Verse 16
as free, and not using your freedom for a cloak of wickedness, but as bondservants of God.
"The meaning of this verse is that Christian freedom must show itself, not in license, but in willing obedience to constituted authorities."[44] It has been supposed by some that a few Christians might actually have vaunted a freedom contrary to these words, claiming to be above the state and speaking contemptuously of human governments. Such an attitude of course would have further antagonized and aroused their enemies. Mason warned that no Christian "should mistake the nature of his Christian liberty so as to dream of an exemption from obedience either to God or man."[45] It is evident that there are many today who have done exactly that, even claiming that it is not necessary or essential for them to obey even God!
[44] B. C. Caffin, op. cit., p. 74.
[45] A. J. Mason, op. cit., p. 407.
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