Slavery is an important topic to discuss in modern day. Many people believe their lives are so far removed from slavery; however, one may be surprised to learn that there is still slavery in the world today.
Human trafficking is a part of the slave trade, and many people are falling victim to this type of slavery every day. There was slavery in the past, and there is slavery in the present.
Sadly, there will also be slavery in the future until the Lord returns. With this in mind, what does the Bible say about slavery?
Slavery in the Bible
As far as our faith is concerned, we are all free in Christ. Paul declares, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery" (Galatians 5:1). Every person begins life in bondage to sin, but through faith in Jesus, we are no longer bound. True freedom is found in Christ alone, who releases us from the chains of spiritual slavery.
Physical slavery, both past and present, is a grievous reality touched upon in the Bible. In Paul’s time, slavery was common, and while he urged slaves to serve their masters with sincerity, this was not an endorsement of the institution. African American slaves, like many throughout history, were horrifically mistreated—beaten, abused, and sometimes killed. God never condones such oppression. Slavery is the fruit of a fallen world, not the will of a holy God. Just as He freed Israel from Egypt (Deuteronomy 5:15), His heart remains bent toward justice and deliverance.
God’s Heart for Freedom
Many African American slaves held fast to their faith, singing hymns and trusting in God even in suffering. Their endurance points us to a deep truth: God’s love does not falter in times of pain. Galatians 3:28 reminds us, "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free... for you are all one in Christ Jesus." All people—enslaved or free—are equally loved and valued by God. Today, as human trafficking continues, we hold onto the hope that God will once again bring deliverance. Ministries like David Platt’s Radical provide ways for believers to act. Though ending slavery may take time, just as it did in the past, God is still at work redeeming lives and setting the captives free.
Free in Christ
It is important to remember that we are free in Christ just as we are — whether we are physically held down by the chains of slavery, or we are spiritually struggling with being a slave to sin. It is possible to be free through Christ.
We shouldn't engage in causing people to become enslaved, nor should we promote slavery. God desires for all people to be free, just as He created us.
He created us with free will and the ability to make our own choices. Slavery takes this freedom away and can pollute the minds of those who have been taken into slavery.
Through knowing God and following Him, we can learn more each day about helping others escape from the chains of slavery. Prayer and getting involved with ministries that set slaves free can be a great ways to help.
While it can be troubling at times to know slavery is still going on in the world, the Bible contains everything we need to know on the subject. Slavery is a result of sin in the world, and one day it will be permanently ended for all eternity.
Until then, we need to do everything. We can help those stuck in slavery to be free and to live the life that Christ died for them to live (John 10:10).
Through prayer, getting involved, and helping others learn about slavery, you will be able to do the Lord's work and help others know the reality of slavery.
Many people try to condemn Christianity and claim it promotes slavery, but it doesn't. Never in the Bible does God promote slavery or the imprisonment of His people. The Bible promotes freedom not only in our physical lives but also in our spiritual lives.
For further reading:
Why Should Christians Celebrate Juneteenth?
Are Black People Mentioned in the Bible?
Does 'Bondservant' Mean the Bible Condones Slavery?
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