In what ways can we "loose in heaven" through prayer and action? The Core Promise: Matthew 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.” What “Loosing” Means • “Loose” (Greek: luō) = release, set free, permit, break open. • Jesus entrusts believers with authority to release His will from heaven into earthly situations. • The verbs are future perfect passives: heaven ratifies what His church rightly releases under His authority. Loosing Through Prayer • Agreement with God’s Word – 1 John 5:14-15: when we ask “according to His will,” we know we have what we request. • Intercessory Petition – Standing in the gap to release forgiveness, healing, provision (James 5:16; Philippians 4:6-7). • Spiritual Warfare – Declaring freedom for captives (Luke 4:18; Isaiah 61:1). – Commanding demonic oppression to go (Mark 16:17). • Prophetic Declaration – Speaking Scripture into situations releases the power God has already decreed (Jeremiah 1:12). Loosing Through Action • Proclaiming the Gospel – Acts 26:18: “to open their eyes… that they may receive forgiveness of sins.” • Acts of Compassion – Isaiah 58:6: “to break the chains of wickedness, to undo the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free.” • Forgiving Others – John 20:23: releasing forgiveness on earth mirrors heaven’s release. • Restoring the Oppressed – Luke 13:12: Jesus “set free” the bent-over woman; we imitate Him by lifting burdens. • Advocacy and Justice – Proverbs 31:8-9: speaking for those who cannot speak for themselves loosens unjust restraints. • Discipleship and Teaching – Truth breaks lies and sets hearts free (John 8:31-32). Practical Steps for Believers 1. Saturate the mind with Scripture—know heaven’s will before speaking or acting. 2. Pray in faith, naming the specific bondage to be broken. 3. Speak aloud God’s promises over the person or situation. 4. Act: serve, forgive, give, or confront injustice as the Spirit leads. 5. Remain submitted to Christ and in fellowship with other believers for accountability. 6. Give thanks, expecting visible change because heaven has already responded. Safeguards for Responsible Loosing • Alignment with Scripture: God never contradicts His written Word (Psalm 119:89). • Submission to the Spirit: He guides when to speak, when to wait (Romans 8:14). • Unity in the Body: corporate agreement strengthens authority (Matthew 18:18-20). • Humility: recognizing the authority is Christ’s, not ours (John 15:5). Witnessed Results in Scripture • Peter released from prison—church prayed, chains fell (Acts 12:5-11). • Paul and Silas—praise loosed bonds and opened doors (Acts 16:25-26). • Lazarus—Jesus commanded, “Unwrap him and let him go” (John 11:44). These accounts illustrate heaven responding when believers operate under Christ’s mandate. Living the Promise Today Every time we pray in agreement with God’s Word and step out in obedient action, we take the keys Jesus handed us. We unlock what heaven has already willed—salvation, healing, freedom—and watch those realities break out on earth. |
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