[Greek] ἐλευθερόω (eleutheroō), [Latin] liberare: to make free, to exempt, to liberate, to set free, to liberate, to deliver; Jn.8:32,36, Rom.6:18,22, Rom.8:2,21, Gal.5:1
Background information:
Stoic concept of freedom: In contrast to the political freedom of the citizen or the state, philosophical freedom concerns the nature of the individual in relationship to his surroundings. In order to attain freedom, one must have knowledge of what one can and cannot control. Stoic philosophy states that the path to happiness comes from accepting the moment as it presents itself. However, this inward retreat of self-preservation in order to find liberation from one’s surroundings creates a false sense of freedom. This may lead to a bitterness of despising the things one cannot control.
Stoic quotes from Epictetus:
“Don’t seek for everything to happen as you wish it would, but rather wish that everything happens as it actually will—then your life will flow well.”
“The chief task in life is simply this: to identify and separate matters so that I can say clearly to myself which are externals not under my control, and which have to do with the choices I actually control. Where then do I look for good and evil? Not to uncomfortable externals, but within myself to the choices that are my own.”
New Testament concept of freedom: Even when one searches (or retreats) inward to control his own fate, he is not really free. Instead, one loses his true self with no control of a deficient outside existence. The only possibility of coming to one’s full self is to surrender one’s own will (and power) to an external force (outside this existence). Man attains self-control by letting himself be controlled by God. God provides a true liberation (freedom) from a deficient existence.
True freedom: True freedom is freedom from an existence which leads to sin and death. Freedom from sin allows man to live life to the fullest. The Law, God’s claim on all men in written form, brings out the sin of existence. John and Paul are the only New Testament writers to extol freedom, not autonomy (the freedom to do whatever one pleases). Jesus states that the truth will set you free. This truth states those who commits sin are slaves to sin. To be in sin is to be in deception, making oneself blind to one’s own reality. Christ has come to free us from the law of sin and death. Those freed from sin can then become slaves of righteousness.
Scripture:
“And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Jn.8:32
Jesus points out the truth that being in sin is like being a slave to sin. Jesus states if they remain in His word, they will truly be His disciples and be set free.
“Freed from sin, you have become slaves to righteousness.” Rom.6:18
Christians have been released from sin, but sin tries to reclaim its victims. Divine grace is the antidote against sin.
“For the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus has freed you from the law of sin and death.” Rom.8:2
Jesus provides that freedom from that existence which leads to sin. The Law brings out the sin of existence.
Conclusion:
Liberate, liberation, liberty
For purposes of brevity, I excluded the notion of political freedom from this post. I focused on the individual and his relationship to his environment. Stoicism is quite an interesting philosophy outside of Christian principles. Stoic philosophy offers a glimpse into the psychological aspect of freedom. The Stoic seeks to understand what he can and cannot control in the world. This essentially means embracing the good and the bad experiences. The Stoic ultimately cannot seek true freedom as he is ultimately influenced by his environment.
Man faces his existence filled with sin and death. God (the Trinity) can provide an external freedom from this sinful existence. Man attains full life outside this sinful existence. Christ brings this spirit of life. Therefore, being sinful is like being enslaved by sin.
It is a great irony that man can attain full life by surrendering himself (and his will to God). Man attains self-control by letting himself be controlled by God. (This is quite a profoundly ironic and provocative statement).
This notion of true freedom stands in stark contrast to the modern day notion of freedom (autonomy). This becomes a form of self-deception and self-rule. The great unfortunate irony is that this modern type of freedom (“I can do whatever I want…”) can led many to all kinds of slavery (bondage) to sin over the years. Such examples include the problems resulting from the sexual revolution, marriage, abortion, sex and gender. This modern definition of ‘freedom’ can actually lead one to being addicted to or controlled by that sin (Ex. pornography, sex, drugs, etc). Even in a non-sinful context, this could apply to the excess or overindulgence in other things (food, sweets, materialism, wealth, internet, gaming, and other technological devices, etc). Too much of something can potentially lead to unfortunate results.
To be honest, I never really understood what the phrase “truth will set you free” meant. Researching this term has helped to liberate and set free my very limited psychological understanding of human nature. What a mind blowing and liberating concept! (To be truly free, one must let God take control!!!) #MindBlown #ReallyFree #GodIsInControl
Please feel free to also reflect on what it means to be really free!