Matthew 18:18-20 NKJV:  "Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. "Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them."

Nestled amongst ‘searching for the lost’ (vs 12-14) and ‘restoring brothers-at-odds’ (vs 15-17), the first word Jesus speaks is a message of assurance. (vs 18) Though other translations employ a different word here (truly, verily, guaranteed) the sense of 'there's no doubt' comes through clearly. In fact, there are one hundred twenty-nine times this same Greek word is used in in the New Covenant. I believe He wants us to know for certain that heaven, Abba, is listening.

We are assured of: Jesus' eternity (John 8:58), the offer of eternal life to anyone who believes in Jesus (John 6:47, Tit 1:2; 1 John 2:25), security of our life and what's been committed to & by us (Romans 8:28, 38-39, 2 Timothy 1:12), a promised rest (Hebrews 4:1), we will do the works Jesus did (John 14:12), Jesus’ presence (Matthew 28:20), the gift or promise of the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:49, Acts 1:8, 2:17, 39), and whatever promise Jesus might make are Yeah! and Amen! (2 Corinthians 1:20).

Jesus begins verse 18 with the word “Assuredly”, and then begins the verse 19 telling us to consider it just like the first verse – with assurance. Then He ties all three together with, “For”, that is, 'here's the reason' so 'there's no doubt'. This reminds me of the colloquialism, “for certain sure”. It's as if Jesus is saying, “There ain't no doubt, no how, no way. What I say will come true!” So what did Jesus say to us in these three short verses?

Firstly, we're entrusted with the responsibility of loosing or binding ¹

“Yahoo! Talkin' about way cool, am I big stuff or what? Man, God's waitin' for me to decide the fate of these ne'erdo-wells. And when I meet up with some poor demon-possessed schmuck, why I'll just throw a Spirit lasso on 'at demon and send him hogtied right back to h-e-double toothpicks.”

No, no wait just a second. I don't think your hearing this right. If you were sitting around when Jesus made this announcement you'd have recognized scribe-priest speak for 'permit-forbid'. The priests back then were responsible for on-the-spot interpretations of that which was or was not lawful – in the sense of Moses and the Ten Commandments lawful. In this reference, loosing-binding was not directed at a person or being, but, rather at an activity or thing. While this particular context is nestled in forgiveness, various other applications of loose-bind are: set free, liberate, heal, breaking of chains, restoring life from death.

“But I'm still confused. Is God waiting for me to make up my mind about people and whether or not they deserve mercy or just a good word?”

Sorry, but here I have to get into grammar, Greek grammar. The phrases “will be bound/loosed” & “will be done” are understood as saying, “will have already been bound/loosed/done” So, this verse is letting us know that we will be expressing the decision that has previously been reached in heaven. Sorry man if that deflates your spirit-ego some. But, God is still God!

We're told that whatever we set free will already have been liberated – by heaven.

But, wait. Just how am I to do it practically? Do I go around laying on hands or exorcising demons? Jesus did. Is it my attitude of mercy or grace that accomplishes it?

Jesus modeled such an attitude.  When you read the New Covenant check out what transpired in the lives of those He met with. Forgive & it is forgiven (John 20:23). Perhaps, we should begin with an attitude of forgiveness. If I am coming into contact with those persons who may be in need of forgiveness and I offer it them, will I not also find they are in need of liberation, healing, and/or release from slavery and death. Yes, there will be laying on of hands, hugs, shoulders to cry on and hands raised in joint praise.

But what's this “two of you agree on earth concerning anything? I have enough trouble getting me, myself & I to agree on anything and now you're telling me I have to get others to see it my way?”

Well, that's not exactly what is being communicated here. Again verbs play an important role. It's almost like saying, “By the time any two of you agree, it will already have been settled in heaven.” So what part do we play in all this? Obviously, Jesus wants you and I to both seek the Father's will, setting aside our own opinions, we allow His Wisdom to predominate. We are to act as His ambassadors, speaking His words. We will reach this point through prayer.

The result being:
1) We each individually and corporately will have drawn closer to Father God.

2) We will be learning to recognize His will. And

3) we will draw closer in intent and purpose to each other. For as we draw near to Him we, by definition, draw nearer to those others of His body. God wins all the way around.

“So, I'm to walk around with a “FORGIVE” sandwich board on my shoulders, holding hands and singing Kum Ba Ja? Yeah, right! Just how'm I supposed to pull this off? I ain't sure I even like that other guy ‘nugh to pray with him.”

The answer is found in the next verse. “For” – just three letters with world shaking implications. “For” – links the previous verses together with this one, commanding our attention. “For” – 'Here's the reason I said what I did.' “For” – 'Just so there's no doubt.' For certain sure, when you come together, fully representing Me, genuinely open, not wavering, and without selfishness, you will recognize Me there already. And because I'm with you “all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26), even what I just asked of you. Since you've done it together others will see Me in you and be confronted by My love for them. Gather in My name, I am there with you and I will make it all happen. Be assured!

¹  Today I gladly acknowledge the work & assist of the editors of “Truth or Tradition?” for their efforts in making the loose-bind teaching clearer than it's has been in my 62 years. If you wish, you may read their article at http://www.truthortradition.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1188