What is Christian Freedom?
Christian freedom refers to the liberty believers have in Christ through faith in God’s grace. It is freedom from sin, guilt, and condemnation and freedom to serve God and love others. This important biblical doctrine emerged especially during the Protestant Reformation in response to perceived abuses and legalism in the medieval Catholic church.
The essence of Christian freedom is that believers are justified and ransomed from sin solely by God’s grace, through faith in Jesus Christ, apart from works of the law (Romans 3:21-24, Ephesians 2:8-9). Salvation is a free gift that cannot be earned. Faith brings righteousness and adoption into God’s family as his children (Galatians 4:1-7). Christians are freed from guilt, condemnation, and trying to merit salvation by good works.
Christian freedom also means freedom from rigid legalism and manmade religious rules. The New Testament declares all foods clean (Mark 7:19), frees Christians from Jewish ritual laws like circumcision (Galatians 5:1-6), and condemns ascetic regulations promoted by false teachers (Colossians 2:20-23). God’s moral law remains in force, but ceremonial and ritual laws pointing forward to Christ are superseded now that he has come.
This freedom is not license to sin, but liberation to glorify God and serve others in love (Galatians 5:13-14, 1 Peter 2:16). Martin Luther wrote, “A Christian is a perfectly free lord of all, subject to none. A Christian is a perfectly dutiful servant of all, subject to all.” Christian liberty recognizes that believers are completely justified before God and freed from works righteousness, but also have a responsibility to avoid abusing their freedom and to love God and neighbor.
Paul teaches that Christians should limit their own freedom out of concern for others’ weakness or lack of understanding of their liberty in Christ (1 Corinthians 8-10, Romans 14:1-15:13). For example, even though idols are nothing and all foods are clean, if eating meat sacrificed to idols causes a weaker brother to stumble in violation of his own conscience, then out of loving concern one should voluntarily abstain. Christian liberty is not a license to selfishly ignore others’ scruples.
In Christ, believers have freedom from sin, guilt, and condemnation. His perfect sacrifice reconciles us to God apart from works of the law. Christians also have freedom from asceticism, legalism, and manmade religious rules lacking biblical basis. This liberty is balanced by exhortations to avoid abusing freedom, but rather to walk in love, limit freedom for the sake of others’ weakness, and maintain good conduct that glorifies God. Christian freedom rightly understood leaves no room for licentiousness, but rather empowers believers to joyfully praise God and serve others.
Freedom from Sin
A key aspect of Christian freedom is liberation from slavery to sin. Jesus declared, “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36). Paul echoes, “Thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance” (Romans 6:17). Believers have died to sin and been freed from its dominion and condemnation through union with Christ in his death and resurrection (Romans 6:1-14). Sin’s penalty and tyranny are broken by grace.
This freedom from sin means believers are no longer helpless to resist sinful desires. Christians have been freed from sin’s power and are alive to righteousness (Romans 6:15-23). They now have the indwelling Holy Spirit, are a new creation in Christ, and can successfully put sin to death by the Spirit (Romans 8:9-13, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Colossians 3:1-10). Victory over sin is not automatic or passive, but requires actively mortifying fleshly desires by the power of the Spirit. But in Christ, believers are no longer enslaved to sin, but freed to please God.
Freedom from Condemnation
In addition to freedom from sin’s power, Christian liberty provides freedom from condemnation. Paul celebrates, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). Believers have been justified by faith, adopted into God’s family, and redeemed from sin’s penalty through Jesus’ sacrifice. “Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies” (Romans 8:33).
This promise of no condemnation brings tremendous freedom and joy. Believers no longer have to fear God’s judgment, but can draw near to him with confidence and boldness (Ephesians 3:12, Hebrews 4:16). Freedom from condemnation empowers Christians to resist sin without fear of perfectionism. They confess and repent of sins, but do not live under guilt and shame. Believers are assured their sins are forgiven and they have eternal security in Christ. Freedom from condemnation motivates out of love, not anxiety over punishment.
Freedom from the Law
In addition to freedom from sin and condemnation, Christian liberty provides freedom from the law. Paul explains, “Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes” (Romans 10:4). “You are not under the law, but under grace” (Romans 6:14). The law here refers particularly to the Old Testament law and its demands for perfect obedience.
