Scriptural references of "Slavery"
It is very interesting that Scriptures never "forbid" slavery. God want us to understand what "slavery" really means. God also have rules how Masters should treat their slaves.
God rescued people from slavery. The Scriptures mentioned 13 times to remind people that God:
Exodus 20:2 "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.
Deuteronomy 5:6 "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.
Submission to Slave-Owner: 1 Timothy 6:1
All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect, so that God's name and our teaching may not be slandered. Ephesians 6:5 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Colossians 3:22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord.
Slave Owners to respect their slaves: Ephesians 6:9 And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him. Colossians 4:1 Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.
Example of Christians freedom from slave of sin: Galatians 4:3 So also, when we were children, we were in slavery under the basic principles of the world. Galatians 4:7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir. Philemon 1:16 no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord. Romans 6:18 You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness. Romans 6:19 I put this in human terms because you are weak in your natural selves. Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness.
Slave-Trader is a "sin": 1 Timothy 1:9-11 We also know that law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious; for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, for adulterers and perverts, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine that conforms to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me.
We are God's slaves: 1 Corinthians 9:19 Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. Romans 6:22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.
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