The phrase "to bind on earth and loose in heaven" signifies the profound spiritual authority entrusted by Jesus Christ, particularly to the leaders of the Church, to make decisions and pronouncements on earth that are affirmed and ratified in the heavenly realm. It represents the power to establish doctrines, enact disciplinary laws, and, most importantly, to reconcile individuals with God through the Church.
This authority means that when individuals are excluded from the communion of the Church due to grave sin, that exclusion is recognized in the eyes of God. Conversely, when individuals are welcomed back into the Church's communion through forgiveness and reconciliation, God also welcomes them back. Therefore, reconciliation with the Church is inextricably linked to reconciliation with God.
Understanding the Biblical Context
The concept of "binding and loosing" appears in the Gospels, most notably in two key passages:
- Matthew 16:19: Jesus says to Peter, "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." This foundational statement grants a unique authority, often associated with Peter's role as the leader among the Apostles.
- Matthew 18:18: Jesus extends a similar power to all the Apostles: "Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." This indicates a broader authority given to the collective body of the Apostles and, by extension, their successors.
Historically, the "keys of the kingdom" and the power to bind and loose have been interpreted as the authority to govern, teach, and sanctify within the Church.
Dimensions of Binding and Loosing
The authority to bind and loose encompasses several critical dimensions within the life of the Church:
1. Doctrinal Authority
This refers to the power to authoritatively declare what is permissible or forbidden regarding faith and morals. It includes discerning true doctrine, condemning heresy, and guiding believers in matters of belief.
- Binding: Defining dogmas and moral truths that members are obligated to believe or adhere to.
- Loosing: Dispelling errors, clarifying misunderstandings, and freeing consciences from false obligations.
2. Disciplinary Authority
This involves the power to establish laws, regulations, and disciplinary measures within the Church. It ensures order and guides the conduct of the faithful.
- Binding: Instituting rules, canons, or practices that members must follow (e.g., fasting requirements, liturgical norms).
- Loosing: Granting dispensations from certain laws or revoking particular regulations.
3. Sacramental Authority (Especially Reconciliation)
Perhaps the most profound application, this refers to the power to forgive sins and reconcile individuals with God and the Church. This authority is primarily exercised through the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession).
- Binding: Withholding forgiveness (e.g., in cases where a penitent is unrepentant) or imposing spiritual penalties (penances) to aid conversion. In severe cases, this can lead to excommunication, where a person is excluded from the Church's communion due to grave public sin, until reconciliation occurs.
- Loosing: Granting absolution for sins, thereby releasing individuals from their spiritual debt and welcoming them back into full communion with God and the Church. This act of forgiveness on earth is recognized and affirmed in heaven.
Practical Implications
The power to bind and loose has tangible effects on the lives of believers and the structure of the Church:
| Aspect | Binding (Excluding/Forbidding) | Loosing (Including/Permitting) |
|---|---|---|
| Membership | Excommunication from the Church due to grave, unrepentant sin. | Reconciliation and readmission into full Church communion after repentance. |
| Morality | Declaring certain actions or beliefs to be sinful or contrary to faith. | Declaring certain actions or beliefs to be permissible or good. |
| Discipline | Enacting specific laws, fasts, or obligations for the faithful. | Granting dispensations from laws, or removing obligations. |
| Salvation | Warning of the spiritual danger of unrepented sin, leading to exclusion from God's grace. | Offering forgiveness and opening the path to salvation through grace. |
The authority to bind and loose is a sacred trust, intended for the salvation of souls and the guidance of the Christian community. It underscores the belief that the Church acts as an instrument of God's will on earth, with its actions having eternal consequences. The exercise of this power emphasizes the inseparable link between our relationship with the Church and our relationship with God.
