On the Question of ‘Christian Liberty’ By Babatunde Olugboji
Christian liberty refers to the freedom that believers have in Christ to live by faith, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, rather than being constrained by the law for the purpose of salvation. We can confidently embrace our Christian liberty, assured that the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross for our sins was, and continues to be, adequate; we now exist under the law of grace. 
The New Testament contains extensive discussions regarding Christian liberty and the appropriate and inappropriate ways to exercise it. Paul conveys that Christian liberty signifies liberation from the Jewish law and its system of sacrifices. It encompasses eternal life in Jesus, liberation from our previous bondage to sin, and the capacity to act in good conscience in ways that do not contradict Scripture. Although we have received the remarkable gift of Christian liberty, our objective should be to lead a life that reflects Christ, characterized by love and service to others, rather than pursuing the satisfaction of our carnal desires.
Jesus instructed us in John 13:34, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” Our affection for one another will lead us to modify our own actions to avoid causing harm to others, or “causing them to stumble.”
Romans 3:20(b) states that “through the law comes knowledge of sin.” However, the law merely reveals sin and makes us conscious of it. The beginning of Romans 3:30(a) indicates, “For by works of the law no human being will be justified,” thus it is evident that the law can inform us of our sin but cannot provide a lasting solution. Christians are also liberated from the dominion of sin.
Romans 6:14 adds: “For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.” We are no longer governed by sin, but by the righteousness of God (Romans 6:18), while Romans 6:23 tell us: “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Our Christian liberty ultimately encompasses eternal life in Jesus, liberating us from the typical consequence of sin: death. 
Also, Christian liberty signifies that we are free to participate in any activity not explicitly prohibited in the Bible. 1 Corinthians 10:23 states, “‘All things are lawful,’ but not all things are helpful. ‘All things are lawful,’ but not all things build up.” 1 Corinthians 10:24 further emphasizes the limitation, “Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.” In essence, while exercising our freedom, we must temper our actions with love.
Galatians 5:13 clarifies that our freedom should be utilized for Christ-like edification, rather than for self-indulgence or sinful behavior: “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.”
Unfortunately, many believers often take our freedoms to extremes. On one side, we may act so recklessly with our freedoms that we bring dishonor to Christ through our behavior.
Conversely, we may be so intent on avoiding the shame of Christ that we fall into legalism, creating behavioral rules that are not grounded in Scripture. Both indulgence and legalism are sinful. It is essential for us to consistently seek God’s will to discern the appropriate manner in which to exercise or voluntarily moderate our liberty in every circumstance. Our objective as Christians should be to glorify God, strengthen the church, and attract others to Christ. The way we exercise our freedom must align with these objectives.
Have a great week!
Questions or comments?
+1-732-554-1376 (WhatsApp)
