Christian Liberty

As Paul punctuates his case for justification by faith alone he reaches for an Old Testament story and a single Greek term. The OT story is taken from the Genesis narrative regarding Abraham's 2 primary sons, Ishmael and Isaac. Paul says these 2 sons represent two different ways of seeking justification, through works or by faith alone. For Paul, Isaac and his mother Sarah illustrate the great theological principle at stake: liberty versus slavery. While the way of Ishmael points to the Judaizer's false gospel and its bondage, the way of Isaac points justification apart from works and its attendant gospel freedom. This message expounds the Biblical meaning of Christian liberty and the solemn calling it presents to every believer to boldly make their stand in it.