Scripture: Various
Biblical Foundations
Individual soul liberty – everyone has freedom to choose & worship God.
1 Cor. 10:31 – in everything glorify God
Romans 14:11–12
Romans 13:1–7
1. Be subject or obey – because God instituted government and in His providence appoints authorities.
2. Do good and you will not have to fear punishment from government.
3. Obey to avoid God’s wrath and to have a clear conscience
4. Pay your taxes – whatever is owed
5. Respect and honor those in authority
1 Peter 2:12–17
Be subject/obey the government
Live as free people and serve God
Historical Examples
Constantine established Christianity as the official state church.
Church & state merged.
Reformers including the Puritans had the same idea.
Roger Williams (Baptist) was thrown out of Massachusetts Bay Colony
1638 established Rhode Island with religious freedom
John Leland (Baptist Minister) met with James Madison about religious freedom and contributed to the first amendment of the Constitution.
First Amendment
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
“make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,”
– Thomas Jefferson
Practical Application
1. Forceful or coercive powers of the state must not be used to enforce matters that should be left to an individual’s conscience before God.
2. Christians should not appeal to the state for special support or an advantage over other religions.
Luke 3:12–14
Christians can serve as soldiers, police officers, government employees, public school teachers, and more.
Be a light!
Take Aways
Do you support religious freedom for ALL people?
If you serve in public what is your testimony like?
Have you trusted Jesus as your Savior?
Are you sharing the good news?
