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Christian Liberty

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Christian Liberty
By Dr. Troy Matthews

Defining Christian Liberty
In the simplest of terms Christian Liberty refers to decisions and actions that we make where the Bible does not give us clear direction. Bob DeWaay defines it this way, “Christian Liberty is the freedom to make decisions about matters that are not revealed in Scriptures without fear of sinning against God” (2003, p. 1). In an article entitled “What is a Debatable disputable matter”, pastor and author Steve Cornell says,
A debatable or disputable matter (Romans 14:1) is an area of behavior, doctrine or tradition on which Christians disagree because a specific biblical absolute does not regulate it. It is therefore a matter of personal preference not divine command. These matters belong to the category of Christian freedom or liberty (Cornell, 2011, p. 1).
Introduction
For several years I have had the privilege and responsibility of teaching college freshmen at Liberty University. Each semester I challenge my students (and myself) to meditate on Romans 12:1-2 and consider what their standard for “holiness” is. In other words, what is it in their life that defines what is holy and what is not? I then will pose several questions to reflect on. What does a living, holy, transformed life look and act like? How can I live in this world and yet avoid being conformed to its standards?
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service. (2) And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12: 1-2 (KJV)
The answer is that as believers, we must live our lives in accordance with the truths found in God’s Word (the Bible). When we go to God’s Word we find commands,

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