The foundation of human dignity lies in the freedom of choice granted by God. The freedom envisioned by the Bible is not “the right to do anything,” but rather “the ability to do what is true and good.” The Bible clarifies the following fundamental concepts regarding freedom:
1. The Origin of Freedom: God did not create man as a machine, but as a free being. Freedom is essential to love and to be loved. “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom” (2 Corinthians 3:17). The Bible teaches that this human freedom is a gift from God. “In the beginning, the Lord created man; and He left him in the power of his own inclination [freedom]” (Sirach 15:14).
2. Responsible Choice Along with freedom: God has entrusted man with responsibility. God places life and death, good and evil, before us and desires that we choose life. “See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, death and adversity” (Deuteronomy 30:15).
3. Freedom Must Not Become Slavery: St. Paul the Apostle reminds us that freedom should not be used as a cover-up for fleshly desires. True freedom is liberation from sin. “For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another” (Galatians 5:13).
4. Freedom Through Truth: Man becomes truly free only when he knows divine truth. Christian freedom finds its fulfillment in being liberated from selfishness and the bonds of sin to live according to God’s will. “You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free” (John 8:32). Human freedom is realized when it aligns with the will of God. Freedom used for selfishness leads to destruction, while freedom used for the good of others leads to eternal life. While Biblical thoughts on freedom may seem simple, a deeper reflection reveals certain verses that appear paradoxical or filled with practical challenges.
1. The Paradox Between Slavery and Freedom: “Honor everyone… As servants of God, live as free people, yet do not use your freedom as a pretext for evil” (1 Peter 2:16-17). It may seem contradictory to be told to “be free” while simultaneously being asked to live as “slaves (servants) of God.” In the Biblical view, freedom is not about being devoid of all control, but rather about whose control you are under. True freedom is being liberated from the slavery of sin and coming under the loving care of God. Here, “servant” does not imply slavery out of fear, but a surrender out of love.
2. The Limits of Unrestricted Freedom: “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are beneficial. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be dominated by anything” (1 Corinthians 6:12). The statement “all things are lawful” is often misinterpreted. It can potentially be seen as a license to do anything. However, St. Paul clarifies that Christian freedom is self-regulated. I may have the right to do something, but if that action does not lead me or others toward the good, it is not true freedom. A “permission” to do something that destroys us actually turns us into a slave of that very thing.
3. Relinquishing Freedom for the Sake of Love: “Take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak” (1 Corinthians 8:9). One might ask: why should how I use my freedom affect others? Practically, setting aside one’s rights for the sake of another is difficult. Yet, this is the supreme model of Christian civic sense. If my actions cause the faith or thoughts of another to stumble, then “love for the brother” takes precedence over my “rights.” In other words, the greatest freedom is the freedom to give up one’s own freedom for the sake of love. The freedom envisioned by the Bible does not arise from self-centeredness, but from God-centered love.
Rev. Dr. Tom Olikkarott
