What Does The Bible Say About Freedom?

Freedom of religion, of speech, the press, of assembly, of petition ... all guaranteed by the first of ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution (known as the U.S. Bill of Rights) proposed by our nation's founders in 1789. As we prepare to celebrate the 233rd anniversary of our nation's independence, we reflect on "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" - those attributes of freedom stated in the U.S. Declaration of Independence.

What does freedom entail according to the Bible? In his letter to the church in Galatia, the apostle Paul writes, "Christ has set us free! This means that we are really free." (5:1a, (Contemporary English Version) However, the freedom of which Paul speaks comes not without responsibility. He goes on to say, "So don't use your freedom as an excuse to do anything you want. Use it as an opportunity to serve each other with love." (Galatians 5:13, CEV) According to Paul, the commandment to love others (Leviticus 19:18) is at the core of the biblical understanding of freedom.

To be truly free, we are admonished to listen with sensitivity to the needs of others. For the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., freedom was grounded in social justice - freedom that challenges us to struggle for justice and to hold on to the freedom Christ Jesus offers. Jesus said, "If you keep on obeying what I have said, you truly are my disciples. You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:31b, 32, CEV)

The Old Testament provides further insights on the biblical concept of freedom as understood within the context of Jubilee. Jubilee is the fiftieth year, the last year of seven seven-year cycles - a time when property is to be returned to its original owners (Leviticus 25:10, 13) and when debts are to be canceled (Deuteronomy 15:1, 2). Jubilee embodies justice, freedom, restoration, and reparation. In his inaugural sermon at a synagogue in his hometown of Nazareth, Jesus endorsed the Jubilee year when he proclaimed the year of the Lord's favor and freedom for those who were oppressed (Luke 4:18, 19).

The biblical concept of freedom is truly a two-edged sword that prompts us to reflect on both the freedom we enjoy and the freedom to act responsibly in ways that demonstrate our love for others.