These snippets of Scripture are of no use. This discussion must begin and end with authority. The Petrine authority has been examined for several centuries by theologians from Augustine, Aquinas, Newman, Benedict XVI (the “theological Einstein” of our times) as well as some of the most preeminent theologians in the Protestant and Episcopalian worlds who have converted to Catholicism. The very authority by which the early Church fathers selected which books to ignore, and those to be included in the Bible using historical sources and oral tradition nearly 60-80 years after the death of Christ is the same authority by which the dogma of the Assumption is founded. Biblical anarchy is the result of every street corner preacher from David Koresh to Billy Graham to TD Jakes and Rev. Moon and the Mormons all claiming to “authoritatively” interpret Scripture.
Now, my question. Look at the context carefully:
Matthew 16:19
And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”
Matthew 18:18
“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."<> Who's He talking to here? Who has this power to "bind on earth as it is bound in heaven" in your church?