How can we apply "bind on earth" in our daily church decisions? Understanding the Text “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) Context and Meaning • In Matthew 18:15-20, Jesus instructs His disciples on restoring a sinning brother and safeguarding church purity. • “Bind” (declare forbidden) and “loose” (declare permitted) were familiar rabbinic terms for authoritative decisions. • Jesus transfers this authority to His gathered followers, grounding it in heaven’s prior will (cf. Matthew 16:19; John 20:23). Where the Authority Applies • Discipline cases—addressing unrepentant sin (1 Corinthians 5:1-5; 2 Thessalonians 3:6). • Doctrinal clarity—protecting sound teaching (Titus 1:9). • Ministry order—appointing leaders, setting policies (Acts 6:3-6; 14:23). • Restoration—formally welcoming back the repentant (2 Corinthians 2:6-8). Principles for Daily Church Decisions • Start with Scripture—every ruling must mirror God’s revealed will (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Seek unanimity under Christ’s headship—“where two or three gather in My name” (Matthew 18:20). • Pray for heaven’s confirmation—align earth’s verdict with heaven’s record (James 1:5). • Act in love and humility—peaceable, gentle, open to reason (James 3:17). • Keep matters local when possible—handle issues within the body before wider escalation. • Record decisions clearly—so all know what is bound or loosed and why. • Follow through—discipline without delay; restoration without grudges. Guardrails for Faithful Binding • Never contradict plain Scripture. • Avoid personal vendettas; aim for repentance and unity (Galatians 6:1). • Involve multiple witnesses to guard against bias (Matthew 18:16). • Submit to higher accountability if a decision proves unscriptural (Acts 15:1-29). Everyday Examples • Removing a member from teaching who spreads heresy, after admonitions fail—binding the false doctrine. • Reinstating a previously disciplined believer who shows genuine repentance—loosing the relational barriers. • Establishing a church constitution that forbids unethical financial practices—binding misconduct before it starts. Blessings of Obedient Binding and Loosing • Purity of witness—outsiders see holiness lived out (1 Peter 2:12). • Spiritual safety—sheep protected from wolves (Acts 20:28-30). • Joyful harmony—believers dwelling in unity (Psalm 133:1). • Heaven’s endorsement—God backs what His Word initiates, and the church experiences His presence and power. |
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