18 Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 19 Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” (Matthew 18:18–20 (ESV)
What comprises a true church belong to Jesus Christ? In other words, what is a biblical church? The following characteristics of a biblical church are taken from the New Testament.
First, a true, biblical church preaches the Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16–17; 2 Timothy 4:1–5). Second, a true biblical church observes the ordinances of believer’s baptism and the Lord’s Supper (Matthew 28:19–20; Acts 2:38–40; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26). Thirdly, as attested by Matthew 18:15-17, a true, biblical church observes church discipline (1 Corinthians 5:1–8; Galatians 6:1-2; 1 Timothy 1:18–20).
In whatever biblical text we study, we must ask ourselves the following questions. (1) What did the text mean to the original audience; (2) What are the differences between the biblical and church today; (3) What theological principle(s) are found in the biblical text; (4) Are these biblical principles found elsewhere in Scripture; and (5) How may the text be applied in our lives?
In today’s text, we discover phrasing that may appear foreign to our understanding. What did Jesus mean when He said, “18 Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven?”
To bind (δέω; deo) means to tie or to restrict. To loose (λύω; luo) means to untie or release. Jesus used these two agricultural terms metaphorically to illustrate the church’s authority in matters of church discipline. The Lord gave the local church the authority to discipline and to restore wayward believers in Christ. The Lord will bless the church that faithful carries out of this responsibility.
“This corporate action was entrusted to the entire apostolic group. Their actions of binding and loosing were to be directed by heaven (Matt. 18:18; 16:19). Clearly all are addressed for the you pronouns are plural,” explains Dr. William Hendriksen.
Jesus continued by saying that the responsibility of church discipline, by its leaders, is to be bathed in prayer. Approaching a fellow believer in Christ who is overtaken in sin must be done humbly and prayerfully. Arrogance and self-righteousness has no place in the Christian life; especially in this situation.
“Besides their binding and loosing, they were also to engage in corporate prayer. Whenever they came together in the name of the Lord, He would be with them. And if two or three would agree together about anything it would be done for them by the Father in heaven.” continues Dr. Hendriksen.
In its specific context, Matthew 18:20 is particularly applicable in the circumstances of church discipline. Believers should be careful not to use it as a proof text for any and all gatherings. However, this verse can apply for gatherings for prayer and worship.
Church discipline is never easy. It’s one of the reasons why too few churches pursue it. For many leaders, the perspective seems to be “live and let live” or “the problem will just go away.” This is not only unhealthy but also unbiblical. Pray for your church leaders that they will lead the church in a biblical and obedient manner.
Soli deo Gloria!
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