“I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

Matthew 16:19 (ESV)

We often underestimate who we are in Christ. Either low self-esteem keeps us down, or we feel we do not look “Christian enough.” Yet the truth remains—we have been entrusted with authority.

We all know that keys represent authority and access. Either the owner holds the keys, or trusted ones are given access. Keys are never handed casually; they are given to those who are trusted.

Imagine the richest person giving full access to everything he owns to his child. That child automatically benefits from all that the father has. Everything that belongs to the father is willingly and rightfully given to the child. No external factor can find grounds to deny access that has already been granted.

Likewise, our Father in heaven has joyfully given us the keys to access the Kingdom and has sealed that access through His only Son, Jesus Christ. The keys we hold give us authority—to release souls bound in bondage, to access healing, peace, and joy. These keys were not given to be locked away for safekeeping, but to be used to claim what already belongs to us.

Our Heavenly Father desires that we exercise this authority—to open and to close, to permit and to deny—anything that aligns with the will of God. This authority is not only for us, but also for our families and our loved ones.

Put the key to use. Exercise the authority. The Kingdom of God belongs to you, and this key was purchased with the precious blood of Jesus Christ—no one can steal it, and no one can deny it.

Access the throne room of the Father through prayer, and deny every evil force that tries to invade your space through prayer. Break the bondage of low self-esteem, and return to the truth of your identity in Christ.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for entrusting us with the keys of Your Kingdom. Help us to walk boldly in the authority You have given, aligned with Your will, for our lives and for those we love. Teach us to use what You have placed in our hands for Your glory.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.