Matthew 18:18-20 ESV Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. 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. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I among them.
The verses in the passage above are some of most quoted in the Bible, especially among the Pentecostal and Charismatic churches. While I won’t say they are misquoted, these verses are almost always pulled out of context so the true impact of their meaning is lost.
Usually, the binding and loosing is quoted to show the spiritual authority of the believer. I do believe that Christians have authority in the spiritual realm because of the Holy Spirit dwelling within us. We can cast out demons and bind evil spirits. We see it in the Book of Acts and I have experienced it personally.
The verses about agreement among believers is usually touted to encourage corporate prayer. Coming together to pray is powerful and encouraged throughout the Bible. However, while God is present when two or three are gathered, He is equally engaged when one saint is praying alone in his or her closet.
As I said, I won’t say these verses are misquoted because in the above examples, they are used to teach biblical truths. But, when you look at the context, you see that they are really about unity in the Body of Christ. Those verses are in the midst of a longer passage (Matthew 18:15-35) about reconciliation and forgiveness among Christians.
Our relationships with other Christians here on earth have eternal significance in the spiritual realm. Binding ourselves with unforgiveness or unrepented sin will hinder our effectiveness in the Kingdom of Heaven. Where there is unity and agreement among Christians, God’s presence is manifested with joy, peace, and power in the unified saints. Therefore, let us strive to live in harmony with other Christians so that our prayers and service will be effective and bring the most glory to God.
Lord, I pray Your Spirit will bring peace in the Church so that our love will shine brightly in a dark world.