Topical Bible: Christian Liberty: Saints are Called To

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Christian liberty is a profound and essential aspect of the believer's life, rooted in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. It signifies the freedom from the bondage of sin and the law, enabling believers to live a life that honors God. This liberty is not a license to sin but a call to live in righteousness and holiness, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of Christian liberty is deeply embedded in the New Testament. In Galatians 5:1, the Apostle Paul exhorts the 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." This verse underscores the liberation from the legalistic constraints of the Mosaic Law and the freedom to live under the grace of God.

Furthermore, in 2 Corinthians 3:17, Paul declares, "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." This passage highlights the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, who enables believers to experience true freedom in Christ.

Freedom from Sin and the Law

Christian liberty involves freedom from the dominion of sin. Romans 6:14 states, "For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace." This freedom is not an invitation to indulge in sinful desires but a call to live a life that reflects the holiness of God. Believers are no longer slaves to sin but are empowered to overcome it through the grace of God.

Additionally, Christian liberty includes freedom from the ceremonial and civil laws of the Old Testament. Colossians 2:16-17 advises, "Therefore let no one judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a festival, a New Moon, or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the body that casts it belongs to Christ." This freedom allows believers to focus on the substance of their faith, which is found in Christ alone.

Living in Love and Responsibility

While Christian liberty grants freedom, it also calls for responsibility and love towards others. Galatians 5:13-14 instructs, "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. The entire law is fulfilled in a single decree: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" This passage emphasizes that liberty should be exercised in a manner that edifies others and glorifies God.

Moreover, in 1 Corinthians 8:9, Paul warns, "Be careful, however, that your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak." Christian liberty should be exercised with sensitivity and consideration for the conscience of others, ensuring that it does not lead them into sin or confusion.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in guiding believers in their exercise of Christian liberty. Romans 8:2 affirms, "For in Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set you free from the law of sin and death." The Spirit empowers believers to live in accordance with God's will, providing the strength and wisdom needed to navigate the complexities of life in freedom.

Conclusion

Christian liberty is a divine calling for the saints, inviting them to live in the freedom that Christ has secured. It is a freedom that transcends legalistic constraints and empowers believers to live in righteousness, love, and responsibility. Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, believers are equipped to exercise their liberty in a manner that honors God and edifies the body of Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Galatians 5:13
For, brothers, you have been called to liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Baptist Confession of 1688.
... In Chapter XX., 'Of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience ... the foundation, or
unholiness of conversation, are and may be called visible saints; and of ...
/.../the baptist confession of 1688.htm

Concerning Christian Liberty
... We are certainly called so from Christ, who is ... said of fasts and special prayers
to certain saints. ... attained, and thus utterly do away with Christian liberty. ...
/.../luther/concerning christian liberty/concerning christian liberty.htm

Concerning Christian Liberty
... We are certainly called so from Christ, who is ... said of fasts and special prayers
to certain Saints. ... attained, and thus utterly do away with Christian liberty. ...
/.../luther/first principles of the reformation/concerning christian liberty.htm

Book 3
... Next follows Christian liberty, consisting of three parts.1. That ... is no faith; nor
can the saints themselves either ... is conspicuous, for he is called our Father ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/book 3.htm

Anti-Romanistic Attitude.
... The first Christian council was convened in Jerusalem ... Now, if saints shall judge
the world, even the ... the preservation both of civil and ecclesiastical liberty. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/bente/american lutheranism/anti-romanistic attitude.htm

The Positive Side
... is how the apostle forewent his Christian liberty for the ... the apostle first reminds
the Galatian saints (and us ... they had been called unto "liberty", ie, from ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the law and the saint/the positive side.htm

The Christian Orator is Constantly Dealing with Great Matters.
... Chapter 18."The Christian Orator is Constantly Dealing with ... a matter relating to
man's life or liberty comes up ... before the unjust, and not before the saints? ...
/.../on christian doctrine in four books /chapter 18 the christian orator is.htm

The Comforts Belonging to Mourners
... Thus the joy of the saints is a joy full of glory ... It is called joy unspeakable'
(1 Peter 1:8). You may sooner taste ... Do not make Christian liberty a cloak for sin ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/11 the comforts belonging to.htm

The Savoy Declaration of the Congregational Churches. AD 1658.
... not ashamed to confess to the whole Christian world. ... obtain or not, so we had our
liberty in our ... particle of that Faith delivered to the Saints (the substance ...
/.../the savoy declaration of the.htm

The Christian --A Debtor
... is the holy recognition of Christian fraternity without ... but fellow-citizens with
the saints, and of ... thoroughly preached to bring about "liberty, equality, and ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the christiana debtor.htm