Recently I had a discussion with a Independant Baptist modern pastor about various biblical issues. One of the things he kept tossing out there to explain why him, his system of man made religion and his people don't seem to follow what the bible clearly teaches regarding worship, holiness and non worldliness and such was a thing called "soul liberty". This doctrine is a Baptist invention but in our witnessing we find many who often claim this liberty when questioned or asked about how they live out the biblical life.
When I asked him where is that "soul liberty" taught in the bible, he gave me Romans 14 and so let us go there.
Here we see Paul talking about what believers have been set free from and it is indeed "liberty" to us.
But Liberty from what?
Paul tells us from what in the beginning of the chapter:
Verse 2
For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.
Verse 5-6
One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.
In context and historically there was an issue between the Israelites and the gentiles in the early church. The Jews were holding to the food laws and the Sabbath that they were taught to observe and the new gentile believers knew no such ways. This caused much tension indeed. ( Acts 15 tells us "the gentiles" what to observe and it had no Sabbath or Old Testament food laws in it for gentiles now grafted into Christ.)
So what Paul is telling us in Romans 14 is that believers have the LIBERTY from what was in the Old Testament as far as the many rules given to Israel as His nation. Romans 14 is all about food and holy days and nothing else is taught regarding that we have liberty from them.
You are FREE to eat what you like and to gather to fellowship and teach when you want but; you should still be careful to not make a brother stumble over such things. (Example: if someone doesn't want pork... don't cook it for them or eat it before them.)
Verse 21
It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.
The reason this chapter "in context" is important is because today we see denominations, modern pastors and people in the pews are often wrongly using this LIBERTY of Romans 14 and applying it to all kinds of situations that have nothing to do with food or holy days. (They have even built an entire doctrine around it called "soul liberty" ) When I inquire and ask about various unbiblical ways they teach or ignore in their body; I am told is it their liberty to do so. So why do I take on this subject and call it out as an unbiblical practice and warn others about it? Jude 1:3 says to contend for the faith as we strive to do this.
As a teaching moment look at this sad situation I encountered:
This same modern Baptist pastor admitted to me that another pastor has na unbiblical / weak watered down gospel but; he stated that same man has the LIBERTY to minister anyway he desires. This is a lie! If you read what Paul says about another gospel in Galatians 1:8 you ill see a false watered down gospel is wrong in all cases.
But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
Note: the gospel this Baptist modern pastor teaches is one that says just raise your hand to receive salvation and you need not repent and leave your old life as a result, when the bible teaches no such thing at all. This is a false (another) gospel that Paul warned us about.
If you read this verse (and others) in Galatians you will see that NO man has any right or liberty to change or alter the Lords gospel! Jesus Christ died and rose again to give to mankind freedom. But this is taking the liberty that Paul said we have from "foods and holy days" right into uncharted and very unbiblical waters that must be rejected out right!
Now they will always toss at us the verse in Romans 14 that says:
Verse 10
But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
Again "in context" Paul is saying to NOT judge over food and holy days. This does NOT mean we are to never judge other believers doctrine/actions as Paul teaches us in fact "to do that" when open sin and disobedience is involved in many places of God's Word. (See 1 corinthians 5, 2 Thess 3:14, Romans 16:17 to name a few.)
Let me show you some of the areas that the Baptist pastor and I were reasoning about where he was claiming "soul liberty". I believe you will see that his denomination, like all the rest, have usurped a wonderful liberty God has given His true people from the OT law; to now allow an unbiblical, worldly and carnal lifestyle. I had posed these questions to him and he NEVER could answer them biblically for me? He just hid from them in silence. ( God's Word is not on his side. )
Show us where Jesus or Paul ever gathered up people to preach to .... using free stuff or carnal ways?
How does your carnal entertainment filled with violent NFL/competitive sports, carnal video games & immoral movies pass the the Phil 4:8 test? whatever is good and pure and true
(This pastor was a sports / entertainment promoter.)
When I asked him where is that "soul liberty" taught in the bible, he gave me Romans 14 and so let us go there.
Here we see Paul talking about what believers have been set free from and it is indeed "liberty" to us.
But Liberty from what?
Paul tells us from what in the beginning of the chapter:
Verse 2
For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.
Verse 5-6
One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.
In context and historically there was an issue between the Israelites and the gentiles in the early church. The Jews were holding to the food laws and the Sabbath that they were taught to observe and the new gentile believers knew no such ways. This caused much tension indeed. ( Acts 15 tells us "the gentiles" what to observe and it had no Sabbath or Old Testament food laws in it for gentiles now grafted into Christ.)
