Does Jesus give Peter and, indirectly, His disciples the authority to bind or loose the Devil, sicknesses, or even money troubles? Are we granted the privilege of changing God’s mind in heaven to allow it to happen on earth? This article observes the concept of “Binding” and “Loosing” as taught by Jesus in the Bible.
Biblical Basis for Binding and Loosing
The concept of “binding” and “loosing” is only taught in two places in the Bible. This type of binding or loosing is found in the context of Jesus giving authority to His disciples in 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.”
The second place is found in Matthew 18:18, where Jesus is teaching the disciples about Church discipline and handling an unrepentant believer. More on this below.
It is also important to note that Jesus is talking to His disciples who are the foundation stones of the Church. The disciples were taught to pray for the Father’s will to be done on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:9-10). And now, Jesus is giving them the authority necessary to bring the will of the Father in Heaven and establish it on earth.
Binding and Loosing in Matthew 16:19
When Jesus told Peter that He will give him the keys to heaven, He was not giving him the authority to “bind” people from entering heaven, or “loosing” them through its gates. For a deeper study on that, check out my article, “Who Holds the Keys to Heaven” or check out my video below.
No, Jesus gave the apostles the keys to the kingdom being the Gospel message. Jesus’ words meant that His disciples have the right to enter heaven and they can offer or “unlock the doors” by preaching the Gospel, which has the power to save souls (Romans 1:16).
For example, when Peter preached his sermon on the day of Pentecost, he opened the doors to the kingdom to the 3,000+ Jews who heard his message (Acts 2:14-40). We also see throughout the book of Acts the gospel being preached to other people groups for the first time.
What Does Binding and Loosing Mean?
So, what does it mean when the apostles bind or loose something on earth? The expressions “bind” and “loose” are a common Jewish legal phraseology. It means “to declare something forbidden or to declare it allowed.”
The apostles weren’t granted the privilege to change God’s mind so that whatever they wanted on earth would be done. But as they continued in their apostolic ministries, they were encouraged that they would be fulfilling God’s plan in heaven.
When the apostles forbade something on earth, or “bound” it, they were carrying out the Will of God in that matter. When they allowed it on earth, or “loosed” it, they were fulfilling God’s eternal plan in the same way.
As the apostles continued Christ’s work on earth by preaching the Gospel message and declaring God’s will, they were given the same authority as Christ possessed. In Matthew 18:18, the reference to “binding” and “loosing” is found in the context of church discipline. The apostles do not usurp the authority and lordship of Christ over an individual believer and their eternal destiny. However, they do exercise the authority to discipline and even excommunicate the disobedient member.
What Does This Mean for Us, Today?
Jesus gave the guidelines for what can be “bound” (forbidden or unlawful), and what can be “loosed” (permitted or declared lawful). When the Gospel is preached, God’s Will is accomplished because He commanded it. He also gave the guidelines on how to handle His Body, the Church. And for the apostles, as they enacted God’s plan for the establishment of the Church, its governance, and the writing of the New Testament, they loosed and bound many things.
For example, when Peter was giving a vision from heaven about unclean animals being declared clean, Peter loosed that restriction given by the Jewish law (Acts 10:9-16). When Peter declared the wickedness of Ananias and Sapphira, their punishment was administered by God (Acts 5:1-11).
Today, we are given the guidance of how to live, teach, and discipline through the Holy Scriptures. God’s Will was accomplished there for those purposes. But the will of God is still being carried out, to through obedience to His word in the Scriptures, and as each believer lives out his or her own calling given them by God.
We don’t bind or loose the Devil, sickness, or money troubles according to these passages. But we can pray for help and God’s Will to be done in sickness or finances; as well as the Lord to step in and fight the Devil (e.g. Jude 1:9), alongside other Scriptures that combat specific temptations.
Ending Thoughts
If you want to learn more about heaven or church discipline, check out the articles and books below. Some are Amazon affiliate links. I get a small commission which helps support the effort of teaching that Jesus is the only Way, Truth and eternal Life with God in heaven.
Watch my video on the “Truth about Heaven”
Check out this book that I recommend for learning about Ecclesiology “The Biblical Theology of the Church“
Here is an article about “The Keys to Heaven“