According to the scriptures, the Kingdom of Heaven consists of four (4) basic keys. There are two keys to the Kingdom, and there are two keys of the Kingdom. In each case (to and of) both keys are necessary. It’s much like having two locks on a door. It requires both keys to gain entry. The first part of this lesson we will look at those two keys to the Kingdom. Then during the last portion of this lesson we will talk about those two keys of the Kingdom.

He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But He that entereth in by the door (to the sheepfold) is the Shepherd of the sheep.

It is very clear, in the above verses, that Jesus is referring to those of us who are the saved as "His sheep". No one would dispute that. But in verse 1 He also mentions something called "the sheepfold". Just what is a sheepfold?

A sheepfold is a pen or shelter used for the protection of the sheep, especially during bad weather and night time. Permanent type sheepfolds had four stone walls with a gate (doorway) built into one wall for entering and leaving. In other words, a sheepfold is where a shepherd temporarily keeps his sheep.

Question one: Since the Lord’s people are considered His sheep, then where or what is this sheepfold that the Lord mentions in verses 1 and 2? Think about it. Where are we, His sheep, being temporarily kept? The answer is - - - right here on this planet Earth. Amen? The Earth is where the Lord’s sheep are temporarily being kept.

Notice verse 1 also mentions the door to the sheepfold. If we're correct about the sheepfold being planet Earth, then the door to this sheepfold must be the door or entryway into the Earth. Then question two is: What is the door or entry way into the sheepfold (or Earth)? You know the answer to that question too! How does any human being enter into Earth? Isn't it through the human birth process?--- being born of a woman? Yes!

So Jesus is referring to someone that has come into the Earth by some method other than through the human birth process. And, according to Jesus, whoever He's referring to, is "a thief and a robber"! Now who do you suppose that "thief and robber" is? You know the answer to that question as well, don’t you? Certainly. He's talking about none other than satan himself --- that old serpent, the devil!

In verse 2 Jesus says, "He that entereth in by the door is the Shepherd of the sheep." Of course, here He's referring to Himself. Actually, Jesus is giving us some important information concerning the spirit world here. He wants us to know that satan is here illegally. Satan did not come to Earth legally through the human birth process. But Jesus wants to make it very clear that He Himself did! Question three: Just who or what is satan? Most Christians don’t give it much thought, but satan is nothing more than a created spirit being --- of the angel category. He’s an angel - - - not a human being.

Yes, God created satan. But when He did, he created him perfect! Everything God does is always good and perfect. Amen? Man (Adam and Eve) and satan were perfect in the day they were created. Both were perfect in the beginning but later they fell away from God of their own free will.

What was it that caused both man and satan to fall away from their Creator? The answer is: Making wrong choices. You see, both human beings and angels have free wills and both have the ability to make choices. These choices have the potential to be made for good or for evil. We must understand that angels have a free will just as we do. How can we know that? The Bible indicates that one-third of the angels chose to follow satan. That means that two-thirds of the angels chose to remain loyal to God. Those angels who fell away were not ordered by God to follow satan. They chose to do so of their own free will (Rev. 12:4a). Now how do we know that man has a free will?

I (God) call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.

Important: There is one important thing we humans have that angels don't have and that’s a human body. When God created Adam, the Bible very plainly teaches that God ordained for mankind (not angels) to have Earthly authority.

Therefore, only man, not angels, should legally have authority on Earth. However, in the beginning, when God carved that little notch out of eternity called time, long before Adam was created, His number one angel, Lucifer, had Earthly authority. His Kingdom consisted of planet Earth. It was assigned to him by God. However, this was at least several thousands and probably even millions of years before Adam was created.

12 How art thou fallen from Heaven, O lucifer, son of the morning! How art thou cut down to the ground, which (who) didst weaken the nations!

14 I will ascent above the heights of the clouds: I will be like the most High (God).

Clearly, Lucifer failed in his God given assignment. When satan decided that he ought to be equal with his Creator, he lost God’s favor. When he became an enemy of God, one-third of the angelic forces chose to follow him. In addition to losing God's favor, he also lost his Earthly dominion and authority.

