Reformation Reflections about Liberty and Freedom: They Still Matter!

Word from the Center
Written By LCRL Staff

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Every year on October 31, Christians from around the world are reminded of a “reforming” movement that brought back to light the central message of the Bible, the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Freedom, life, and salvation were again heard as God’s gifts offered to sinners by grace alone, through faith alone, in the person and work of Jesus Christ alone. Martin Luther’s rediscovery of the uniqueness of the freedom of the Gospel as God’s saving work in the world for all shook the foundations of the medieval world. It ushered in many of the precious freedoms that we enjoy in this world today. It clearly identified and distinguished the uniqueness of the eternal freedom that comes from knowing and trusting in God’s gracious work in Jesus from the cultural/political freedoms that come from public policy, citizenship, and good government. Distinguishing, cherishing, and engaging both freedoms is part of what it means to be a Christian citizen in the world for the sake of the culture and the mission of the Church.

Does such differentiation matter today? Is the awareness of the distinction between God’s preserving work from His saving work still important today? Or is it the product of a by-gone era that no longer matters to a society so “advanced” as ours? What if I told you that Luther’s teaching, often called “two-kingdoms,” is more vital today than ever before? James Madison said as much he wrote about the uniqueness of the American government and its inspiration from the Reformation in a letter to Rev. Schaeffer, Dec. 3, 1821, saying:

It illustrates the excellence of a system which, by a due distinction, to which the genius and courage of Luther led the way, between what is due to Caesar and what is due God, best promotes the discharge of both obligations. The experience of the United States is a happy disproof of the error so long rooted in the unenlightened minds of well-meaning Christians, as well as in the corrupt hearts of persecuting usurpers, that without a legal incorporation of religious and civil polity, neither could be supported. A mutual independence is found most friendly to practical Religion, to social harmony, and to political prosperity.[1]

His point? You can’t have one freedom or the other because one freedom undergirds the other. That’s right: Knowing that our rights come from God because He is our creator, and knowing that there is a God in heaven who is both judge and redeemer, such a powerful idea gives purpose to our temporal freedoms here on earth. But the Apostle Paul goes further in Galatians 5:13, saying, “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” One freedom, God’s gift of freedom in Christ, empowers the other. One freedom compels the other. One freedom sustains the other.

Today, all throughout the Western world, many are seeking to maintain the temporal freedoms of our democratic republics without any allegiance or commitment to the eternal things of God. Morals, ethics, and messages like the Gospel—forgiveness of sin/eternal life in Christ alone— are said to be nothing more than our words from a time long past. Or even worse, they are our words, words of position, subjugation, and power. Nothing more. I’ve heard people say, “We fashioned such notions once. We can refashion them again.” “We” fashioned them? Or did we merely recognize their truth and power? Can we really dispense with the eternal freedoms of God in Christ, the wisdom of the biblical worldview, God’s Law and His Gospel, and still maintain the precious freedoms that liberty and democracy presently offer? I don’t think so.  

So, I say, remember the Reformation! It’s proclamation of eternal freedom in Christ as a gift of grace, and defending the constitutional freedoms that we have, compelled by the preserving power of God’s Law, that allows us the temporal freedom to live as God’s people free of government coercion or intimidation to the contrary. Let the “first freedom” undergird the second. Let the Reformation proclamation of our ultimate freedom in Christ rekindle a hope in you that the world can never take away. Let it resound a message of freedom from us that is as eternal as the resurrection of the one who was crucified and raised from the dead so that all could live with Him in a freedom that never ends. Let the wisdom of the Reformation that differentiated the two freedoms as God’s blessings in the world—His preserving work from His saving work—that transformed subjects into citizens, that came to fruition in a “Bill of Rights’” protection of citizens from bad government, let it compel you to put your liberties to work rightly in service to others as well.

Earthly freedom is built on the notion that we are created beings of an eternal God. Earthly liberty stems from God’s preserving work in the world, exercised through family, government, work, and enterprise, even in a world hell-bent on its own demise. Eternal freedom, however, comes only through God’s restoration of all things through the person and work of His Son, Jesus Christ alone. That differentiation brought out the best of both freedoms for a time. On this Reformation weekend, as we prepare to vote in the upcoming election, let’s rekindle our commitment to be faithful to the God who both preserves and redeems this world His two ways. And let’s us remind ourselves of the blessings that come from following Him in all things, now and forever.

The Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz is executive director of the Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty.

Be Informed
Learn more about the difference between men and women and how it impacts a pro-child culture with Peachy Keenan in a recent Issues, Etc. podcast.

Be Equipped
Do fathers get a choice or have any say when it comes to their children being lost to abortion?

