Matters of Liberty, License, Freedom, and Conscience

Galatians 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

This article has been a long time in the making, and I just recently taught a series on this subject matter at our church. I find that this is an issue in which many sincere Christians struggle and wrestle to find answers to difficult questions. I will not attempt to resolve all of your questions in this article (not that I possibly could anyway). Rather, I hope that through this exposition of scripture, you will allow the Holy Spirit to guide you in matters of liberty and conscience. One point that I will frequently make is that love should always trump liberty on the hierarchy of human emotions. As we will soon see from the bible, God cares about what we do not only for our sakes, but for those who interact and observe us on a daily basis. Let's begin by laying an important foundation before we go any further. First of all, there are some things which are not "gray areas" at all. These are the imperative passages of the New Testament (or law of Christ). We are told in no uncertain terms that if we indulge, partake, or practice these things, we will not inherit the kingdom of God. Because I feel this is so important, I'm not only going to post the references, but the whole verse(s). These are not exhaustive but are a good starting place:

Romans 1:29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 1:30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 1:31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 1:32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

I Corinthians 6:9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 6:10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God

Galatians 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 5:20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 5:21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God

Ephesians 5:3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; 5:4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. 5:5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 5:6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience

These passages above show the "absolutes" of the Christian walk. There is no room to negotiate with these. drunkenness is always wrong- idolatry is always wrong-sexual immorality is always wrong (in all its various forms). For us to make these gray areas or areas open to debate, we deny the truths of God's word and prove ourselves to be reprobates. I trust that most will agree with me on these foundational truths- otherwise you won't be able to glean much from what I write henceforth. Having said that there are absolutes-let's now look at matters of conscience for a moment.

I Corinthians 8:8 But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse

Here in the immediate context of the eighth chapter is the issue of meat offered unto idols. Paul states that meat (food in general) is neutral- we're not more holy or less holy based on our dietary preferences. Paul instructed Timothy that (in general terms) nothing was to be refused if it was received with thanksgiving. Food is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. We typically don't buy our meat in open markets anymore, we go to grocery stores. There are still some places where they have fresh open markets, but typically cities are not known (at least in the West) for having meat dedicated to idol gods. This however was something common to the Corinthian people, who lived in a diverse culture heavily influenced by pagan worship practices. This posed a problem for those who had been converted to Christianity because they now wondered whether eating this meat offered to idols was a form of compromise. This is the instruction that Paul gave them:

I Corinthians 10:25 Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake: 10:26 For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof. 10:27 If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake.

Paul states that the Christian should not be overly scrupulous in these matters. He is not to ask "has this been offered unto an idol?" but rather to take it home, pray over it, and enjoy the meat-after all, everything is a creation of God. He also states that it is ok to eat with unbelievers (how else can we win them to the Lord and witness to them?). He did however give some exceptions and we must make note of these:

I Corinthians 10:28 But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof

In this instance it is inappropriate to eat the meat- not because there is anything wrong with the meat itself-but because of the conscience of the man who says this. The earth is the Lord's and therefore we shouldn't allow our participation to be viewed as accepting his worldview. In Paul's letter to the Romans, we find another discourse describing matters of conscience and we'll look at just a few examples here. Again, the primary topics of concern are observance of religious days and abstinence from certain foods.

Romans 14:2 For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.

Interestingly enough, the one who has placed greater restrictions upon himself (i.e. the one who eats herbs) is considered the weaker brother, while the one who believes he may eat all things is the stronger brother. Within Christendom, there are always going to be differences of opinion on matters of conscience. Some will have very strong convictions about certain things, while others feel there is no need to abstain. Again, I'm not talking about matters that are clearly delineated in scripture like the imperative verses I listed in the beginning of the article-of course there are things we should all (and must) abstain from like drunkenness and sexual immorality. I really don't want to cloud your mind or pass on any of my convictions to you through this medium, so I will just pick some issues at random. You and I probably don't struggle very much with personal conviction about idol-tainted meat. We probably do have some differences and debates about other issues though. Here are some that we face today in the modern church (and these are just in random order).: acceptable forms of entertainment, going to movies/plays/or concerts, celebrating holidays (Jewish feasts,Christmas, Easter, Fall festivals as an alternative to halloween), playing/watching sports, drinking caffeinated beverages, use of tobacco, listening to secular music, reading secular literature, debates about musical instruments (and their usage) in the church, eating out in restaurants on Sunday, sabbath-day observance, and the list goes on and on....