What happened to that dominion and authority? God repossessed it. Since satan and all of his subjects were completely evil, God destroyed 100% of Earth's physical inhabitants (both animals and some type of man) with a flood. There were no survivors. This took place many years before Noah’s flood. At that time God also commanded the sun "to shine not" (Job 9:7). Without heat from the sun, the entire Earth almost instantly became covered in ice (ice age) and remained in that condition for a long unknown period of time. I believe that the Genesis account is actually re-creation - - - not creation. I also believe that the Earth is probably millions of years old, while re-creation only took place about six thousand years ago. All of this pre-Adamic situation, however, is another whole teaching in itself. (For greater detail on this subject, click teaching entitled "Creation").

Then, many years later, God created the first man, Adam, and gave mankind the authority and dominion over Earth. Then sometime subsequent to that, satan borrowed the body of a serpent, in order to present himself physically and have the ability to converse with humans, and deceived Eve into disobeying God. According to the scriptures, Adam was not deceived as was Eve (1 Timothy 2:14). However, he did err when he "harkened unto the woman." He listened to and took the advice of Eve which was contrary to the commandments of God (Genesis 3:17). If you read these scripture references, you will find that Eve was tempted by satan, and Adam was tempted by Eve.

What were the results of all this? First of all, mankind exchanged gods. That, in turn, resulted in mankind’s loss of all Earthly dominion and authority. Instead of mankind being a friend of God, they became the servants of the devil. When God gave that dominion and authority to Adam and Eve, with no strings attached, it was theirs to keep or lose.

Well, they lost it. They were deceived into assigning it over to satan. Let's see now if the scriptures indicate what I'm telling you is truth. In Luke 4:3, we have the account of the temptation of Jesus, the Son of man, immediately after He had fasted for forty days and nights.

6 And the devil said unto Him, all this power (authority) will I give thee, and the glory of them (kingdoms): for that is (has been) delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will, I give it.

Satan pointed out to Jesus all the kingdoms which were in the World at that time and, in so many words said, "If You'll just worship me, I'll give you all of the authority over these kingdoms and they will be Yours. Its all been given to me (meaning by Adam and Eve) so therefore I have the right to give it to whomever I chose."

These scriptures indicate to us that when the fall of mankind took place back there in Genesis Chapter three, satan became lord over mankind and everything on the Earth.

The fall of mankind, no doubt, created a very serious problem to the inhabitants of Earth. How was God going to legally regain that authority and dominion and place it back into the hands of mankind once again? I mentioned the word "legally" because it happens to be very important. God is a just God, and would never do anything illegally. Also, let’s not forget that nothing is too difficult for Him. Amen?

Well, after the fall of mankind, some four thousand years later, a very special and unique child was born. But wait a minute! This particular Child was born of a virgin! How can that be? Virgins can’t give birth! Those things just naturally don’t happen, do they? No they naturally don’t. But super-naturally they can, and did!!! Is Almighty God super-natural enough? And didn't I just say that nothing is too difficult for Him? He is very amazing to say the least! (For more about the importance of God’s blood, the meaning of the name "Adam", and the virgin birth, click on teaching entitled "Is Jesus The Second Adam?)

The Truth is, in order to survive, Earth must have a fresh start where mankind is concerned. It was absolutely vital that another Adam come forth --- one who carried the very blood of Almighty God within His body just as the first Adam did --- but this time an Adam who would not "fumble the ball", so to speak. The man Jesus, the Son of God, perfectly fit those requirements!

Important: Jesus is God and always has been God. But you must understand the humanity of Christ. From the moment God’s Word was conceived and became flesh in Mary’s womb, until He physically died on the cross, Jesus put aside every ounce of His deity and lived His entire physical life as 100% man --- just like any other man would. The only difference between His nature and that of any another man was that He was not plagued by the Adamic nature. He did not possess the Adamic nature as you and I do. The point is, He never used any of His Godly authority or Godly powers to perform the miracles the scriptures record. Some readers will likely find that difficult to grasp at first.

Now I mentioned that the word "legal" is very important and that taking back Earth's authority from satan must be done legally. How could that legally be accomplished?

For since by man (Adam) came death, by man (Jesus) came also the resurrection of the dead.

