Matthew 18:18, to loose, or to bind

  

Understanding Matthew 18:18 and Related Biblical Teachings

People usually get all tied up about the terms in this particular scripture, especially to bind, or to loose:

The verse Matthew 18:18 in the King James Version of the Bible states: "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." To understand this in simple terms, imagine a group of people who are trying to follow God's rules together. Jesus is telling his followers that they have been given a very important responsibility. When they make decisions about what is right or wrong, or how to handle problems within their community—based on God's teachings—those decisions are so important that they are recognized by God in heaven. It is like having a key that locks or unlocks a door; when the followers act in agreement with God’s will, their actions are confirmed by God himself.

A Similar Scripture: Matthew 16:19

There is a very similar verse found in Matthew 16:19, which says: "And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." In this earlier instance, Jesus is speaking specifically to Peter, one of his closest followers. The meaning is much the same: the "keys" represent the authority to teach and guide the church. Just as a parent might set rules for a household to keep everyone safe and happy, Jesus gave his followers the authority to set "rules" or "boundaries" for the community of believers. When they "bind" something, they are saying, "This is forbidden because it goes against God's way." When they "loose" something, they are saying, "This is allowed because it follows God's love and truth."

Why This Matters for Everyone

For a child, this can be understood as a lesson in responsibility and community. Jesus is teaching that our choices matter. When we work together to be kind, honest, and fair, we are doing what God wants us to do. The "binding and loosing" is a way of saying that the community of people who love God has the power to help others stay on the right path. It is not about being bossy or mean or juddgy; it is about protecting the group and making sure everyone understands how to live a life that makes God happy.

Scholars often point out that these verses are about the authority of the church to interpret scripture and maintain order. It is a promise that God is present in the decisions made by his people when they are seeking his guidance. We must remember always God’s inspired word is complete from end to end, and if we are to live as God wants, in God’s Kingdom then we must follow all of His word, as it applies from end to end and not choosing bits and pieces because it meets our needs and desires just like Eve sought to do as she saw fit just because it met with what she desired, while Adam sinned willfully and did as his wife asked. We can’t mix and chose what makes us happy just as it says above about doing God’s Will.

Then if you see this as the true way of life of a Christian, then we have the Kingdom of God here on earth, and within us, for we desire what God wants and not our own selfish needs.



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