Be Encouraged
“Having received God’s gifts of forgiveness, life, and salvation in His divine services to us in our congregations, we jointly put on His armor (Ephesians 6:10-18) in the public square, proclaiming Christ and Him crucified for the forgiveness of sins, even those of babies still in the womb. In so doing, we advocate for the sanctity of life from the moment of fertilization and pray that God will use us to change the hearts of the abortion-minded in our communities.” -Dr. Roni Grad

[1] http://www.beliefnet.com/resourcelib/docs/10/Letter_from_James_Madison_to_FL_Schaeffer_1.html

See Also
The Gift He Was; The Gift He Is
The Gift He Was; The Gift He Is

A blessed Christmas to all of you next Tuesday!  For “on that Day (many years ago) in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger (Luke 2:11-12).” The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus came as a blessing to the world even though the world didn’t deserve it and even worse, was unreceptive to receiving Him as the gift that He was for them (see John 1:10-13). Increasingly, the world in which we live today seems very unreceptive to that same Gospel, a message that has been such a blessing to the world for over two millennia. Instead of receiving the good news of Jesus like Mary and Joseph, the wisemen, or the shepherds, the world in which we live is violently suspicious of the message of the Messiah like Herod in Matthew 2. In a speech several years ago, Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito warned our nation:

On ‘The Last Battle’: Hope in an Age of Political Woe
On ‘The Last Battle’: Hope in an Age of Political Woe

A charlatan sits in power. Division and cynicism have won the hearts of the people. Foes at home and abroad are cunning. The nation feels sullied. Such is the situation facing Tirian, the last king of Narnia.

In C.S. Lewis’s The Last Battle, the beloved land of the famed children’s series is under attack.  Narnia’s enemies, the Calormenes, have taken over the country. Through treachery, they have fooled loyal Narnians into believing that Aslan — Narnia’s Christ figure — is on their side. Fear and confusion prevent Narnians from coming to Tirian’s aid.

On the Election
On the Election

As citizens of this great nation, we use our God-given reason to elect men and women who we believe will most closely rule according to God’s will and Word. But we also know that the U.S. has maintained a perfect record of electing sinners to be presidents and senators and representatives: every single one of them.

As citizens of this great nation, we use our God-given reason to elect men and women who we believe will most closely rule according to God’s will and Word. But we also know that the U.S. has maintained a perfect record of electing sinners to be presidents and senators and representatives: every single one of them.

Getting Involved
Getting Involved

Is it alright for Christians to be involved with politics?

The Bible contains no specific command that either requires or forbids Christian involvement with politics. However, through the prophet Jeremiah, God teaches His people that they should, “Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf” (Jer. 29:57). In other places, God teaches that Christians should obey and pray for those in positions of civil authority (Matt. 22:21; Rom. 13:17; Titus 3:1; 1 Pet. 2:13). These passages, together with the general biblical teaching that Christians should care for and promote the welfare of their neighbor, would suggest that Christians should participate in the process of deciding how we, as a nation, shall live.

Abortion Is a Biblical/Political Issue
Abortion Is a Biblical/Political Issue

Soft people in the church, those who are double minded and wish to run from the truth, will tell pastors not to preach about abortion. The disconnect is real, surely in the LCMS too. These folks will tell pastors not to bring political issues into the pulpit, and far too many otherwise faithful pastors comply. But, of course, as a popular meme says, abortion is distinctly a biblical issue.

Facts, Fiction, and the Media: Reading and Watching the News as a Lutheran
Facts, Fiction, and the Media: Reading and Watching the News as a Lutheran

As Christians, we live as strangers even in our own land. We live in a tension between being a Christian and an American. Our aims and the country’s aims will sometimes diverge. But God also calls us to work for the good of our neighbors, as far as we are able. In America, where citizens participate in the task of bringing about just government, Christians have a vocation to participate in the political life of the nation.

Jack Phillips
Jack Phillips

This morning I sip coffee from one of his mugs: "Masterpiece Cakeshop: Yeah . . . that cakeshop." What cakeshop? If you don't know, you're not informed, and you're watching the wrong news. Jack has been embroiled in legal battles since 2012, when the baker declined to use his talents to create a custom cake celebrating a so-called gay marriage. Phillips, mind you, served all people, no matter what. But he did not wish to use his time and talents to commemorate that which he believed was wrong. This is what the First Amendment is all about, freedom of speech, which means the freedom from compelled speech, along with the free exercise of religion.

TIME TO VOTE – SO EXERCISE YOUR GOD-GIVEN RESPONSIBILTY
TIME TO VOTE – SO EXERCISE YOUR GOD-GIVEN RESPONSIBILTY

What do these things have in common and why does it matter for us this election? The “Sinicization movement” in China towards religion, the Bishop Johanna Pohjola trial in Finland, and the so-called “Respect for Marriage Act” law in America? All these are examples of a growing, secular statism growing abroad and now—here. When people ask me, “For whom or for what should I vote this election?” Amidst all the rhetoric and rancor, my main advice is that you vote for the platform that limits government’s coercive power, and the platform that more clearly defines a more limited role of government in the lives of ALL Americans.

GUIDELINES FOR YOUR VOTE – VOTE PRINCIPLES, PLATFORMS, NOT PEOPLE
GUIDELINES FOR YOUR VOTE – VOTE PRINCIPLES, PLATFORMS, NOT PEOPLE

Is it alright for Christians to be involved with politics?