It was through one man (Adam) that all of Earth’s authority became lost. So for it to be "legally" re-acquired, it must also be through one man --- not through the power of an Almighty God. Can you see that?

Adam had a free will, and Jesus also had a free will. Adam faltered and made a deadly mistake, but thank God, Jesus didn't falter. The scriptures tell us that Jesus was obedient even unto His death on the cross (Philippians 2:8). The Word of God also tells us that without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sin (Hebrews 9:22). The blood of animals was only a temporary atonement. It wasn't sufficient to be permanent.

But what about the blood of Almighty God Himself? One would think the shedding of God’s blood would certainly be sufficient. Well, that's what happened! That was Almighty God's blood that Jesus shed on that day He was crucified. And because it was God’s blood that was shed, it certainly can effectively and efficiently cleanse any sinner for all eternity, no matter how evil he or she has been in the past!

The blood of animals had to be presented once a year for man's sins to be covered. But with God's blood, now that's something special and permanent! With God's blood it only takes one washing. And regardless of one’s color of skin, every sinner who has been covered in the blood of God, walks away being the same color --- CLEAN!

Now since our subject is still "The Keys to the Kingdom" lets return to the book of John, chapter ten and begin with verse three.

3 To Him (the shepherd of the sheep) the porter openeth, and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.

7 Then said Jesus unto them again; 'Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of (for) the sheep.

8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear (listen to) them.

9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture (be nourished).

10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy; I am come that they (the sheep) might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

The door in verse seven is not the same door Jesus mentions in the first two verses. Remember? The door of verses 1 and 2 is the door to the sheepfold, which we now understand to mean to the Earth, where God’s sheep are currently being temporarily kept. That door is physical in nature.

The door in verse 7 is the door of (or for) the sheep --- not the sheepfold. Can you see the difference? In other words, Jesus is saying that if a person wants to become one of His flock, then he or she must enter into a relationship with God through the one and only door for the sheep --- through Jesus, the Christ! Jesus said, "I am the way, the Truth, and the life. No man cometh unto the Father except by me" (John 14:6). This second door, the door of verse 7, is spiritual in nature. It's the door to eternal life.

5 Jesus answered (Nicodemus), Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water (by the physical human birth process) and of the Spirit (one’s spirit given eternal life by God), he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

6 That which is born of the flesh (a woman) is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit (the Holy Spirit) is spirit (your spirit).

So in order to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, a person must first be born of the flesh --- born of a woman --- become a human being. And because of the Adamic nature, he or she must also be "born again" from above --- by the Spirit of God. That's exactly what Jesus was telling Nicodemus. And Jesus the Christ is that door to the second "birth" - - - to being born again spiritually. He's the only way, to that new birth from above! Just like physical birth (that which is born of flesh) is the legal entry into planet Earth, the spiritual rebirth process through Jesus Christ (the birth from above) is the only legal way into Heaven. So there are two keys to the Kingdom: 1) becoming a human being by being born of a woman; and 2) being "born-again" from above by entering through the one and only door, Jesus Christ. Both keys are absolutely required in order to gain entry to the Kingdom of Heaven. Now lets talk about the keys of the Kingdom.

First of all, notice who Jesus said would be the builder of the Church.

He said, "I will build my Church". Amen? Also notice to whom the Church belongs. He referred to it as, "My Church" --- He said, "I will build my Church."

Down through the ages we've had many people who have tried to build a church. But they always fail. Even today, we have numerous religious leaders, who believe they have built a church. Too bad they don't know that Jesus is the builder and owner of the church!

A case in point: One day as I was talking to a man who was the pastor of a local fast growing congregation, I asked him how things were going. He replied, "Just fine. The church is really growing. But I don’t really want my church to become large!" I tried to reply in love and responded with, "With all due respect, I must tell you that it’s not your church, and therefore it’s size is none of your business." We must always be mindful of who the church belongs to and who’s building it!

In verse 19, it might seem as if Jesus is talking only to Peter. But I believe He was addressing all of the disciples there when He said, "And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of Heaven:" Keep in mind, our current subject is the keys of the Kingdom - - - - the keys that operate the Kingdom of Heaven. We’ve already discussed the keys required to gain entrance to the Kingdom.

