Truly right relationships can only exist when they are based on the perfect example of grace

The question is sometimes asked ‘Does the Bible support slavery?’ The answer is yes and no. There are some passages that seem to support it and others that don’t. In this passage we find the apostles words to the church in relation to submission to masters. This is often a very difficult thing to do but he gives reasons for it and how to do it.

One reason given is ‘being conscious of God’ … because God is sovereign and he is the one who puts rulers in place we are to submit to them. Another reason is that ‘to this you were called’. Once again because God is in control, Christians should see those who are placed over them as ultimately being there for their good even though they may at times be unjust.

The final, and most compelling, reason given is the example of Jesus Christ. He went to the cross even though completely innocent and suffered unimaginably to pay the penalty for the wrongdoing of others. All this amazing grace in order to provide the most wonderful freedom that anyone can ever possess … the forgiveness of their sins.