Liberty

What exactly is liberty? At first glance, we might use a definition that speaks of freedom from constraint, freedom from oppression, freedom from arbitrary rule, or freedom from external control. We might speak of the independence of a nation or people from being ruled outside of themselves. We think of personal freedoms. Yet in a fallen world we find that sometimes our own wants and desires conflict with another’s wants and desires. Whose freedoms matter most? Whose freedoms get impinged upon? Whose liberty is at stake? At this point pragmatism or morality will influence a society. But whose definition of morality? It seems that the more we seek liberty and freedom, the more complicated it becomes…

What if we could understand freedom as it was meant to be? What if our understanding of liberty was grounded in something outside of human definitions, something perhaps even more universal? What if we acknowledged the need for an authority higher than our own understanding? I know, when “autonomy” is cherished the thought of a higher authority is absurd… but what if we were created to be free under a benevolent Creator’s rule and guidance? Oh, wait a minute… we were!

As unpopular as it may seem, the Bible speaks of salvation as a transfer of masters. We are no longer slaves to sin (John 8:34 and Romans 8:21 are good starting points for this discussion). Unfortunately, many times we will stop at John 8:36, quoting that when Jesus makes us free, we are free indeed. To stop here makes us feel good, but fails to acknowledge the rest of the testimony of Scripture. Through inspiration by the Holy Spirit, the apostle Paul frequently refers to himself as a servant or slave in the same passages he speaks of freedom in Christ. He also cautions his readers not to turn freedom into an opportunity to sin in different ways (Gal. 5:13 is one example). The same can be said of Peter. 1 Peter 2:16 says, “Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.”

In trying to explain the Christian concept of freedom, a professor once told us “God is free to do anything not contrary to his nature.” This helped greatly in my own understanding. A misunderstanding of God’s freedom could lead one to think that God was free to sin and just chose not to. Doing so would negate his holiness and be in direct contradiction with his nature, and then he would not be God. I began trying to apply that concept in my own life as well. Recognizing I am justified but not fully sanctified, I still have two natures—a redeemed human nature that struggles constantly with my fallen human nature. And if I am free to do anything not contrary to my nature, I can see why I still sin, and also why I pursue holiness. The question for me is which nature will grow in influence in my life. Will I pursue the more selfish and fallen nature, or the more selfless and redeemed nature?

The question for you is this: To what end or purpose will you use your freedom in Christ?

--Jeff Roe