Christ set us free – Stand firm in that freedom

Christ – 1874 Rose Window – Erskine Church – Dunfermline

“IT WAS FOR FREEDOM THAT CHRIST SET US FREE! STAND FIRM IN THAT FREEDOM AND DO NOT ALLOW YOURSELF TO BECOME A SLAVE AGAIN!”

Galatians 5 V 1

This is my wife’s Karen’s favourite verse in the bible  -because it sums up the whole reason of Christ’s crucifixion and sacrifice – so that we can become free… For me this is very poignant, knowing the severe struggles, relating to trauma and Bipolar Disorder that Karen has fought throughout her heroic life. It is also very significant for me personally. Why? Because most Atheists and indifferents * castigate Christ’s message within a misunderstood rendering -  which assumes that this issue is to do – not with liberation – but with Slavery.

 It is very significant to recognise that the group of people in the late eighteenth century who handed Wilberforce the ammunition for the legislation for the Abolition of Slavery were, like him, Christians. Notable were Sir Charles Middleton, who also, at personal loss of his career,  reorganised the munitions for the Royal Navy, thus enablng Nelson to win Trafalgar – and, more recognised, John Newton – a born again slaveowner who was castigated and villified by every other slaveowner – when he tried to treat the slaves on his plantations as human beings.. retired a broken man …and then went on to write – in addition to Amazing Grace – the key inflenetial pamplets in Great Britain about the charactaristics of the system of Slavery. 

 In my opinion, the Church and many individuals, claiming Christianity, have, albeit unwittingly, handed to Atheists and indifferent people, ample grounds for their views or lack of interest, by behaving as if Christ desired THEIR slavery rather than their ability to be liberated FROM the negative effects of their wrongdoing and indeed the previous wongs done to them. Christ also said:

“I desire compassion…not a sacrifice!” (St Matthew)

jm