If you’ve studied Matthew’s gospel long enough, you will have encountered the words “bind””and “loose.” You may have wondered what was meant. In fact, it was not until relatively recently that scholars have found its origin is from rabbinical writings to indicate whether a behavior will be prohibited (bound) or permitted (loosed). Since Matthew’s is the most Jewish gospel, it is logical that the words would appear there.
In a Christian context, we find it immediately after Peter’s confession in Matthew 18: 16, where Jesus told them that he was giving them the keys to the kingdom of heaven;. Jesus Explains that the church will have the power to bind and loose, and whatever they decide will be honored in heaven. This is another way of saying that they would have the “keys” to heaven..
The protocol it is simple. Believers facing a choice about a matter before the church meet together, avoid personalities, personal agendas, selfish interests, and other distractions to allow the Holy Spirit to decide whether a behavior should be bound or loosed.
In Acts chapter 15 we see this in action. Those attending the meeting are messengers from various house churches, and the matter to be decided was whether gentiles would be accepted into the faith. At the end of their time together, they decided in the affirmative and the chapter continues with “it seemed OK to the Holy Spirit and to us.” And that is how the Lord answered the Gentile issue after the resurrection had removed him from their presence..
This protocol can also be applied when a handful of committed believers agree to help another believer make an important life decision. He or she may be contemplating marriage, a new job, or other life-changing decision and wanted God to decide the issue. . When the group is sure that they are not being influenced by personal opinions and agendas, allowing the Holy Spirit to work, they will get a reliable decision.
Leave a Reply