What does the Bible mean when it says what we bind on earth will be bound in heaven?
Read Time: 2 min
Jesus is speaking here on how to deal, in the framework of the church, with a person who sins. “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother” (Matthew 18:15). Christ goes on to say that if the sinner doesn’t listen to you, bring someone else. Only if it is necessary should it be brought to the whole church body. The principle is to keep the circle as small as possible.
The last step in dealing with a person who does not reconcile themselves to the church is to dismiss them from membership. When a member refuses to repent or acknowledge wrongs, they are no longer considered part of the congregation. These instructions carry real weight based on Matthew 18:18. The terms “bind” and “loose” are legal words demonstrating that the local church has power in disciplining members.
Some churches are built on a structure of hierarchical authority, a top-down system that gives certain people power on their own to dismiss members. This passage uses the plural term for “you” and is set in the context of the “church,” not any particular individual in the church, whether a religious leader or member. It speaks of a representative system of shared authority. Furthermore, what is carried out by the collective local church in these matters is acknowledged by heaven.
But let’s be careful to follow the spirit of this passage. When a problem arises, it is not to be quickly dragged in front of the whole church. We should seek to resolve issues with as few people as possible. The goal is healing and reconciliation, not war and proving someone is wrong. Even if they are dismissed, we are to still care for them, for Christ reached out to the heathen and tax collectors in genuine love and interest.
Key Bible Texts
Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. (Matthew 18:18 KJV)