Divine Paradoxes: Resolving Seeming Contradictions in Christian Theology
Category 3: Doctrinal Paradoxes in Salvation
1. Introduction
The Christian life presents a striking paradox: believers are called “slaves of Christ” (Romans 6:22; 1 Corinthians 7:22), yet simultaneously promised perfect freedom (Galatians 5:1; John 8:36). In the world’s eyes, slavery is inherently oppressive. How then can servitude to Christ be true liberty? This paradox confronts worldly definitions of freedom and invites theological reflection on how submission to Christ brings ultimate liberation from sin, self, and death.
2. Scriptural Foundations
2.1 Believers as Slaves of Christ
- Romans 6:22 – “Now being made free from sin, and become servants [slaves] to God…”
- 1 Corinthians 7:22 – “He that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord’s freeman.”
- Philippians 1:1 – “Paul and Timotheus, the servants [slaves] of Jesus Christ…”
2.2 Believers as Free in Christ
- John 8:36 – “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”
- Galatians 5:1 – “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free.”
- 2 Corinthians 3:17 – “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.”
3. Theological Meaning
Biblically, the idea of “slavery” to Christ does not imply coercion but total allegiance and ownership. Conversely, true freedom in Scripture is not self-determination, but deliverance from sin’s bondage and restoration to God’s will. Thus, paradoxically, one becomes most free by becoming God’s servant.
4. Paradox Explained
| Slaves of Christ | Truly Free |
|---|---|
| Belong to Christ, not ourselves (1 Cor 6:19) | Liberated from sin and death (Rom 8:2) |
| Obey His commands (John 14:15) | Live in grace and truth (John 1:17) |
| Submit to His lordship (Rom 10:9) | Reign in life with Him (Rom 5:17) |
5. Slavery to Sin vs. Slavery to Christ
- Before conversion, humanity is enslaved to sin, law, and death (Rom. 6:16; John 8:34),
- In Christ, believers are transferred to a new master: righteousness, grace, and life (Rom. 6:18),
- This is not dehumanising—it is redeeming.
6. Historical Theological Perspectives
6.1 Early Church
- Ignatius of Antioch: Called himself “a slave of Christ,” emphasising joyful obedience,
- Augustine: “To serve God is perfect freedom.”
6.2 Reformation
- Martin Luther: Coined the phrase “the Christian is the most free lord of all, and the most dutiful servant of all.”
- John Calvin: Emphasised that true liberty is obedience to God’s revealed will.
6.3 Post-Reformation and Modern Theology
- Jonathan Edwards: Saw Christian liberty as a freedom of the affections, reordered to love God,
- J.I. Packer: Christian servanthood is rooted in being adopted as sons, not degraded as slaves.
7. Doctrinal Implications
- Union with Christ redefines ownership—believers are His, body and soul (1 Cor. 6:20),
- Freedom is not lawlessness but right relationship to God’s moral order,
- Sanctification grows as one yields more fully to Christ’s lordship.
8. Devotional Applications
- Surrendering to Christ leads not to oppression, but spiritual joy and purpose,
- Even in suffering, the believer knows their freedom cannot be revoked,
- True liberty is found not in autonomy but in loving obedience.
9. Summary Table
| Worldly Slavery | Slavery to Christ |
|---|---|
| Loss of self-worth | Restored identity in God’s image |
| Coerced obedience | Voluntary service rooted in love |
| Dehumanising | Transformative and sanctifying |
| Leads to bondage | Leads to righteousness and life |
10. Conclusion
To be a slave of Christ is to be emancipated from the tyranny of sin and restored to God’s intended design for human flourishing. Paradoxically, freedom comes through surrender. This is not a contradiction but a redefinition: the freedom Christ offers is freedom from sin, not from God. In gladly serving Christ, the believer discovers true and lasting liberty.
References
- The Holy Bible, King James Version (KJV)
- Augustine. City of God
- Luther, M. On Christian Liberty
- Calvin, J. Institutes of the Christian Religion
- Edwards, J. Freedom of the Will
- Packer, J.I. Knowing God
- Wright, N.T. Paul and the Faithfulness of God