So what Paul is telling us in Romans 14 is that believers have the LIBERTY from what was in the Old Testament as far as the many rules given to Israel as His nation. Romans 14 is all about food and holy days and nothing else is taught regarding that we have liberty from them.
You are FREE to eat what you like and to gather to fellowship and teach when you want but; you should still be careful to not make a brother stumble over such things. (Example: if someone doesn't want pork... don't cook it for them or eat it before them.)
Verse 21
It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.
The reason this chapter "in context" is important is because today we see denominations, modern pastors and people in the pews are often wrongly using this LIBERTY of Romans 14 and applying it to all kinds of situations that have nothing to do with food or holy days. (They have even built an entire doctrine around it called "soul liberty" ) When I inquire and ask about various unbiblical ways they teach or ignore in their body; I am told is it their liberty to do so. So why do I take on this subject and call it out as an unbiblical practice and warn others about it? Jude 1:3 says to contend for the faith as we strive to do this.
As a teaching moment look at this sad situation I encountered:
This same modern Baptist pastor admitted to me that another pastor has na unbiblical / weak watered down gospel but; he stated that same man has the LIBERTY to minister anyway he desires. This is a lie! If you read what Paul says about another gospel in Galatians 1:8 you ill see a false watered down gospel is wrong in all cases.
But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
Note: the gospel this Baptist modern pastor teaches is one that says just raise your hand to receive salvation and you need not repent and leave your old life as a result, when the bible teaches no such thing at all. This is a false (another) gospel that Paul warned us about.
If you read this verse (and others) in Galatians you will see that NO man has any right or liberty to change or alter the Lords gospel! Jesus Christ died and rose again to give to mankind freedom. But this is taking the liberty that Paul said we have from "foods and holy days" right into uncharted and very unbiblical waters that must be rejected out right!
Now they will always toss at us the verse in Romans 14 that says:
Verse 10
But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
Again "in context" Paul is saying to NOT judge over food and holy days. This does NOT mean we are to never judge other believers doctrine/actions as Paul teaches us in fact "to do that" when open sin and disobedience is involved in many places of God's Word. (See 1 corinthians 5, 2 Thess 3:14, Romans 16:17 to name a few.)
Let me show you some of the areas that the Baptist pastor and I were reasoning about where he was claiming "soul liberty". I believe you will see that his denomination, like all the rest, have usurped a wonderful liberty God has given His true people from the OT law; to now allow an unbiblical, worldly and carnal lifestyle. I had posed these questions to him and he NEVER could answer them biblically for me? He just hid from them in silence. ( God's Word is not on his side. )
Show us where Jesus or Paul ever gathered up people to preach to .... using free stuff or carnal ways?
(They defend giving away guns and free food to draw people to together just to give them a watered down gospel.)
Please show me where just "raising your hand" but not repenting of your sin gains anyone eternal life in God's Word? (They give a watered down gospel and all you need to do is lift your hand to gain eternal life.) How does your carnal entertainment filled with violent NFL/competitive sports, carnal video games & immoral movies pass the the Phil 4:8 test? whatever is good and pure and true
(This pastor was a sports / entertainment promoter.)
Where does the bible say believers are to be silly, rowdy, carnal and out of control.... ever?
(They use silliness and rowdy ways to teach their teens.)
Where does the bible say we should "not" be Holy ALL the time? (See 1peter 1:15 )
(They claim you should dress or act one way in life but another when you GO TO CHURCH?)
Do you teach your body the Lord Jesus owns words "to strive for perfection"? Matt 5:48
(Many church websites brag... "we are not perfect" when Jesus said we are aim for it.)
Where is LOCAL church membership and its man made extra steps in the Word?
(They tell me if I am not part of a local Baptist body... I am not in the body.)
How is denominational names "not" causing division and thus ... it is sin before God?
(They often defend their denomination more than God's Word.)
Why were ALL the men who came before us for 1900 years teaching a "cloth veil on ladies heads" and today you claim you now have it correct?
(They oppose the biblical teaching of this but wont answer the question.)
Why does James 4:4 say "to be friends with the world is enmity with God" but you seek to be friends with the world? (They cater to the world and desire for the world to like them and they use the worlds desire to draw them to their religious building.)
Why don't you practice the priesthood of all believers and the active participation of the saints in a gathering? (See 1 cor 14:26 where many men stepped up not just the paid pastor.)
Why don't you practice the priesthood of all believers and the active participation of the saints in a gathering? (See 1 cor 14:26 where many men stepped up not just the paid pastor.)
Where is the tithe EVER taught for the NT church?
(They often ignore whole bible verses in the NT but they stand HARD on the tithe which is not taught anywhere for the NT church.)
