Jump to: Topical • ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Concept Freedom, in the biblical context, is often understood as liberation from sin and the constraints of the law, enabling believers to live in accordance with God's will. It is both a spiritual and moral state, granted through faith in Jesus Christ. The concept of freedom is deeply rooted in the narrative of redemption and salvation, where believers are set free from the bondage of sin and death. Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, freedom is frequently associated with the deliverance of the Israelites from physical bondage. The Exodus narrative is a foundational account of liberation, where God delivers His people from slavery in Egypt. This event is commemorated in the Passover and serves as a symbol of God's power to free His people. Leviticus 25:10 speaks of the Year of Jubilee, a time when liberty is proclaimed throughout the land, emphasizing the restoration and return of property and freedom to individuals. New Testament Context The New Testament expands the concept of freedom to include spiritual liberation through Jesus Christ. In John 8:36, Jesus declares, "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." This freedom is not merely from physical oppression but from the spiritual bondage of sin. The Apostle Paul elaborates on this in Romans 8:2, stating, "For in Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set you free from the law of sin and death." Freedom from the Law Paul's epistles frequently address the theme of freedom from the Mosaic Law. In Galatians 5:1, he exhorts believers, "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 adherence to the law is not the means to righteousness; rather, it is through faith in Christ that believers experience true freedom. Freedom and Responsibility While freedom in Christ liberates believers from the law and sin, it also carries a responsibility to live according to the Spirit. Galatians 5:13 warns, "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 highlights the balance between freedom and moral responsibility, where believers are called to use their freedom to serve others and fulfill the law of love. Freedom and the Holy Spirit The role of the Holy Spirit is crucial in understanding biblical freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17 states, "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." The presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer brings about transformation and empowerment to live a life that reflects God's will, free from the constraints of sin. Eternal Freedom The ultimate expression of freedom is found in the promise of eternal life. Revelation 21:4 speaks of a future where "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away." This eternal freedom is the culmination of God's redemptive plan, where believers will experience complete liberation from the effects of sin and death. Conclusion The biblical concept of freedom is multifaceted, encompassing deliverance from physical, spiritual, and moral bondage. It is a gift from God, realized through faith in Jesus Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit, enabling believers to live in accordance with God's will and ultimately leading to eternal life. Topical Bible Verses Galatians 5:1Stand fast therefore in the liberty with which Christ has made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Topicalbible.org Romans 6:22 Romans 6:18 John 8:32 Galatians 5:13 1 Peter 2:16 Genesis 1:26 Easton's Bible Dictionary The law of Moses pointed out the cases in which the servants of the Hebrews were to receive their freedom (Exodus 21:2-4, 7, 8; Leviticus 25:39-42, 47-55; Deuteronomy 15:12-18). Under the Roman law the "freeman" (ingenuus) was one born free; the "freedman" (libertinus) was a manumitted slave, and had not equal rights with the freeman (Acts 22:28; Comp. Acts 16:37-39; 21:39; 22:25; 25:11, 12). Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The state of being free; exemption from the power and control of another; liberty; independence.2. (n.) Privileges; franchises; immunities. 3. (n.) Exemption from necessity, in choice and action; as, the freedom of the will. 4. (n.) Ease; facility; as, he speaks or acts with freedom. 5. (n.) Frankness; openness; unreservedness. 6. (n.) Improper familiarity; violation of the rules of decorum; license. 7. (n.) Generosity; liberality. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia FREE; FREEDOMGreek 1657. eleutheria -- liberty, freedom ... liberty, freedom. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: eleutheria Phonetic Spelling: (el-yoo-ther-ee'-ah) Short Definition: freedom, liberty ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1657.htm - 7k 3954. parresia -- freedom of speech, confidence 425. anesis -- a loosening, relaxation 4174. politeia -- citizenship 110. athanasia -- immortality 859. aphesis -- dismissal, release, fig. pardon 2048. eremos -- solitary, desolate 4267. proginosko -- to know beforehand 1849. exousia -- power to act, authority Strong's Hebrew 2668. chuphshah -- freedom... 2667, 2668. chuphshah. 2669 . freedom. Transliteration: chuphshah Phonetic Spelling: (khoof-shaw') Short Definition: freedom. Word ... /hebrew/2668.htm - 6k 2669. chophshuth -- freedom, separateness 6495. peqach-qoach -- an opening 3574. kosharah -- prosperity 7771. showa' -- independent, noble (in station) 7768. shava -- to cry out (for help) 8293. sheruth -- remnant 1865. deror -- a flowing, free run, liberty Library Freedom. His Freedom from Sin. Freedom in the Truth The Freedom of the Will is Also the Gift of God, for God Worketh ... The Freedom of Sons. The Birthnight of Freedom The Progress of Freedom. Freedom from Care. The Freedom of the City. Of the Freedom of Religion in the Worship of God. Thesaurus Freedom (45 Occurrences)... The law of Moses pointed out the cases in which the servants of the Hebrews were to receive their freedom (Exodus 21:2-4, 7, 8; Leviticus 25:39-42, 47-55 ... /f/freedom.htm - 21k Liberty (32 Occurrences) Purity (16 Occurrences) Bondage (55 Occurrences) Simplicity (12 Occurrences) Slavery (31 Occurrences) Freeman (9 Occurrences) Freed (32 Occurrences) Freely (101 Occurrences) Freedman (1 Occurrence) Resources What is the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF)? | GotQuestions.orgHow can we experience true freedom in Christ? | GotQuestions.org What is emotional freedom technique (EFT)? | GotQuestions.org Freedom: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Freedom (45 Occurrences)Luke 4:18 Acts 2:29 Acts 4:29 Acts 4:31 Acts 22:28 Acts 24:23 Acts 26:26 Acts 28:31 Romans 6:18 Romans 6:22 Romans 8:21 1 Corinthians 7:21 1 Corinthians 8:9 1 Corinthians 10:29 2 Corinthians 3:12 2 Corinthians 3:17 2 Corinthians 7:4 Galatians 2:4 Galatians 3:13 Galatians 3:14 Galatians 4:5 Galatians 5:1 Galatians 5:13 Ephesians 3:12 Ephesians 6:19 Philippians 1:20 1 Timothy 3:13 2 Timothy 2:26 Titus 2:14 Hebrews 4:16 Hebrews 9:9 Hebrews 10:1 James 1:25 James 2:12 1 Peter 2:16 2 Peter 2:19 Leviticus 19:20 Psalms 118:5 Psalms 119:45 Isaiah 61:1 Jeremiah 34:8 Jeremiah 34:15 Jeremiah 34:17 Ezekiel 27:20 Ezekiel 46:17 Subtopics Emancipation of all Jewish Servants at the Time of Jubilee Emancipation: Proclamation of by Cyrus Emancipation: Proclamation of by Zedekiah Patriotism: General Scriptures Concerning Related Terms |
    |