Free From Slavery

“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery” (Galatians 5:1 ESV).

Most people today revolt against the thought of slavery—and rightfully so. 

Any condition where one human is owned by another or considered by law as property or chattel is appalling. When free persons deprive others of their God-given, ordinary rights, it is an act of injustice. 

Historians, anthropologists, economists, and sociologists who study slavery mostly agree on common characteristics associated with slavery. Here is a short list of traits associated with slavery:

• Enslaved people were considered “property,” belonging to someone else. 
• Servants were objects, not subjects of the law. Like an ox or an ax, it was unusual for indentured people to be held responsible for what they did. 
• Slaves were not liable for torts or contracts, had few rights, and always had fewer rights than their owner. 
• However, they had “some rights.” As societies insisted on the extent to which animals might be abused, there were limits (in most societies) to the degree slaves would be treated. 
• Legally, and often socially, slaves were deprived of kinship. Family members could not stand up for the rights of their indentured relatives. 
• As outsiders, these marginalized individuals were considered socially dead. Their ability to participate in political decision making and other social activities were fewer than those enjoyed by their owner.

• Their liberty and right to move about geographically as they desired were deprived.^⁠1

Paul’s instruction to the Galatians is significant. Familiar with slavery, freedom is a deep longing for those subjugated to domination. Whether an indentured servant or a citizen living under the control of an oppressive government, people desire liberation. 

Emancipation is a delicious elixir to the enslaved soul! That’s why Paul’s instruction is good news! His words reinforce the reality of the gospel that through Christ’s death and resurrection, we have assurance of salvation and liberation from sin! “For freedom, Christ has set us free.”

Slavery is still a problem today. An estimated 40 million people worldwide are still subjected to some form of modern slavery; forced labor, marriages, sex trafficking, and sexual slavery continue to exist. 

However, other less obvious forms of enslavement exist: Addictions, emotional slavery (believing we are responsible for the feelings of others), mental slavery (those invisible chains that tell us we’re unwanted and unworthy), abusive relationships, etc.

Listen carefully to Paul’s words: “For freedom Christ has set us free.” This is an accomplished reality. The reason Christ died for us is to free us from slavery. 

So, what keeps us from walking in freedom?  

The Galatians allowed the insistence of others who believed “circumcision” was required to put us into right standing with God—tempting people to negate the freedom we have because of Christ. Paul warns them (and us): We must not trade our emancipation for a new enslavement! 

To accept circumcision would require the Galatians to subjugate themselves to the whole Jewish Law. The Law cannot save, but it does condemn. The Law does not remove sin—it reveals our sin. 

“For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his [God’s] sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin” (Romans 3:20). 

Christ frees us from slavery! 

What continues to enslave you? Remember, “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery” (Galatians 5:1).

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¹ https://www.britannica.com/topic/slavery-sociology

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