Where is your modern pastors role ( one man running the entire body ) found in the New testament? (They fight hard for pastor authority when Jesus said... never lord over / Matt 20.)
Where is your modern pastors role ( one man running the entire body ) found in the New testament? (They fight hard for pastor authority when Jesus said... never lord over / Matt 20.)
Can anyone have this soul liberty too, to do as I see fit or is that just made up for Baptist folk?
(They claim this liberty often but deny it for others.)
This man and many like him will claim "liberty" to do just as they please when God's Word instructs us on so many things we are to practice as His true people for His glory.
Clearly liberty can be applied in areas the bible does not give "direct input" on. These may be topics like voting, drinking of some alcohol, your profession or joining certain clubs / organizations. In these areas, we can simply apply the concepts of God's Word as a test for the decision we must make about them. ( Phil 4:8 is a great testing verse ) In doing that you will find His Word covers all topics and gives us godly instruction; even if not by naming them all.
In closing.... please understand this as it is direct from God's Holy Word.
There is no liberty to change the gospel for the fallen itchy ears of the world (Galatians 1:8)
There is no liberty to be soft on any sin (Matt 5:48)
There is no liberty to be silly and not sober (1 Thess 5:8)
There is no liberty to live a carnal, worldly, disobedient lifestyle. (1 peter 1:15)
There is no liberty to follow a man made vain religious system of man. (Mark 7)
There is no liberty to be friends with the world and enjoy its ungodly pleasures (James 4:4)
There is no liberty to add or take away from God's Word. (Rev 22:18)
Please make sure that you are reading your bible in context and applying it correctly in all things.
Learn to discern what it says and seek to apply that to your life ( in ALL areas ) rather than just trusting in modern pastors and their religious systems that man has invented on his own.
Indeed we have a glorious liberty in Christ!
We are saved by faith alone but many scriptures teach us to obey.
And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him (Hebrews 5:9)
We have been set free from the keeping of the old law for our righteousness because of what He has done for all who will seek after Him. ( His Sacrifice )
But you must never take that liberty and begin to place it in areas of your life where His Word has called you to total obedience and holiness for His glory. By walking in all of His ways; you will show godly fruit that is the EVIDENCE you are really His and not just a false religious convert made by man.
Romans 6
What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
For he that is dead is freed from sin.
We are called to OBEY God's Word in ALL things, est were we have liberty to decide for ourselves.
Let us know how we can help you in that?
Here is a similar article on Stumbling a Brother Explained:
https://spiritandtruthdiscernment.blogspot.com/2019/12/stumbling-brother-explained.html
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This man and many like him will claim "liberty" to do just as they please when God's Word instructs us on so many things we are to practice as His true people for His glory.
Clearly liberty can be applied in areas the bible does not give "direct input" on. These may be topics like voting, drinking of some alcohol, your profession or joining certain clubs / organizations. In these areas, we can simply apply the concepts of God's Word as a test for the decision we must make about them. ( Phil 4:8 is a great testing verse ) In doing that you will find His Word covers all topics and gives us godly instruction; even if not by naming them all.
In closing.... please understand this as it is direct from God's Holy Word.
There is no liberty to change the gospel for the fallen itchy ears of the world (Galatians 1:8)
There is no liberty to be soft on any sin (Matt 5:48)
There is no liberty to be silly and not sober (1 Thess 5:8)
There is no liberty to live a carnal, worldly, disobedient lifestyle. (1 peter 1:15)
There is no liberty to follow a man made vain religious system of man. (Mark 7)
There is no liberty to be friends with the world and enjoy its ungodly pleasures (James 4:4)
There is no liberty to add or take away from God's Word. (Rev 22:18)
Please make sure that you are reading your bible in context and applying it correctly in all things.
Learn to discern what it says and seek to apply that to your life ( in ALL areas ) rather than just trusting in modern pastors and their religious systems that man has invented on his own.
Indeed we have a glorious liberty in Christ!
We are saved by faith alone but many scriptures teach us to obey.
And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him (Hebrews 5:9)
We have been set free from the keeping of the old law for our righteousness because of what He has done for all who will seek after Him. ( His Sacrifice )
But you must never take that liberty and begin to place it in areas of your life where His Word has called you to total obedience and holiness for His glory. By walking in all of His ways; you will show godly fruit that is the EVIDENCE you are really His and not just a false religious convert made by man.
Romans 6
What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
For he that is dead is freed from sin.
We are called to OBEY God's Word in ALL things, est were we have liberty to decide for ourselves.
Let us know how we can help you in that?
Here is a similar article on Stumbling a Brother Explained:
https://spiritandtruthdiscernment.blogspot.com/2019/12/stumbling-brother-explained.html
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