The Bible contains no specific command that either requires or forbids Christian involvement with politics. However, through the prophet Jeremiah, God teaches His people that they should, “Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf” (Jer. 29:57). In other places, God teaches that Christians should obey and pray for those in positions of civil authority (Matt. 22:21; Rom. 13:17; Titus 3:1; 1 Pet. 2:13).

Reformation Reflections about Liberty and Freedom: They Still Matter!
Reformation Reflections about Liberty and Freedom: They Still Matter!

Every year on October 31, Christians from around the world are reminded of a “reforming” movement that brought back to light the central message of the Bible, the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Freedom, life, and salvation were again heard as God’s gifts offered to sinners by grace alone, through faith alone, in the person and work of Jesus Christ alone. Martin Luther’s rediscovery of the uniqueness of the freedom of the Gospel as God’s saving work in the world for all shook the foundations of the medieval world. It ushered in many of the precious freedoms that we enjoy in this world today. It clearly identified and distinguished the uniqueness of the eternal freedom that comes from knowing and trusting in God’s gracious work in Jesus from the cultural/political freedoms that come from public policy, citizenship, and good government. Distinguishing, cherishing, and engaging both freedoms is part of what it means to be a Christian citizen in the world for the sake of the culture and the mission of the Church.

Abortion Exceptions
Abortion Exceptions

Former President Donald Trump has come out in favor of the rape and incest exception [with regard to abortion], and that's a pity. And yet a friend says we need to have abortion precisely because some women are raped or are victims of incest. What that shows is that people are not listening or are confused by the propaganda press, which is the only press half the country ever gets.

Beyond the Booth
Beyond the Booth

One of the cherished notions that typically guides the lives of Americans is that politics and religion do not mix. Of course, there are some areas of overlap that Americans accept and even expect, like a prayer at a presidential inauguration or candidates ending speeches with “God bless America.” But, on the whole, it is taken for granted that there needs to be a clear distinction or even a wall of separation between church and state. People do not want the government telling them what to believe about God, and they do not want the church telling them how to vote. Actually, they do not want anyone telling them how to vote.

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How Can You Call Yourself Pro-Life

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The Ethics of Designer Babies
The Ethics of Designer Babies

“Every day in every way, we’re getting better.” This mantra emerged in the first decades of the twentieth century, a hallmark of the optimistic mindset that prevailed in many circles of academia and government. New scientific discoveries and technological innovations seemed to promise a brighter future. However, two world wars, the Great Depression and the Holocaust shattered that positive view of humanity — at least for a time.

Why Christians Must Vote
Why Christians Must Vote

In his letter to the church in Rome, the Apostle Paul writes, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God” (Rom. 13:1-2).

With that statement, Paul defines the relationship between Christians and government. Throughout the Book of Acts, Paul invokes his Roman citizenship to make a passionate defense of the Gospel. Instead of shying away from engagement with the governing authorities, he engages them by proclaiming truth. However, he also puts his trust in God’s sovereignty because he knows that the ultimate authority and judge is the Lord, who has allowed those to be in authority so God’s purposes can be accomplished.

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Civility? Always. But Much More Is Needed.

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Pastor, Who Are You Voting For?

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Speaking to Your Neighbor

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The Family Restored

I remember well holding my youngest daughter in my arms the day after she was born. But I do not remember thinking, “This is not bone of my bones or flesh of my flesh.” My only thought was that the Lord had given me this girl and that I was her father.

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What Is Marriage?

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Civility? Always. But Much More Is Needed.
Civility? Always. But Much More Is Needed.

Former President Donald Trump has survived an assassination attempt. We thank God for his protection, and like many other voices this week, we abhor such political violence, boldly praying to God that virtue and civility might return to our public life together. As Christians, we are called into the middle of the chaos of the world in which we live with the power and wisdom of God’s preserving voice of the Law and His saving voice of the Gospel.

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What God Has Joined Together

There are times when the church’s teaching on an issue sparks discussion and controversy because there is some debate over the precise meaning of critical words or ideas in the teaching. Other times, a doctrine of the church generates keen discussion and disagreement because the teaching is exceedingly plain and clear but difficult to practice. The church’s teaching about divorce falls into the latter category.

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Male and Female He Created Them: Speaking the Truth in Love about Transgenderism

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Sacrificial, Unconditional, Incarnational: A Biblical View of Marriage
Sacrificial, Unconditional, Incarnational: A Biblical View of Marriage

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Religious Liberty Is Vital, but It Is not Enough!

In 2021, the July 4 holiday fell on Sunday. You could hear the groans because that meant less time off, right? This year it falls on Thursday, so people surely will take the LONG weekend off. And isn’t that the point? Vacation, refreshment, leisure? Well, yes and no. The point of the holiday isn’t merely to take time off.

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What Must the Angels Think?

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Ideas Have Consequences: Why Bad Ideas Can Bring Real Devastation

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Pagan Nationalism

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LCRL Staff
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