Freedom

The word FREEDOM has long been an important word to mankind. A study of history indicates that the struggle for freedom has been a continuing one. Although the basic principle "the truth shall make you free" is true in every realm, the most important freedom is in the spiritual realm. In the eighth chapter of the book of John the Lord Jesus says, "If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:31-32). Jesus continues, "Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin: (John 8:34). In this context Jesus teaches us that if we hear, believe, and obey His word, which is the truth, we can enjoy freedom from the condemnation and bondage of sin.

Paul addresses this same point in the sixth chapter of the book of Romans. The apostle writes, "Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death , or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness: (Romans 6:16-18). It is clear that apart from obeying the truth which is the word or the doctrine of Christ there is no such thing as spiritual freedom.

Peter warns of the misuse and abuse of freedom in Christ. He writes, "As free, and not using your freedom for a cloak of wickedness, but as bondservants of God" (1 Peter 2:16). It seems this is still with us today. There are those who declare that God's grace provides freedom in an unlimited and unconditional way. Such would have us to believe that we do not have to worry about adhering to the details of God's requirements as set forth in His word. Freedom in Christ is not a license to disregard what the Bible says.

For example, we are not free to live any way we please. Paul warns Christians concerning the works of the flesh and says that all who engage in such "shall not inherit the kingdom of God" (Galatians 5:19-21).

We are not free to preach and teach anything we choose. Jesus warned of false prophets (Matthew 7:15), Paul did the same (Acts 20:28-32), and even John the apostle of love wrote, "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world" (1 John 4:10).

We are not free to alter the Bible nor tamper with its contents: "I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed" (Galatians 1:6-9).

Some passages have been perverted in an effort to try to demonstrate that we are free from the restraints of all law from God. The books of Romans and Galatians in the New Testament teach that we are free from the Old Testament Law of Moses (Romans 3:28; 6:14; 7:4; Galatians 3:19-28; 5;18). this does not mean we are free from all law since these two books also teach that we are under the Law of Christ today (Romans 8:2; Galatians 6:20). In 1 Corinthians 9:21, Paul declares we are "under the law to Christ."

Spiritual freedom is not permission to do anything; it involves privileges, responsibilities, and obligations. Let us take advantage of the freedom that Jesus offers and not pervert it. "If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed" (John 8:36).