Jesus fulfilled the ceremonial laws pointing to him as Messiah (Hebrews 10:1). Christians are no longer bound by rituals like circumcision, food laws, and Sabbath restrictions. Paul rejects legalistic rules promoted by the “circumcision party” insisting Gentile believers must be circumcised to be saved (Galatians 2:3-5). Salvation is by grace through faith alone.
The moral law remains in effect, as evidenced by the many commands and ethical instructions in the New Testament epistles. But obedience is from the heart by grace, not slavish conformity to external law (Romans 6:17, Hebrews 8:10). Believers are not under the law’s curse for failing to keep it perfectly (Galatians 3:10-14). Justification is apart from works of the law (Romans 3:28). Christians have freedom to serve God out of love, with sins covered by grace.
Limits and Cautions Regarding Christian Liberty
While extolling freedom in Christ, the New Testament also includes exhortations and limits regarding Christian liberty. Freedom is not a license to sin or excuse for selfishness and lack of discipline. Here are some biblical cautions regarding abuse of liberty:
1. Christian freedom is not permission to indulge the flesh. Believers must exercise self-control and pursue holiness (Galatians 5:13, 1 Peter 2:16).
2. Do not let liberty become a stumbling block. Out of love, voluntarily limit freedom to avoid causing a weaker brother to stumble (1 Corinthians 8:9).
3. Avoid offense. While all food is clean, if eating meat sacrificed to idols causes offense, refrain out of concern for others (1 Corinthians 10:25-29).
4. Do not flaunt freedom in a way that harms gospel witness (1 Corinthians 10:32).
5. Do not indulge freedom while neglecting responsibilities (1 Peter 2:16).
6. Liberty exercised without love is worthless (1 Corinthians 13:1-3).
7. Do not use freedom as an excuse for fleshly vice (Galatians 5:13, 1 Peter 2:16).
8. Submit liberty to governing authorities for the Lord’s sake (Romans 13:1-7, 1 Peter 2:13-17).
In summary, Christian liberty rightly understood leaves no room for license. Believers must uphold God’s moral standards, exercise self-control, and voluntarily limit freedom for the sake of others. Freedom for selfish gain is sin. But when exercised in love, Christian liberty provides joyful freedom to serve God and others without legalism or fear of condemnation under law.
Exposition of Key Biblical Passages
Several key passages in Galatians, Romans, and 1 Corinthians explain Christian freedom and give cautions regarding its abuse. Let’s explore examples to understand this important biblical theme:
Galatians 5:1 – For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
This summarizes the theme that in Christ believers are free from sin and law as a condition of justification. But we must stand firm in faith and not revert to legalism.
Galatians 5:13 – For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
We are called to liberty, but must not abuse it to indulge sinful desires. Instead use freedom to serve others in love.
Romans 14:1-15:13 – Paul gives instructions on handling disputable matters like food laws, sacred days, etc. We should not pass judgment on others regarding debatable issues but accept one another in Christ. Limit freedom to avoid causing a weaker brother to stumble.
1 Corinthians 8-10 – Similar guidance to Romans 14 on handling issues like eating food sacrificed to idols. Out of loving concern for others’ weaknesses, voluntarily limit freedom in areas that are not fundamentally wrong but could cause others to violate their conscience.
Romans 6:15-23 – This passage reminds that grace is not permission to sin. Believers have been freed from sin and enslaved to God and righteousness. Do not let sin reign again but use freedom to pursue holiness.
Romans 7:1-6 – Freedom from the binding authority of Old Testament law, using marriage law as an analogy. Joined to the risen Christ, we now bear fruit for God with new life in the Spirit.
Romans 8:1-17 – In Christ there is no condemnation. Believers have freedom and life in the Spirit to please God. By the Spirit we put to death sinful deeds of the body.
2 Corinthians 3:17 – “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” Christian liberty is by the Spirit, not through the letter of external law.
Galatians 3:10-14 – Christ redeemed us from the law’s curse, that the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.
Galatians 4:21-31 – We are children of the free woman (Sarah / New Covenant), not the slave woman (Hagar / Old Covenant law). Therefore we are not under slavery to law but free in Christ.
Galatians 5:16-26 – Walk by the Spirit and you will not gratify desires of the flesh. Freedom in Christ empowers believers to bear the Spirit’s fruit, not indulge sinful nature.
