What is the definition of liberty in its Biblical sense?

Answer 1

Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. Jesus is truth that makes us free from sin wherein we are free indeed.

In the Hebrew from which the Old Testament of The Bible was translated , the word LIBERTY is ( de rowr ) meaning: Freedom , So clear , Pure. In the scriptural ( Bible ) text LIBERTY would refer to the freedom which originates from one's relationship to Jesus Christ. Freedom from the bonds of sin is one example of many freedoms we can experience in a relationship with Christ.

Liberty means Free Will. (see Discussion)

The New Testament uses a number of words in the Greek which are translated as 'liberty'. Altogether six different words are used and there appear to be two main ideas. The first relates to what we would identify as being 'set free from bondage' either actual physical bondage (such as chains) or spiritual bondage such as being bound to fulfill the law. The second meaning relates to having the authority or right to do something and hence the 'liberty' to do it. Below are some examples.

32Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar. 3And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself.

17Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

13For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

Answer 2

Christian liberty is found in the Bible in several concepts. For example, liberty for the Christian can mean that he or she has been freed from the penalty of sin by faith in Jesus Christ (John 8:31-36; Romans 6:23). Also, Christian liberty can refer to being freed from the power of sin in en's life by daily faith in Jesus Christ as Lord of one's character and conduct (Romans 6:5-6,14). In addition, Christian liberty can mean that Christians are freed from the Jewish law of Moses in that the law only "exposes" sin in one's life, but cannot "forgive" sin (Romans 3:20-22).

Finally, Christian liberty can mean that Christians are freed in respect to such activity that is not expressly forbidden in the Bible. Therefore one can feel free to engage in such activity as long as it doesn't "stumble" or "offend" another Christian (Romans 14:12-16). Most of these activities revolve around social "do's" and "don'ts, such as whether or not to wear certain kinds of clothes, make-up, jewelry, tattoos, piercings, and/or practicing certain things, such as smoking, social drinking, recreational gambling, dancing, or viewing movies or videos. As the passage in Romans 14 says, these things may not be strictly prohibited by God's Word, but they can be bad for one's spiritual growth or Christian testimony and can offend other Christians whose consciences prevent them from partaking in them.

Furthermore, Christians who tend to vigorously promote such liberties can sometimes fall into a loose lifestyle of undisciplined living, while, on the other hand, Christians who tend to vigorously limit such liberties can sometimes fall into a legalistic lifestyle of being defined by what they are "against." So, it is wise to seek God in prayer and His Word to determine whether or not a particular activity is actually forbidden in Scripture. If it is, it should be avoided. If it is not forbidden, then we should seek to determine how the activity reflects on our reputation as Christians and whether it will help us or hinder us in representing Jesus to unbelievers around us, whether it edifies them or offends them.

The ultimate goal for the Christian should be to glorify God, edify fellow believers, and have a good reputation before unbelievers (Psalm 19:14; Romans 15:1-2; 1 Peter 2:11-12). "For you brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another" (Galatians 5:13).

Christian liberty is found in the Bible in several concepts. For example, liberty for the Christian can mean that he or she has been freed from the penalty of sin by faith in Jesus Christ (John 8:31-36; Romans 6:23). Also, Christian liberty can refer to being freed from the power of sin in one's life by daily faith in Jesus Christ as Lord of one's character and conduct (Romans 6:5-6,14). In addition, Christian liberty can mean that Christians are freed from the Jewish law of Moses in that the law only "exposes" sin in one's life, but cannot "forgive" sin (Romans 3:20-22).

Finally, Christian liberty can mean that Christians are freed in respect to such activity that is not expressly forbidden in the Bible. Therefore one can feel free to engage in such activity as long as it doesn't "stumble" or "offend" another Christian (Romans 14:12-16). Most of these activities revolve around social "do's" and "don'ts, such as whether or not to wear certain kinds of clothes, make-up, jewelry, tattoos, piercings, and/or practicing certain things, such as smoking, social drinking, recreational gambling, dancing, or viewing movies or videos. As the passage in Romans 14 says, these things may not be strictly prohibited by God's Word, but they can be bad for one's spiritual growth or Christian testimony and can offend other Christians whose consciences prevent them from partaking in them.