What does "bind on earth" mean in the context of church authority? Setting The Scene • Jesus speaks of “binding and loosing” twice—first to Peter (Matthew 16:19) and later to the gathered disciples (Matthew 18:18). • In each instance He ties the phrase to “the keys of the kingdom” and to decisions that have heavenly backing. 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 “Bind” And “Loose” Meant To Jesus’ Hearers • Everyday Jewish usage: rabbis “bound” (forbade) or “loosed” (permitted) specific behaviors under the Law. • Legal image: fastening or releasing a prisoner. • Spiritual dimension: declaring a person under guilt or released into freedom. Transferred Authority To Christ’s Church • Jesus, the Lawgiver fulfilled (Matthew 5:17), now entrusts authority to His people. • The “keys” symbolize stewardship—opening or shutting access to kingdom life (Isaiah 22:22 as background). • The verbs are perfect participles in Greek: “will have been bound/loosed in heaven,” underscoring that heaven’s verdict precedes and empowers the church’s action. How This Authority Operates 1. Doctrinal Definition – Apostles and elders clarify truth (Acts 15:6–29). – Their Spirit-guided rulings “bind” error and “loose” Gentile believers from Mosaic rituals. 2. Discipline And Restoration – If a sinning brother refuses private and small-group correction, the matter reaches the church; unrepentance is “bound” (Matthew 18:15-17). – Paul applies this in Corinth: “Hand this man over to Satan” (1 Corinthians 5:4-5). Repentance later “looses” him (2 Corinthians 2:6-8). 3. Forgiveness Of Sins – John 20:23 echoes the promise: “If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven.” – The church declares the gospel; those who believe are loosed, those who reject remain bound (John 3:18). Heaven’s Confirmation • The church does not compel God; rather, acting under Christ’s headship (Ephesians 1:22) it voices what heaven has already decreed. • The Spirit ensures alignment (John 16:13). • When the body follows Scripture and the Spirit, its earthly pronouncement carries divine authority. Guidelines For Faithful Binding And Loosing • Anchor every decision in clear biblical teaching (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Proceed in unity and humility (Ephesians 4:2-3). • Aim at restoration, never mere punishment (Galatians 6:1). • Remain accountable—leaders to the Word, members to leaders (Hebrews 13:17). Why It Matters To Us • Church membership is not optional; it places believers inside God-ordained oversight. • When leaders declare biblical doctrine or exercise loving discipline, heaven stands behind them. • Submitting to that process protects believers from deception and keeps the church pure for her Lord (Ephesians 5:25-27). Summary “To bind on earth” means the church, under Christ’s authority, may declare certain teachings, behaviors, and persons as forbidden or still under sin’s hold; “loosing” does the opposite. Such actions, grounded in Scripture and guided by the Holy Spirit, echo what heaven has already resolved, giving weight and confidence to the church’s mission. |
    |