Why do churches do what they do? What is the biblical basis of church leadership structure? Why do certain traditions get entrenched? How did we arrive at our doctrines?
Today we will examine the idea of binding and loosing. Is binding and loosing a general activity in which Christians should engage, that is, the binding and loosing of spiritual things? Charismatics would call this "spiritual warfare." Non-charismatics would likely reject the idea entirely.
The first mention of binding and loosing we wish to consider is found in Mt. 18:18-20. First we shall quote the entirety of Matt. chapter 18 for context:
Mt. 18:1-4 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 He called a little child and had him stand among them. 3 And he said: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."
Mt. 18:5 And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. 6 But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. 7 “Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to sin! Such things must come, but woe to the man through whom they come!
Mt. 18:8-9 If your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire. 9 And if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell.
Mt. 18:10-11 See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven. 11 The Son of Man came to save what was lost.
Mt. 18:12-14 What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? 13 And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. 14 In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost.
Mt. 18:15-17 If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. 16 But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that `every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ [Deut. 19:15] 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.
Mt. 18:18-20 “I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. 19 “Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.”
21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy seven times.
Mt. 18:23-35 “Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him. 25 Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt. 26 “The servant fell on his knees before him. `Be patient with me,’ he begged, `and I will pay back everything.’ 27 The servant’s master took pity on him, cancelled the debt and let him go.
28 “But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii. He grabbed him and began to choke him. `Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded. 29 “His fellow-servant fell to his knees and begged him, `Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.’ 30 “But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt.
31 When the other servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed and went and told their master everything that had happened. 32 “Then the master called the servant in. `You wicked servant,’ he said, `I cancelled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. 33 Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow-servant just as I had on you?’ 34 In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. 35 This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart.As we read Matt. chapter 18 we discover that it is a series of lessons and explanations on various topics. It seems possible that Matthew was piecing together various things taught by Jesus. Or perhaps he was providing excerpts from a long discourse, or several discourses. Since it is true that Jesus is talking about more than one subject in this chapter, we do not have to think that all these things all relate to each other.
There's strong hint in the language: Truly I say to you... Jesus also says this phrase in Mt. 8:11, and Jn. 10:1, and in those instances the passages on either side are not connected ideas. However, Lk. 11:9 and Jn. 1:51 do connect. Therefore, we cannot automatically assume that binding and loosing must be connected to other parts of the passage.
Our first thesis is that 'binding and loosing" (Mt. 18:18) is not connected to the previous teaching about reconciliation with your brother. Therefore, "binding and loosing" is not related to the reconciliation process found in the previous paragraph. This means we are then left to discern which things connect to what, and where one story ends and another begins.
The Kingdom
All through the Gospels Jesus spent a lot of time explaining the Kingdom. In fact, the Kingdom was the overarching theme of Jesus' ministry. At the beginning of the chapter 18 we find our first reference to the Kingdom:
1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”The Kingdom is referenced four times in this chapter, verses 1, 3, 4, and 23. It opens and closes with a reference to the Kingdom. Jesus telling us what the Kingdom is like, and what our responsibilities are as members of the Kingdom. We should therefore regard chapter 18 from the context of Jesus explaining the Kingdom.
The topics Jesus discusses in Matthew 18 are
- Being the greatest in the Kingdom means becoming like a child
- It is good to welcome children into the Kingdom, and bad to cause one to sin
- Body parts that cause a person to sin
- God pays attention to the little ones
- The parable of the shepherd, applied to God's desire that not one of these little ones should be lost
- A brother who sins
- Binding and loosing
- How many times we should forgive
- The parable of the king and his wicked servant, applied to forgiving one's brother
Let's look at word usage. First, the use of the word "church." Mt. 18:17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church... The casual reader might think that "the church" is the local congregation. But the church did yet not exist. This is not "a church," it is "the church."
"Church" is
ἐκκλησία, ας, ἡ (ekklésia), an assembly, congregation, church; the Church, the whole body of Christian believers.
1577 ekklēsía(from 1537 /ek, "out from and to" and 2564 /kaléō, "to call") – properly, people called out from the world and to God, the outcome being the Church (the mystical body of Christ) – i.e. the universal (total) body of believers whom God calls out from the world and into His eternal kingdom... b. a company of Christians... The name ἡ ἐκκλησία is used even by Christ while on earth of the company of his adherents in any city or village.The church Jesus is referring to is the "called out ones," i.e., everyone who has been saved and is part of the Kingdom.
Second, the word "brother," used four times in the chapter:
Mt. 18:15 If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.
Mt. 18:21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?”
Mt. 18:35 “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart.”The word "brother" is
ἀδελφός, οῦ, ὁ (adelphos): a brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian...
That is, a brother is one of all those who comprise "the church."
Let's requote the passage:
Mt. 18:18–20 Truly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven. Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.
Our second thesis is, Matthew chapter 18 is for the "called out ones," every brother (and sister) everywhere.
Based on our first and second theses, we believe binding and loosing is for all Christians, and it is not restricted to reconciliation. This passage has all the hallmarks of a new subject, whihc means we do not need to connect it to the prior teaching.
The Kingdom Practice of Binding and Loosing
Our third thesis is that binding and loosing is connected to the Kingdom. This is confirmed by another passage:
Why do we say this? Over in Luke we read, meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered... (Lk. 12:1) Jesus is teaching the crowd. He tells them some of the most marvelous things ever uttered by a man. Then we then come to this statement, Lk. 12:32:
Jesus told Peter that the church will be built on the rock (Mt. 16:18), which is the Great Truth confessed by Peter: You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. (Mt. 16:16) The church will be powerful, prevailing against the powers of hell. Part of that power will be to bind and loose. That is, the church will be built on a power statement, the church will exercise that power, the church will use that power to overcome the power of the enemy.
