“So then …stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by our letter.” 2 Thessalonians 2.15

     (CONTINUED FROM LAST WEEK)

     Soul liberty was one of the over-arching principles which Baptist’s identified through their concerted Bible study. It is this idea of soul liberty that is intertwined with all other Baptist principles. Gene Bartlett states that soul liberty is the, “conviction that every man and woman has both the ability and the necessity to enter into a direct saving relationship to God through Christ. Baptists believe that this is a personal relationship needing no mediation or formation.”

     There are two sides to soul liberty. The first is a wonderful freedom. Each of us has total access to God. There is no human who stands between you and God. Matthew records that when Jesus died on the cross, “at that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.” (Matthew 27.51) So what’s so significant about a curtain? This curtain separated the Holy-of-holies, God’s dwelling place in the temple, from the rest of the Jewish temple complex. The symbolism is strong; Christ permitted access to God for EVERYONE. Hebrews 6.14 describes this freedom: “Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness…” You have such access that you can boldly approach God at any time.

     The second side of soul liberty is a wonderful responsibility. Each of us is responsible for pursuing our own relationship with Christ. Your spiritual growth is up to you. Although there can be significant encouragement and challenge from people who help us along our spiritual journey, the final responsibility lies with us. “So then, each of us will be accountable to God.” (Romans 14.12)

     These two aspects of soul liberty lead me to my closing questions: “How are you pursuing the free access that Christ acquired for you? Are you investing in your relationship with Christ?”

     (TO BE CONTINUED)

     See you Sunday,

  Pastor Dave

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