Topical Bible: Christian Liberty is Freedom From: Bondage of Man

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Christian liberty, as understood within the framework of biblical teaching, signifies the believer's freedom from the bondage imposed by human traditions, legalistic practices, and the constraints of worldly systems. This liberty is rooted in the transformative work of Jesus Christ, who liberates believers from the yoke of human-imposed regulations and the oppressive structures of sin and death.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of Christian liberty is deeply embedded in the New Testament, where the Apostle Paul addresses the issue of freedom from human-imposed bondage. In Galatians 5:1 , Paul exhorts, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be encumbered once more by a yoke of slavery." Here, Paul emphasizes that Christ's redemptive work has liberated believers from the legalistic constraints of the Mosaic Law and any human traditions that seek to bind the conscience.

In Colossians 2:20-22 , Paul further elaborates on this theme: "If you have died with Christ to the spiritual forces of the world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its regulations: 'Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!'? These will all perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings." This passage underscores the believer's freedom from man-made rules that are not rooted in the gospel of Christ.

Freedom from Legalism

Christian liberty is particularly concerned with freedom from legalism, which is the reliance on human efforts and adherence to laws as a means of achieving righteousness. In Romans 6:14 , Paul declares, "For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace." This statement highlights the transition from the old covenant of law to the new covenant of grace, where believers are no longer bound by the legalistic demands of the law but are free to live under the grace of God.

Freedom from Human Traditions

The New Testament also addresses the issue of human traditions that can enslave believers. Jesus Himself criticized the Pharisees for elevating human traditions above God's commandments. In Mark 7:8 , He states, "You have disregarded the commandment of God to keep the tradition of men." This critique serves as a warning against allowing human traditions to overshadow the liberating truth of the gospel.

Freedom from Worldly Systems

Christian liberty extends to freedom from the oppressive systems of the world that seek to control and dictate the lives of believers. In John 8:36 , Jesus proclaims, "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." This freedom is not merely spiritual but encompasses all aspects of life, liberating believers from the fear and control exerted by worldly powers.

Living in Christian Liberty

While Christian liberty frees believers from the bondage of man, it also calls them to live responsibly and lovingly within the community of faith. In Galatians 5:13 , Paul advises, "For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love." This exhortation reminds believers that their freedom is not a license for self-indulgence but an opportunity to serve others and glorify God.

Christian liberty, therefore, is a profound aspect of the believer's life, offering freedom from the constraints of human-imposed bondage while empowering them to live in the fullness of God's grace and truth.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Corinthians 9:19
For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant to all, that I might gain the more.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

On Christian Liberty
... was intermixed with the spirit of economical bondage. ... We circumscribe Christian liberty
within four ranks or degrees ... First degree consists in a freedom from the ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 20 on christian liberty.htm

Freedom in the Truth
... We are in bondage to no man. ... But I say unto you that there is no such liberty. ...
Freedom on any other terms is not freedom, it is lawlessness. ...
/.../peabody/mornings in the college chapel/lxxviii freedom in the truth.htm

Of Christian Liberty.
... for us." "Stand fast, therefore, in the liberty wherewith Christ ... of a higher order
than freedom from ceremonies. ... to bring back into the Christian Church those ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 19 of christian liberty.htm

Spiritual Liberty
... There is a liberty, dear friends, which Christian men alone enjoy; for ... It was a fancied
freedom. ... Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty" from the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/spiritual liberty.htm

The Two Covenants --In Christian Experience
... and were not standing fast in the freedom with which ... to good with a walk in the liberty
and the ... for the maintenance and the growth of their Christian life to ...
/.../murray/the two covenants/chapter v the two covenantsin.htm

For State Reasons, the Various Orders of the Citizens Also are ...
... man; and now, though man has given you liberty, you are ... to be freedom; you have lost
the freedom of Christ ... Antinous, should be crowned in a Christian, that he ...
/.../tertullian/the chaplet or de corona/chapter xiii for state reasons.htm

'Never in Bondage'
... bondage, our consequent indifference to Christ's offer of liberty. ... of humanity rests
on the Christian doctrine of ... Let me remind you that freedom consists not ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/never in bondage.htm

Twentieth Day. Holiness and Liberty.
... 'With freedom did Christ ... of sin or the law, to beget again the spirit of bondage,
as if ... It is not so: be not entangled; stand fast in the liberty with which ...
/.../murray/holy in christ/twentieth day holiness and liberty.htm

John Chapter viii. 31-36
... for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another." [756] Let not then
the Christian say, I ... Do not then abuse your liberty for freedom in sinning ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xli john chapter viii.htm

"For the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus Hath Made Me ...
... that you would take this for bondage, to be under this woful necessity of ... and mind,
Ephesians 2:2. Many account it only liberty and freedom, therefore they ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon viii for the law.htm