Let's combine our thoughts. First, we are part of the Kingdom. It is given to us. Second, binding and loosing is an expression of the Kingdom. Third, we have been given authority to bind and loose: whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven.
Since we have the Kingdom, we we have the authority to bind and loose. Therefore, the purpose of that power is Kingdom authority to overcome the power of the enemy.
Binding and loosing brings about Kingdom order in the church, expands Kingdom influence, evangelizes the nations, and facilitates the move of the Holy Spirit.
But, we do not think casting out demons is specifically included here.
What About Demons?
The above passage is in the context of acknowledging that Jesus was casting out demons, but being accused of doing it by the power of Satan. Jesus replied with a Kingdom statement: 28 But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. He then noted that Satan does not cast out demons, for demons are a part of Satan's house. Satan, the strongman, was being bound by Jesus, and He was carrying off the spoils from the binding of Satan, which would be those He has saved.
This is not a passage about Christians binding Satan.
It is also important to note that casting out demons does not mean one is commended to God or is even a Christian.
It is clear, however, that we all have a position and ministry that deals in the spiritual realm:
Our third thesis is that binding and loosing is connected to the Kingdom. This is confirmed by another passage:
Mt. 16:15-19 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. 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.”Some might suggest that this applies only to the first century apostles, who were writing Scripture, establishing doctrine, and correcting local churches. Base on our presentation to this point, we would not agree. Jesus was not simply empowering the apostles or creating a temporary authority. The kingdom authority is ours as well.
Why do we say this? Over in Luke we read, meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered... (Lk. 12:1) Jesus is teaching the crowd. He tells them some of the most marvelous things ever uttered by a man. Then we then come to this statement, Lk. 12:32:
Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.We are the sheep of His pasture, the little flock, and the Kingdom is ours.
Jesus told Peter that the church will be built on the rock (Mt. 16:18), which is the Great Truth confessed by Peter: You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. (Mt. 16:16) The church will be powerful, prevailing against the powers of hell. Part of that power will be to bind and loose. That is, the church will be built on a power statement, the church will exercise that power, the church will use that power to overcome the power of the enemy.
Let's combine our thoughts. First, we are part of the Kingdom. It is given to us. Second, binding and loosing is an expression of the Kingdom. Third, we have been given authority to bind and loose: whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven.
Since we have the Kingdom, we we have the authority to bind and loose. Therefore, the purpose of that power is Kingdom authority to overcome the power of the enemy.
Binding and loosing brings about Kingdom order in the church, expands Kingdom influence, evangelizes the nations, and facilitates the move of the Holy Spirit.
But, we do not think casting out demons is specifically included here.
What About Demons?
Mt. 12:24-29 But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, “It is only by Beelzebub, the prince of demons, that this fellow drives out demons.” 25 Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand. 26 If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand? 27 And if I drive out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your people drive them out? So then, they will be your judges. 28 But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. 29 “Or again, how can anyone enter a strong man’s house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can rob his house."We are not inclined to accept the idea that casting out demons is the same thing as binding and loosing. Nor are we inclined to accept that a Christian ought to be focused on casting out demons. While there are demonic forces at work on the earth today, that does not mean that there are demons hiding in every closet.
The above passage is in the context of acknowledging that Jesus was casting out demons, but being accused of doing it by the power of Satan. Jesus replied with a Kingdom statement: 28 But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. He then noted that Satan does not cast out demons, for demons are a part of Satan's house. Satan, the strongman, was being bound by Jesus, and He was carrying off the spoils from the binding of Satan, which would be those He has saved.
This is not a passage about Christians binding Satan.
It is also important to note that casting out demons does not mean one is commended to God or is even a Christian.
Mt. 7:22 Many will say to me on that day, `Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’The ability to cast out demons does not speak to our personal spiritual condition. It doesn't even speak to whether or not we are saved. Even non-apostles were casting out demons.
Mk. 9:38-40 “Teacher,” said John, “we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.” 39 “Do not stop him,” Jesus said. “No-one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, 40 for whoever is not against us is for us.So we need to be careful that our focus and our hope is in Jesus alone, not in the power to do incredible spiritual feats.
It is clear, however, that we all have a position and ministry that deals in the spiritual realm:
Ep. 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
And Jesus charged us to engage in spiritual ministry:
Mt. 10:8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.
Mk. 16:17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues...
How and when we do this is a matter of discernment. It also must be in concert with the brethren:
Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven.
Our authority is given by the Holy Spirit, and is not of our own. We would do well to remember our place and remember who receives the glory.
Lk. 10:17-20 The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” 18 He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. 20 However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
Jude 9 But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not dare to bring a slanderous accusation against him, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!”We would suggest that it is reckless to casually engage in "binding and loosing" and "casting satan out."
Conclusion
As a part of Jesus' Kingdom we have been granted His authority and power to engage the dark realm, and that engagement includes casting out demons. We are not binding the strongman, and should not think we can cast out Satan. Rather, Satan's gates will not prevail as we preach the gospel and rob his house. It is Jesus who binds Satan:
Re. 20:2 He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years.It is Jesus who casts Satan down:
Re. 20:10 And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulphur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
We keep our focus on the fact our names are written in heaven. That fact is the source of the power of the church. Therefore, our prize is Jesus, not the power to cast out demons.
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