It would be good for us to look earlier in this chapter to see the context of what is being taught.  We read in Matthew 18:15-17, “Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.”

We have the event of a personal offense by one person to another in the local church.  If someone does something to offend us, it is proper to go to that person and explain to him the wrongness in his action.  A gentle rebuke is given so that we might “gain thy brother.”  This means that by speaking to him of his wrong action, he might repent, and our fellowship be restored.  How vital it is that we talk TO that person alone and not talk ABOUT him to others. 

If this person should refuse to hear us and repent of his action, then we are directed to take one or two others with us who might hear the matter and help convince this erring brother of his misdeeds.  We have this principle given to us in Deuteronomy 17:6, “At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to death; but at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death.”  So, for one or two others to hear of the offense, they may, without prejudice, establish his wrongness and help lead this person to repentance. 

If this person refuses to heed the words of these additional people, then he is to be brought before the local church so all might know of his misdeed and encourage him to repent.  If after all this, this one still refuses to acknowledge his wrongdoing, even after the entire church group agrees he has sinned against his fellow believer, he is to “be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.”  What does this mean?  To the Jew, the heathen (the Gentile) and the publican (the tax collector) were considered to be outside the realm of those who believed on the Lord.  Although this sinning brother may truly be saved, at this point, he is treated as one who must be excommunicated from the fellowship and privilege of the local church.  This is a serious action for the local church to administer and should only be given through prayer and waiting on the Lord to lead.  The desired effect is that this erring one would see his wrongdoing, long to be reunited with his fellow believers, and confess his offense to those in the local church. 

Now let’s read Matthew 18:18, “Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”  At this point, I think it is clear to see that these words are given to the local church in their dealings with one who has sinned and refused to confess that sin.  The local church is authorized by the Lord, when they act in accordance with His leading, to ‘bind’ this one under the discipline of the church.  When that happens, this act of discipline is honored in Heaven.  When and if the time comes that this one who has sinned, repents and confesses his sin, the local church has the authority to ‘loose’ him from the discipline he was placed under.  This will also be honored in Heaven and his restoration to fellowship will be acknowledged in Heaven. 

We have an example of this in 1 Corinthians 5, where a brother committed a grievous sin.  Under the direction of the Apostle, he was discipled and put away from the local church.  In 2 Corinthians 2, we see this man had felt the discipline of his loving brothers and sisters and had repented of his sin.  The instruction to the church is to receive this man back into the fold of fellowship.  2 Corinthians 2:6-7 says, “Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many. So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.”  So, yes, this form of discipline from the local church should still be practiced today in dependence upon the leading of the Lord.  Just as the local church is authorized to bind one under discipline when needed, it is also vital to loosen that one when repentance and confession have occurred.  (CC)  (688.2)