The believers in Paul's day were obviously divided about observance of certain days as well. Notice how he instructed the Romans regarding these issues:

Romans 14:5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. 14:6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks

The key to understanding this, is that each man's choice on these matters of conscience does not diminish his/her worship of God. The one who observes the day maintains a spirit of worship- the one who does not observe the day still recognizes "this is the day the Lord has made...I will rejoice and be glad in it." I like what Paul says to them "let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind." John may think it's dreadful for Sally to have a Christmas tree, and Josh may think it's dreadful for Andy to have a pumpkin on his front porch (I just gave a hypothetical situation so please don't e-mail me with Christmas and Halloween propaganda). Paul's main concern for the brethren was that they walk in love one toward another and that they don't place an occasion of stumbling in their brother's way. In other words- don't let the petty things cause considerable damage where the "big" things are concerned. Here is an excellent summary of Paul's stance on the matter:

Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

We can argue "till the cows come home" (a southern expression) about whether or not Christ turned the water into fermented wine or grape juice and get mad at each other, but I think we can all agree that Christ has given us adequate instruction in the scripture as to how we are to live in righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. To be offensively dogmatic about certain portions of scripture serves the opposite purpose of what is intended. For example, in the passage I mentioned about Jesus turning the water into wine in John's gospel- the point is not for us to banter about the alcoholic content of the wine- but to see the glory of God. John states this is the purpose for the miracle:

John 2:11 This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him

The intent was not to spark theological debate but to manifest forth his glory and show that Christ is indeed the Messiah, the Son of the living God who has power over all of creation... resulting in His disciples believing in Him. I ask you today- have we missed the point?

Moving on, we must also realize that our liberty can become a stumblinglock to the weak (as in our example of the dinner at the unbeliever's home). Furthermore, it can become more than just a stumblingblock and actually cause the destruction of a weaker brother. Let's look at some scripture that will illustrate this point:

Romans 14:15 But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died . 14:16 Let not then your good be evil spoken of:

Romans 14:20 For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence

If we flaunt our liberty in such a way that it offends our brothers, then we are not walking in love. Notice that Paul says a believer (for whom Christ died) can be destroyed by our lack of love and consideration. I think we should all take note of the serious consequences of liberty gone awry. Paul's usage of the word "destroy" should strike a somber note to all who read and understand the grave nature of this type of offence. He speaks similar words to the Corinthians:

I Corinthians 8:9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. 8:10 For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols; 8:11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? 8:12 But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.

Again we can see that through our selfishness and lack of love, that a man or woman for whom Christ died may indeed perish. And I dare say that when Paul used the word perish, he was not only speaking in terms of physical death (for is appointed unto all men once to die and after this the judgement according to Hebrews 9:27).

Liberty should also never be misconstrued as license. Let's take a look at several New Testament passages to illustrate this truth:

Romans 6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 6:2God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
Romans 6:15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.
Galatians 5:13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another
I Peter 2:16 As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.
II Peter 2:19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage

Liberty is not a license to indulge the sinful nature. We have already seen (in this article and in other places in scripture) that those who indulge the sinful nature will not inherit the kingdom of God. That is always the potential danger when discussing liberty and matters of conscience. That's why I don't take this subject lightly!

True liberty is freedom to serve God and others in love

Luke 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised
II Corinthians 3:17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
Galatians 5:13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another

For me personally, I think that the gospel of John records one of the greatest examples of liberty and freedom. Let's look at it before we discuss it further.

John 8:31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. 8:33 They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? 8:34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. 8:35And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. 8:36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed

I often find it humorous that the Jews argued by saying "we were never in bondage to any man." It seems that they have forgotten their great history in which it was the Lord Himself who led them out of Egyptian bondage- one of the greatest events in all of Judaism (I suppose we can all be a little short-sided sometimes). On a more serious note- Jesus shows them the true nature of sin- it brings people into bondage. Paul often refers to the dangers of being enslaved to sin in his epistles. Christ says that true freedom- the kind that He and His Holy Spirit come to bring- is not freedom to cast off all restraint- but freedom from the bondage of sin and its destructive power. Praise God-whom the Son has set free...is free indeed!

In summary- let us all be very careful in matters of liberty and conscience. Just because something may not be prohibited in the sense of "thou shalt not" written in the bible does not mean that it is the right thing to do...especially if it could cause someone else to go down a road to destruction. People often come to me, call me, or e-mail me with questions like "is it ok to do (insert action in question here)." What they generally want to know is, "can I do this and still go to heaven?" Some things are easy to answer (like "is it lawful for me to have my brother's wife?") and others are not so easy. A good rule of thumb is this- usually if you have to ask "is it ok?" there's a good chance it may not be o.k. for you. The devil rarely places conviction within hearts (he specializes in condemnation and taking us away from God rather than deeper devotion to Him), and Paul himself said "in me (that is, in my flesh) dwelleth no good thing " (Romans 7:18). Let us not be critical of others who do not share our convictions, and let us not flaunt our liberty before others who have weaker consciences in those areas than we do. The best advice of all, is to follow the leadership of the Holy Ghost- after all, in Romans it states "as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." (Romans 8:14).

Rather than leaving you with my opinions as the final word- I will leave you with some good parting thoughts from someone much more knowledgable than myself in these matters. May God bless you as you seek to follow Him in every area of your life and to love others!

I Corinthians 8:13 Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.
I Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. 10:32 Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: 10:33 Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

Do you understand what you're reading?