Are You Spiritually Bound? How Unforgiveness and Vows Open Doors to the Enemy
Binding and Loosing: A Biblical Key to Spiritual Freedom
"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." — Matthew 16:19
Many misunderstand what Jesus meant when He spoke about “binding and loosing.” In rabbinical culture, these were terms used by the religious leaders to permit (loose) or forbid (bind) behaviors and practices within the community when Scripture wasn’t explicit.
So how does this apply to us today, especially in deliverance and healing ministry?
Let’s dig into the biblical application of binding and loosing, and how unforgiveness, vows, and soul ties spiritually bind believers—blocking their prayers, deliverance, and even allowing demonic torment.
Unforgiveness: A Spiritual Binding That Torments
Matthew 18:15–17 clearly sets the stage for what follows in verse 18. Jesus explains how to confront a brother who sins against you, emphasizing personal reconciliation. Then He says:
"Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." (Matthew 18:18)
The context is forgiveness. When you refuse to forgive, you are binding both the other person and yourself in spiritual chains. It blocks the move of God in your life.
Jesus later warns, in Matthew 18:34, that those who do not forgive will be delivered to the tormentors. That word means demonic oppressors. This is not symbolic—it is a legal spiritual reality.
When you forgive, you “loose” that person, releasing both them and yourself from judgment. Heaven then aligns with your obedience and releases healing and freedom into your life.
Heaven Becomes Brass: Separation from God
Have you ever felt like your prayers hit a wall?
Isaiah 59:2 says, "Your iniquities have separated you from your God."
Unforgiveness is a spiritual legal ground for the enemy. When you do not forgive, your heart becomes darkened, and spiritual torment begins. Jesus said in Matthew 6:15, “If you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your sins.”
Heaven literally becomes like brass—shut up—until you release those who’ve hurt you.
Binding and Loosing Are Not for Demons
One misconception in modern deliverance circles is using “binding and loosing” to address demons. But the New Testament never shows Jesus or the apostles binding demons.
The authority to cast out demons is through the name of Jesus, not the practice of binding and loosing.
In Luke 11:20, Jesus said, “If I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.” The power is not in binding the demon—but in casting it out by the Spirit of God.
Vows and Oaths: Spiritual Agreements That Bind
Jesus also warned us in Matthew 5:33–37 about making vows:
"Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything more than this comes from the evil one."
Vows are legally binding in the spirit realm. When you make a vow—even unknowingly—you may bind yourself to a future you cannot control.
God takes vows seriously. Ecclesiastes 5:4–5 says:
“When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. It is better not to vow than to make one and not fulfill it.”
You may have vowed never to trust again. Or maybe as a child, you made an oath like “I’ll never be like my parents.” These seem harmless, but they bind your soul and give legal ground to demonic influences.
Only the Blood of Jesus Breaks the Chains
Forgiveness is not a feeling. It is a spiritual legal release. When you forgive, you remove Satan’s access to your emotions, relationships, and body.
If you have made vows—either to others, to yourself, or even to God—that were not fulfilled or were outside of His will, you must renounce them and ask the Lord to release you.
In Numbers 30, the Word shows that only the spiritual head (father or husband) could disallow a vow. Today, we turn to Jesus, our High Priest, who breaks vows made in ignorance and releases us through His mercy.
What You Must Do to Be Loosed
Here are biblical steps to being loosed from binding spiritual contracts:
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Repent of any unforgiveness—toward others, yourself, or even toward God.
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Forgive and release those who hurt you.
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Renounce any vows, oaths, or soul ties you made, knowingly or unknowingly.
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Declare your release by the blood of Jesus Christ.
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Ask the Holy Spirit to expose any hidden vows or soul ties that need breaking.
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Anoint yourself with oil and speak aloud:
“By the blood of Jesus, I renounce all vows and break all bindings that do not align with the will of God. I am loosed in Jesus' name!”
Do You Need Freedom Today?
Are you suffering emotionally, mentally, or spiritually? Unforgiveness, inner vows, and broken soul ties may be keeping you in torment. But there is freedom through Christ.
🎥 Watch the video on this page and allow the Holy Spirit to begin your healing. Let His Word illuminate areas that need release.