This survey of key passages provides a sampling of texts expounding Christian liberty in Galatians, Romans, and 1 Corinthians. In Christ we have freedom – from sin, from condemnation, from legalism. But this freedom comes with exhortations against abusing or misapplying liberty. Within appropriate biblical guardrails, Christian freedom provides joyful liberty to serve God and others in the fullness of grace.
Objections and Misconceptions
This liberating biblical doctrine has been controversial across church history and remains subject to misunderstanding. Here are some common objections and misconceptions regarding Christian freedom:
1. Objection: Freedom in Christ seems to permit or even encourage sinful license.
Response: This is emphatically answered in Romans 6:1-2. Grace actually teaches us to reject ungodliness and lusts and live righteously. Freedom from sin means we can resist and overcome sin, not give into it.
2. Objection: Since we’re under grace not law, God’s moral standards no longer apply.
Response: No, the New Testament continues to command believers to pursue holiness, avoid sexual immorality, not get drunk, refrain from stealing and lying, etc. Moral law still applies, written on our hearts by the Spirit.
3. Objection: Doesn’t Christian freedom undermine the authority of God’s Word and lead to antinomianism?
Response: Absolutely not. Rightly understood, Christian liberty upholds the authority of Scripture by refusing to bind consciences with extrabiblical rules. It values God’s moral law while avoiding legalistic misapplication of law meant only for Israel.
4. Objection: This emphasis on freedom seems to allow commercialization and commodification of grace. Prosperity preachers abuse it.
Response: That is a distorted, selfish perversion of true liberty in Christ. We must follow biblical guidelines on stewardship and avoid peddling God’s grace for shameful gain (2 Corinthians 2:17).
In summary, common misunderstandings of Christian freedom should not negate this beautiful biblical doctrine. When taught and applied faithfully based on God’s Word, Christian liberty provides profound freedom, hope, and comfort for believers redeemed by God’s grace.
Practical Implications and Applications
What are some key practical implications of understanding Christian freedom correctly? Here are several examples of how these biblical truths can transform our lives:
1. Assurance of salvation – Freedom from condemnation provides confidence before God, not constant doubting of salvation.
2. Boldness in prayer – We have bold access to God’s throne of grace, with confidence to approach Him (Hebrews 4:16).
3. Resisting legalism – We avoid imposing extrabiblical rules on ourselves or others that can lead to guilt, pride, and burnout.
4. Embracing all cultures – No need to demand others conform to your own preferences and customs unrelated to biblical truth (see Romans 14).
5. Fighting licentiousness – Licentiousness masquerading as “freedom” is really slavery to sin from which Christ frees us.
6. Serving others – Freedom empowers us to love and serve others freely, not out of compulsion or self-interest.
7. Worshiping joyfully – We can enjoy creativity and diversity in worship forms, with liberty in the Spirit (where Scripture is silent, it frees us to decide based on wisdom and conscience).
8. A clear conscience – Liberty of conscience is a precious gift. We abstain from anything we individually feel would violate conscience, even if the action is not objectively wrong (Romans 14:14).
9. Godly discipline – Christian freedom does not preclude biblical discipline. But discipline should be exercised gently, redemptively, and only in cases of serious, unrepentant sin, not matters of preference.
These examples demonstrate how, properly understood and applied, the doctrine of Christian freedom can have profound practical impact in empowering believers to live joyful, grace-filled lives of service to God and others.
Conclusion
Christian freedom is an important biblical doctrine with both rich theological meaning and significant practical implications. Christ has set believers free – from slavery to sin, from condemnation under law, from ascetic regulations and ritual requirements. This liberty empowers us to serve God out of love and enjoy new life in the Spirit. But key biblical passages warn strongly against abusing freedom or indulging the flesh, and encourage limiting freedom for the sake of others when appropriate.
Freedom in Christ has been frequently abused or distorted across church history, but when rightly grasped it provides great assurance, strengthens Christian joy and obedience, and fuels loving service. As Galatians 5:1 exhorts, “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” This ringing affirmation of freedom in Christ anchors our liberty firmly in God’s grace. Clinging to this gospel truth, we walk by the Spirit in the fullness of freedom, to the glory of God.