Layers of intent, Paul’s “bondage” has multiple applications

Liberty through Christ is again under scrutiny and virtually outlawed by a tyrannical regime

There was a deeper understanding that he was getting across through this and other verses in his missives – that of what true liberty in Christ looks like. Cutting away a portion of one’s body was not it. It was a vehicle of control. Galatians 6:13 For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. (KJV)

What was a sign of compliance with traditions demanded by the law delivered by Moses had become a sign of enslavement, a limitation of personal freedom that, although deeply private, could be used against an individual by religious oppressors. Spying on men in their most intimate moments, exaggerated reports of noncompliance were used to implicate and arrest “ringleaders” like Paul, which led to his eventual beheading in Rome by Nero.

Arguably, nothing much has changed. Liberty through Christ¹ is again (as has occurred many times over the last two millennia) under scrutiny and virtually outlawed by a tyrannical regime. If someone isn’t willing to flaunt the cutting of their bodies (as occurred on the White House lawn last spring), or publicly agree and concede to State doctrine, however perverse or debased, they are proclaimed enemies or terrorists. The same was true for the followers of Jesus, known at the time as “The Way.”

But what was it “The Way” to? It was the path to freedom of faith, of peace, of grace, of salvation, of forgiveness, which could not be attained by working with all one’s might to follow each and every ordinance devised by men. 

The self-righteous that are seated in government, dictating adherence to their pagan religion of non-binary sexes and climate change, are the modern persecutors of free-thinkers

It was expected that keeping the laws of personal conduct were the ticket to avoid harassment by the religious hierarchy, included with that were crimes of thought and speech. Should anyone express an opinion differing from the additional traditions tacked onto the Law, they were subject to vilification, incarceration, and, ultimately, death.

The self-righteous that are seated in government, dictating adherence to their pagan religion of non-binary sexes and climate change, are the modern persecutors of free-thinkers.

It doesn’t stop there. The “yoke” is also one of financial shackles, restricting individuals from using the fruits of their labor to benefit themselves and their families to the point of theft via debanking, inflation and taxation. It is the destruction of the national (and by connection, global) economic infrastructure in order to enslave everyone other than government administrators, officeholders, and the fabulously wealthy, self-empowered rulemakers.

In Paul’s time, the “bondage” was all inclusive as it is now. In the pagan societies where he preached, every method of submission was exploited. Individuals were forced to conform using economic pressure – cutting them off from gainful employment, the ability to sell or buy, or protect possessions from plundering government and outlaws; social pressure – isolating, defaming, and denouncing them; and political pressure – censuring and imprisoning them for not following “approved” ideology.

Scripture is as relevant today as it ever was in describing the evils of despotism and how it is imposed on populations through fear of dissenting with those currently wielding power, whether religious tyrants or secular thieves.

In every case, it takes a few believers to stand for the Lord and not be fainthearted, but be willing to act by faith

Note that where the Bible warns of oppression, it also foretells how evil is perpetrated and its ultimate demise. This is just an example:

Proverbs 29:4,12,16 – The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it… If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked… When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall. (KJV)

God has ever been an advocate for freedom and salvation, relegating evildoers to their just ends has been witnessed from the Flood, to the Exodus, and to Jesus’ final sacrifice on the Cross. In every case, it takes a few believers to stand for the Lord and not be fainthearted, but be willing to act by faith.

We need that now. There can be no hiding from evil by ignoring it, thinking God will intervene without believers’ active engagement. Each rescue came through the faithfuls’ obedient action, not passivity. Inaction will ensure evil a win. Short-lived though such a win may be, increasing hardship, suffering and death will ensue if we do nothing.²

1. 2 Corinthians 3:17 “Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” (NKJV)
2. Call your representatives to immediately stop Congress from voting for another Continuing Resolution which will keep funding the egregious, unconstitutional Biden agenda that’s destroying our economy, impoverishing Americans, relocating and financing the four million+ illegals he’s welcomed into the country, and tying $24 billion more to Ukraine with only millions to the displaced residents, business and home owners in Maui. Then call your senators. 202-225-3121, 202-224-3121