the communication brother!
Varnel Watson
RichardAnna Boyce I believe the same thing about free grace and finished works