Christian Liberty

Fear of Freedom (proposal for a prison courtyard or a town square), 2009.
Taken from
http://ricwarren.blogspot.com/



The Doctrine of Christian Liberty

This may seem like a small topic to begin with but I hope to prove over the next few posts that this is a really important issue. I believe issues in dealing with Christian Liberty are directly linked to a straying from the gospel. One of the reasons that churches stray from the gospel and begin to become isolated communities that grow sick and weak is that they have yet to understand this very foundational issue. We need a proper understanding of the gospel and how it affects everyday life, the community of believers that we fellowship with, and the unbelievers that come into our context.

Issues of Christian Liberty are all around our church communities. We all want to know what a Christian is free to do and what a Christian is not free to do. We like lines and boundaries that are clear and defined because they provide us with some tangible security. To be sure, there are defined lines of sin and not sin in the bible. Those things named as sin in the bible are to be obeyed if we desire to be submitted to the lordship of Jesus in our lives. Often though, there is a list of unspoken extra commands that get placed on people if they want to be considered a good Christian. It may be something as simple and small as what bible translation you use and something as big as whether or not you home school your kids or send them to public school. Some standards seem really wise and spiritual like dating verses courtship or what kind of dress code should be enforced, but in the end they lead to a pseudo righteousness that is derived from something other than Jesus. These issues are usually presented in this way. "Oh sure you are free to do these things, but.... If you are really committed to the Lord.... If you really want to be holy...." These standards are placed on the people of God like so many rules from the traditions of Judaism. In an up and coming post I will talk about how to use our liberty wisely and we will deal with "causing others to stumble". We will also deal with what issues of liberty cover and what they don't cover and what to do when an abuse of liberty occurs. But first, I need to prove why it is important.....

Why is the doctrine of Christian Liberty important?

1- Protection from Paganism-
"You shall have no other gods before Me." Ex 20:3

A clear understanding of the gospel and the standard that is required to be made just with God causes us to cling to Christ in faith and not in external standards for righteousness. When cling to external standards for righteousness we establish another savior other than Christ. This standard then becomes the object of our worship and focus of our lives.

2-Protection from Pride-
"What becomes of our boasting then?...It is excluded...by faith" Romans 3:27

A clear understanding of the gospel keeps us in a place of humility. When we cling to external standards for righteousness we begin to feel good because we do good. These feelings lead us into a false security in our own strength and keep us dependent on self will rather than Holy Spirit power.

3- Protection from Pedestals-
"...we regard no one according to the flesh...." 2 Cor 5:16

A clear understanding of the gospel keeps us from exalting one person over another. It puts everyone where they need to be.... Sinners at the foot of the cross. When we cling to external standards for righteousness we begin to see some people as good Christians because they do the things on the good list and don't do the things on the bad list. We begin to classify people in a sort of Christian caste system. Those who don't do the right things, and do do the wrong things are seen as a sort of sub-Christian and while they may be saved ultimately, they are not really good Christians.

In Paul's epistle to the Galatians, and before he talks about what the fruits of the flesh and of the Spirit are, he makes a statement to the Christians wrestling this issue out. He basically says to them that clinging to something other than Jesus for a sense of righteousness is like slavery. He concludes this thought by saying.....

Galatians 5:1 " For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery"

Solid words from a wise man.