What It Is

The Bible warns us that some who offer liberty and freedom are themselves in sin (2 Peter 2:19). True freedom in Christ means freedom from:

• captivity of Satan 2 Timothy 2:26
• old law Gal. 5:1
• guilt of sin Rom. 6:18
• following human ideas 1 Cor. 10:29
• eternal consequences of sin Rom. 8:2

When free from sin, we are slaves to righteousness by doing righteousness (1 John 3:7). God provides “instruction in righteousness” in Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16). Jesus’ law is the “ministration of righteousness,” not Moses’ law (2 Corinthians 3:9).

Judging by His law-- are polygamy, animal sacrifices, and instrumental music as worship righteous? Though none of these are specifically forbidden by Jesus or the apostles, do we have God’s permission for such? No. We have permission to marry one mate, to offer ourselves as living sacrifices, and to sing. May we add to God’s instruction?

Having been baptized into Christ, we are not free to do as we please—we are free from sin to serve God in His righteousness (Romans 6:3, 18). Are you?

What It Is Not

• Freedom to return to Moses’ law (Galatians 3:24-25) “… we are no longer under a tutor.”
• Freedom to do anything not specifically forbidden. This idea is not present in Scripture, nor in daily life. This thinking allows not only instrumental music but also polygamy and animal sacrifice.
• Freedom to do whatever feels good (Matthew 16:24) How much strife exists between husbands and wives because each stubbornly determines to do it “my way”?
• Freedom to do whatever I’ve always done (Matthew 15:3) Sometimes human traditions are sinful because they transgress God’s command. Infant baptism is an example.
• Freedom to add to God’s word (Revelation 22:18) Mormons promote “Another Testament of Jesus Christ,” another gospel.
• Freedom to subtract from God’s word (Revelation 22:19) Most churches subtract “remission of sins” from the purpose of baptism.
• Freedom to make my opinion the same as God’s law (1 Corinthians 10:29) Some people try to force the opinion that “the King James Version is the only right translation.”

We must study and understand the freedom God makes available to those in Christ (Romans 6:3).