Articles
The Perfect Law of Liberty
“Give me liberty, or give me death.” Patrick Henry’s words are some of the most famous in the pages of American history. His plea for war against the British demanded action. His resolve was such that he would rather die than be under the bondage of England. When we think of liberty, what comes to mind? Is it the Liberty Bell, the Constitution, the U.S. flag? As God’s people, liberty should bring to mind a much different idea. James 1:25 says, “The one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres . . . will be blessed in his doing.” The word of Christ is a law, and it is a law of liberty. Do the terms “law” and “liberty” contradict one another? Or can there be such a thing as a law that gives liberty? Society today would have you believe that law takes away our liberties and stifles our freedom. However, the law of God has a much different effect on our lives. To understand this, we must consider what liberty is, and how law and liberty work together.
What is liberty? Vine’s defines it in this passage simply as “freedom.” Jesus said in John 8:34 that “everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin.” Sin ensnares, enslaves, and otherwise takes away our freedom. As Americans, we know the negative connotation the word “slavery” has. It makes us think of pain and oppression. When we sin, we willingly enslave ourselves to sin and the devil. Under his bondage, we have no liberty, no life, and no hope. However, faithful obedience to God’s law brings about spiritual freedom from that bondage of sin. Jesus died to “destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery” (Hebrews 2:14-15). What an amazing thought: we have liberty over death because of our Lord!
Not only does the perfect law of liberty free us from our bondage to sin and death, but it frees us from the wrath of God as well. Ephesians 5:9 tells us that “the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience,” and Colossians 3:6 reminds us that “the wrath of God is coming” on those who give in to earthly lusts. God’s law redeems us from divine vengeance. Therefore, those who are holy, obedient, “law-abiding citizens” will be free from the wrath of God.
The “perfect law of liberty” is restrictive as well. We understand that any law sets forth restraints. We are all at liberty to drive our cars on the highway, but we are restrained by law to go the speed limit. Why? For our safety and for the safety of others. Similarly, God’s law places restraints on us for “our own good always” (Deut. 6:24), and for the safety of others. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 6:12 and 10:23, “All things are lawful, but not all things are helpful.” He realized that some liberties should be foregone at times when they are not helpful. We must use the law lawfully (1 Tim. 1:8), and consider our liberties to make sure they do not somehow “become a stumbling block to the weak” (1 Cor. 8:9).
We all must give account of the things we have done in our lives (Rom 14:12), therefore we should adhere to the limits that God’s law places on us. That sounds obvious enough, but we sometimes downplay the gravity of sin, hoping we have time later to change. Peter instructs us not to use our liberty as “a cover-up for evil” (1 Pet. 2:16). It is shocking to us when strong brothers and sisters turn from the truth. “How can this happen?” we ask ourselves. Falling away from the truth does not happen overnight. These brethren wore the robes of the perfect law of liberty and used it as a cover-up for their evil. It is possible to fool others into thinking we are godly when we wear the stain of sin inside. Do not let godliness be a Sunday-only garment. Instead, purge the evil from your life and be holy!
Some of our brethren count the “law of liberty” as freedom for creating any means possible to bring people to the church building. Anything from picnics and suppers to ball games and fairs are tossed under this phrase. It seems as though they do not feel the same way Paul felt when he wrote that he was “not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of salvation to everyone who believes,” (Rom. 1:16). Food and fun may bring bodies to the building, but they do not bring souls to Christ! “If any man is hungry, let him eat at home; that your coming together be not unto judgment,” (1 Cor. 11:34).
Liberty is a wonderful concept, and one we can trust in as we compare our lives to the standard of God’s law. If Patrick Henry were a Christian, he might have said, “Give me liberty, and give me life!” Faithful obedience to God’s perfect law promises both. We will be judged in the end by this perfect law of liberty (Jas. 2:12). Let us therefore live in such a way that in the end we will be free citizens of the heavenly country built by God himself.
