For centuries, as history dictates, it seems the only authority Christians have known has been that of the physical, utilizing armies and physical weapons of war, as well as political structures to execute this carnal authority.

The early church understood and exercised the authority of the believer, and even then their authority seemed to be exercised in part. With the ending of early church history, the beginning of a religious history and a type of dark ages began for the church (although there has always been isolated outpourings of true spiritual revelation). Political and legalistic power began to reign with the establishing of a state church by the Roman Emperor Constantine (325 AD).

However, in these latter days, the secrets of spiritual authority are unfolding to those who would have the desire and take the time to understand. The knowledge of God's word is multiplying in these last days, just as all other knowledge is on the increase. Daniel 12:4, "But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased." In examining the authority of the believer, we must begin by understanding that it is a spiritual authority, not carnal or physical.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5, "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ," and

"Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts," Zechariah 4:6.

It is from the spiritual realm that the physical realm has been created. Therefore, the spiritual realm is a higher plain of authority, Hebrews 11:3 and Romans 4:17. And from it, we can counteract the laws of the natural or physical.

There are many dimensions of authority in the church world. What we are now considering in this lesson is the authority directly given by Jesus Christ to every believer according to their faith, to exercise as they are led. This authority that we are defining in this lesson has been given to us by God through His son, Jesus Christ, God incarnate.

The following is a list of scriptures upon which the born again believer not only can, but must base his/her authority! We will examine how this authority works, but first, let us substantiate it through the Word. Matthew 16:19, "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," and Matthew 18:18, "Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."

Commentary: The key or keys that Jesus gives to the Church is the key to the Kingdom of Heaven. The only key that could be referred to in this verse would be that of the work of Christ and our faith in that work. The work that He worked when He died on the cross, descended into hell, resurrected from the dead, and ascended into heaven, now being seated at the right hand of the Majesty on High. All authority given to the believer in Christ to bind and to loose must be rooted in the central key. Thereby we access power to lock out that which is not of God and open the door to that which is of God. Keys, in the Greek, comes from the word kleis, meaning locking key. Therefore we must assume that the reference and binding and loosing pertains to an ability to use a key to lock or unlock certain doors through life’s journey.