Who can Decree and Declare?

DOES MATTHEW 18:18-20 TEACH THAT BELIEVERS HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO DECREE AND DECLARE THINGS?

By Ezekiel Kimosop

INTRODUCTION

Sister X, thanks for the question. I appreciate your concerns on emotive  Christian debates touching on contentious issues. However, my view is that biblical debates can be mutually beneficial if they are conducted in a structured manner and the parties are respectful in their arguments.

No one has a monopoly of ideas and there is no end to learning. Scripture teaches that iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17).

Now to respond to your question...

Yes, I have come across the slogan about decreeing and declaring things into existence. I am however hesitant to admit that believers have such authority. The slogan is possibly reinforced by the Word of Faith doctrines on confessing and possessing things.

The word "decree"  in its ordinary usage refers to a royal proclamation or executive order that must be strictly complied with by those to whom it is directed. It is an official order that carries with it the force of law.

A person making a decree must therefore have the requisite authority or power to proclaim it.

The word "decree" appears 18 times in the Book of Esther and 15 times in Daniel.

Ancient kings issued decrees to their subjects in the exercise of their unfettered royal authority.

In the New Testament Scripture, the word "decree" appears only 4 times in the NKJV. To my knowledge, none of these Scripture passages relate to the exercise of spiritual authority by believers or the Church.

Now turning to Matthew 18:18-20, the Bible says "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.

19 “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. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”

BIBLICAL ANALYSIS

Does this passage teach that believers have the authority to make decrees on any matter and things just happen spontaneously?

A charismatic teacher would perhaps answer this question in the affirmative. Is this affirmation consistent with biblical truth?

First things first...

Let us start by examining the context of the two statements in this short passage. Context is always key when it comes to biblical interpretation.

Jesus was addressing the issue of Christian conflict resolution/church discipline in the context of the sinning brother (Matthew 18:15-20).

The statement in Matthew 18:18 therefore relates to the authority of the church in administering moral discipline within the Christian community. A believer who stubbornly refuses to submit to church discipline may be excommunicated from the congregation of believers until such a time that they demonstrate remorse and are biblically restored (cf. 1 Cor. 5:1-13; 2 Cor. 2:3-11).

Paul exercised this authority when he excommunicated two heretics from the Ephesian Christian community (1 Timothy 1:19-20; 2 Timothy 2:16-19).

We learn from the teaching of Jesus in our passage of context above that God will uphold the disciplinary decision of the church if it is made in a godly judicious manner and within the authority of the word of God.

This authority should however be subject to the broader teachings found elsewhere in the Bible which speak into the context.

The second statement in Matthew 18:19 is made in a broader context. It is the foundation of corporate faith in the Christian community. It is however subject to the body of truths taught in the Bible which apply to this context.

Finally, Matthew 18:20 gives an assurance of God's abiding presence. Jesus, by His Spirit, is present among believers who come together in fellowship and in prayer. This does not however suggest that Christ's presence does not abide in an  individual believer.

CONCLUSION

My considered view is that Matthew 18:18-20 does not appear to support the popular charismatic slogan on decreeing matters into existence.

God is sovereign in our lives and this truth governs our relationship with Him even in the context of prayer. He alone has exclusive authority to grant or decline any petition that we present to Him in prayer. Our petitions must satisfy His divine purposes. (James 4:1-6,13-17).

Nothing in Scripture teaches or implies that God has donated His sovereign power and authority to any mortal. Yes, He does work through us and in us. However, He alone can decree and declare things into existence. No man can take the place of God in the exercise of His sovereign power.

The Word of Faith slogan therefore fails the test of Scripture in so far as Matthew 18:18-20 obtains.