John 8:36

[seek2find]

"Whom the Son sets free is free indeed." (or other versions of that)
So. Do we, as a people, tend to worry about our sense of freedom too much?

I've tried to rely on this passage when I was feeling very trapped, and I did eventually find my boundary for what I need to feel free. Yes, I am saved, and therefore free, but I can easily feel otherwise. I'm learning how to prevent myself from getting into situations that leave me feeling like that, but that's another story.

I know there are many different interpretations of this verse, but my question is how do people go about viewing their freedom spiritually in relation to their freedom on Earth?


{John 8:36 popped into my mind after reading Mimi's reply to this thread: http://www.christianforums.com/t723112&page=21}

 

[CaDan]

I think it makes sense to keep in mind 1Cor 10:23: "All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not."

 

[CSMR]

Only one freedom is meant, freedom from bondage to sin, freedom from the judgement of the law. It has no relation to earthly freedoms IMO. A slave can be just as much spiritually free as a free man and a free man just as much enslaved to sin as a slave.

 

[CaDan]

Only one freedom is meant, freedom from bondage to sin, freedom from the judgement of the law. It has no relation to earthly freedoms IMO. A slave can be just as much spiritually free as a free man and a free man just as much enslaved to sin as a slave.

What does "spiritually free" mean?

current music: Patti Smith - Rock 'n' Roll N_____

 

[yumabrainstorm]

In my opinion freedom can exist in various forms. Intellectual freedom is exercised frequently here. Mental freedom may mean absence of anxiety or worry. We are always bound in some respect either by the limitations of our mind and bodies or by our environment. I think freedom should always be accompanied by a sense of responsibility. He whom the Son sets free is free indeed. This one verse taken by itself would permit any type of behavior, but other verses that discuss stewardship, and justice would balance this one out. The freedom that the son offers is not the type of freedom that can be granted by a constitution or a social contract. It is the highest form of freedom.

 

[CSMR]

current music: Patti Smith - Rock 'n' Roll N_____

Perhaps this is all a joke to you, but even if you don't respect others' opinions, which is perfectly fine, you should at least bear in mind that others consider these things important, and therefore not trivialise others' opinions, whether you choose to attack, defend, or question them. You do this frequently and I hope you will stop. Nevertheless I will answer your question.

What does "spiritually free" mean?

Spiritually free means that our inner spirit which wants to obey God and be accepted by him is not constrained by its inability to effect any change in us because of our evil, but can ("freely") attain its aim by the action of God in forgiving us and in the ressurection. Our evil no longer prohibits us from a relation to God of acceptance and from eventual obedience to Him.