Liberty

Page 1

Christian Liberty According to the Scriptures Deviations from the faith once delivered to the saints-Bible study #46 by Nolan McFadden When considering the word liberty, many issues of liberty come to mind. We are reminded that God created man as a free moral agent with the ability to choose good or evil (Genesis 2:15-17). We should thank the Lord for the blessing of religious liberty and political liberty. Why? To be without liberty is to be a slave. In fact, slavery to the pagan enemies of God’s people was considered a curse from God in the Hebrew Scriptures (Deuteronomy 28:48,68). Whereas, freedom is regarded as a valuable blessing (Acts 22:28). However, many have religious and political freedoms but are slaves to sin, guilt and false beliefs (John 8:33-34). Thankfully, biblical salvation provides a spiritual freedom which is the most glorious of all liberties (Romans 8:21). The Holy Bible presents a more clear understanding of liberty. However, the biblical term liberty is often twisted and used in error. A false understanding of liberty has resulted in false beliefs and false applications propagated under the guise of “Christian liberty.” Likewise, the apostle Peter warned about false teachers who will promise “liberty” but are “the servants of corruption (II Peter 2:19).” Therefore, it is essential that Christians have an accurate understanding of biblical liberty. Using the Holy Bible as the basis of our study, let’s consider what the Scriptures really teach about Christian liberty. I. What are the meanings and usages of the word liberty in the Scriptures? A. The term liberty is found twenty-seven times in the Bible. In Jeremiah 34:8-16 the word means freedom from slavery. Eleven times liberty is translated from the Greek word ελευθερια in the New Testament. The word liberty is used in five primary ways in the New Testament: 1. It refers to spiritual freedom from sin’s guilt and enslavement (Luke 4:18 from Isaiah 61:1). 2. Liberty sometimes means liberty of conscience as in I Corinthians 8:9; 10:29. 3. Liberty refers to a Christian’s freedom from Hebrew regulations (specifically circumcision) under the Old Testament law of Moses (Galatians 2:4; 5:1-13). In these verses liberty is translated from ελευθερια. 4. It is used in reference to release from a prior marriage commitment in I Corinthians 7:39. It should be understood that two conditions for remarriage are clearly set forth in this verse. The prior spouse must “be dead” and the remarriage must be with a genuine Christian “in the Lord.” Also, note that the words “by the law” are not found in the Greek New Testament . The three words “by the law” were added by Bible translators. Thus, under New Testament teaching, the wife is “bound” (not at liberty to remarry) as long as her husband lives. This is consistent with Mark 10:1012, Matthew 19:9 and I Timothy 5:9.


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.