So what are the keys (notice that word is plural) of the kingdom of Heaven, and how many are there? Let's read the rest of that verse and see if we can find out: "And whatsoever thou shalt bind on Earth shall be bound in Heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on Earth shall be loosed in Heaven." It looks like there are two keys OF the Kingdom. One key is BINDING, and the other key is LOOSING.

What does it mean to "bind" and to "loose"? I think the Amplified version of Matthew 16:19 will answer that for us. Listen to what it says:

In other words, whatever we bind on Earth, or whatever we loose on Earth, must agree with the way it is currently bound or loosed in Heaven. Please allow me paraphrase this a little more. What Jesus is saying is, "I give to you both the authority and the power to disallow and forbid those things on Earth which are already disallowed and forbidden in Heaven. I also give unto you both the authority and the power to allow and permit those things on Earth which are already allowed and permitted in Heaven."

Now let's think for just a minute about some things which are forbidden in Heaven. How about sickness? Forbidden in Heaven. Amen? What about poverty, evil, lack of any kind, depression, anxiety, fear, and all the rest of those things that satan tries to put on us which fall in the category of killing, stealing and destroying? They are not permitted in Heaven! And not a one of these descriptions fit the abundant life that Jesus came to give us. From what I read about Heaven, it must be a pretty healthy, happy, and peaceful place. Amen? In other words, it is God's will for things on Earth to be as it already is in Heaven! Jesus even told His disciples to pray, "Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN!

So let’s get practical now. Suppose the enemy comes and tries to put one of those evil symptoms on us. What are we going to do about it? Are we just going to roll over and accept it because there's nothing we can do about it? No! There is a way of escape! Because of what Jesus accomplished on the cross, and with our acceptance of Him as our Savior and Lord, we're now a part of the family of Almighty God. He has once again given His authority to His children. Being of His flock, we've also been given the name of Jesus, which is above every name, so we have power to do that which is necessary. So then we have both the authority and also the power required in order to resist the devil and all of his devices. Amen? But that's still not all we've been given! We have been given the keys of binding and loosing in order to create a Heavenly atmosphere around us while we’re here on Earth! But it’s up to us to use them!

Now here's something you should know about those two keys of the kingdom of Heaven --- binding and loosing. Just like it takes both keys to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, It also requires both the key of binding and the key of loosing to get the job done properly here on Earth. In other words, always use them together. Bind that which needs to be bound concerning any given situation and then loose that which needs to be loosed in that same situation. For instance, if you bind sickness from yourself or someone else, be sure that you also loose health, well-being, and wholeness.

Also it's always a good idea to find at least one or more scriptures on which to stand and place our faith --- scriptures that are appropriate for our particular situation. For example, in the case of sickness, we might confess 1 Peter 2:24 which says, "By His stripes we were healed." You see, everything we receive from God is by faith and faith works by love. Amen? Hebrews 11:6a tells us, "without faith it is impossible to please Him (God)." Faith is released by the words we speak!

Behold I give unto you power (authority) to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

Jesus was talking to His disciples about authority. Since we too are His disciples, it applies to us as well. In the Greek, those two "powers" in this verse have two different meanings. The first power actually means "authority", while the second power means "power" as you and I usually think of it. You see, God has given to us, the Church, everything we need to be more than conquerors! He has thought of everything!

So if you haven't been using the keys of the Kingdom by binding and loosing, then, by all means, now that you know about them, begin to do so today. Jesus gave us those keys to use against the enemy. Let's begin to utilize these powerful spiritual weapons He has given us. After all, He even gave His very life and blood so that we might be victorious, not only in the life to come, but also now, in this life. We won’t need the keys of binding and loosing when we get to Heaven! No! We need them now, today, here on Earth, in order to resist the devil (James 4:7) and to live abundantly (John 10:10)!  

Two Keys To The Kingdom Of Heaven

1. Being a human being; being born of a woman (Only humans being are saved.)

2. Being "born again" from above (by entering in by the door of Christ Jesus)

Two Keys Of The Kingdom Of Heaven

1. Binding - With your words declare those things that do not exist in Heaven to be improper and unlawful on Earth.

2. Loosing - With your words declare those things that do exist in Heaven to be proper and lawful on Earth.