Power to Bind on Earth, Forgive Sins, and Indulgences

What did Jesus mean in Matthew 18:18?

What is the correct interpretation of John 20:23?

Can our deeds lesson the sin in God's eyes?

Do some people on earth have the power to make rules for Christians and forgive sins?

These questions relate to the power and authority of humans, working on behalf of Jesus. Some claim that because we represent Jesus, that we have the power to not only claim what is right and wrong, but also to forgive sins.

Let's look at Matthew 18:18 (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." "

Loosening and binding here refer to Christ's church affairs here on earth. Jesus will ascend into heaven, and leave His followers to gather together. We are commanded to become a faithful group of believers, spreading the gospel.

Instead of following and listening to one individual, we are to gather together in prayer, study, and guidance of the Holy Spirit. We are to discern what is true doctrine and what is false. We are to judge our brothers and sisters righteously.

Jesus is giving authority to the family of believers. Church leaders are to be respected. The church is to make Biblical rules. If these rules are correct, and leaders are of Christ, then going against them can be a grievous error.

This does not mean they are infallible and never need correction. They are not to be worshiped, nor are they put in place of God.

The body of Christ is more likely to be composed of true Biblical teachings, if the entire body comes together to decide church doctrines. We are not to allow one person to decide.

To sum it up, whatever the true church decides must be done in such a way that it coincides with heavenly principles.

Acts 1 describes how the early church came together. Throughout the rest of the book, the church meets in unity, prays in unity, decides matters in unity, and has faith in unity. The church was diligently seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit as a one body.

Now let's look at John 2023 (NKJV):

""If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”"

You might be tempted to read this as having the actual power to forgive sins. The first thing we should find out, is if the disciples ever forgave anyone of their sins. The answer is no.

The great commission was to spread the gospel. In spreading it, the forgiveness of sins is also preached. Believe in Jesus and your sins are forgiven.

Peter says in Acts 10:43 (NKJV):

""To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.”"

Nowhere in The Bible do any of Christ's disciples claim to be able to forgive sins. Quite the contrary. They always state that this goes along with believing in Jesus.

Forgiveness of sins is part of our message, not our ability. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved. Your sins are forgiven.

Those statements never imply that it is we who are forgiving sins. We are proclaiming the forgiveness of sins as people confess and believe in Jesus.

The next topic is straightforward. We cannot do any physical act to pay for sins.

Ephesians 2:8 (NKJV): "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,"

When we are saved, our sins are forgiven. Nothing that happens to us can make up for our transgressions. We cannot pay money to a good cause, even the church, that will exonerate us from our sinful life.

In 2 Samuel 12, Nathan the prophet tells David the consequences of his sin. His sins are forgiven, but there are consequences. Those physical and emotional consequences are not in any way, shape, or form, a way of paying for the sins.

Nor will anything self-inflicted makes us more worthy in the sight of God.

What David suffered does not make his sin any less. The forgiveness from God does not mean those sufferings are taken away. The spiritual aspect of your sins being forgiven and forgotten is the grace of God.

Many Christians feel led by God to do charitable work and have a more giving attitude. That's what a Christ-like life is all about. We are God's children and we learn to be generous as God has blessed us.

Obedience to God is not paying for salvation. Any attempt we make at paying Jesus back is futile. In fact, the very idea is from the deceiver, not God.