In science and engineering, there is a concept called “degrees of freedom”. Every mechanical object, every machine constructed by man, and even chemical particles can be assigned a number for their “degrees of freedom” – basically how free the objects are to move around.
For example, a water molecule, H2O, has 9 degrees of freedom according to chemists’ system of classification - 3 translational, 3 rotational, and 3 vibrational directions of movement. Carbon dioxide, CO2, which, like water, is composed of 3 atoms, also has 9 degrees of freedom. But unlike water, it has 3 translational, 2 rotational, and 4 vibrational directions of movement – because it is a linear molecule in the spatial arrangement of its atoms, while water is non-linear in its spatial arrangement (see illustration). So, here is a way engineers and scientists think logically and quantitatively about “freedoms” we can observe in the creation.
Furthermore, molecules can be adsorbed, bound onto other substances through secondary bonding, in which case their degrees of freedom are reduced. This happens, for example, when moisture is adsorbed onto a desiccant such as silica gel in a packet used to keep the pills in your bottle of vitamins dry. Water molecules bind (adsorb) to the silica and become restricted while retaining their identity.
So, here’s the application. Do we want to be bound to (adsorbed onto) God our Creator who loves us? Or do we want to stay bound to the world, the flesh, and the devil? God would love us to be His children, free to play and work and to create and have dominion under His guidance. And that is the opportunity He gives us!
One of the principal thinkers and leaders behind the great freedoms in the government of Switzerland, Alexandre Vinet (1797-1847) said, "Christianity is the immortal seed of freedom of the world" (1). Christianity proclaims that Christ died for all the world and has set us free as children of God. Romans 8:15 puts it this way, “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father”. God, who is “from everlasting to everlasting” (Psalm 90:2), wants to be our infinitely perfect and infinitely loving Heavenly Father. And we are the little children in whom He delights!
The cross of Jesus Christ becomes the great equalizer of men. Fundamentally corrupt as we are, no man can live up to the Law of God. Everyone needs the atoning work of Jesus Christ and we are all level at the cross. The cross of Christ makes no distinction among men.
With this foundation, "all men are created equal" – because they are equal before the law, which transcends man. The king is the same as the peasant, and the president is the same as the janitor (in principle) with respect to the law. Because the law applies equally (in principle) to all men, all men are equally free to engage in business and other acceptable pursuits. All are free (in principle) under the law.
The biblical record showing in multiple ways how our great Creator designed us to be free can be trusted. And so we can ask once again, how many “degrees of freedom” do we want? Do we want to “move” like “the Spirit of God upon the face of the waters”? Or do we want the deluded “enlightenment” of Satan, thinking his temptation makes us more free to move when in fact the world, the flesh, and the devil terribly bind and enslave us? God leaves us free to choose, and to return to Him in repentance.
What is entailed by being in “the image and likeness of God”? Part of what is meant by that phrase is that we are free, because He is free. “The Spirit of God”, who is mentioned at creation as having “moved upon the face of the waters” (Genesis 1:2), is particularly characterized and identified as “free” in the Bible. From Psalm 51:12 – “Create in me a clean heart O God…and uphold me with thy free Spirit.” And from 2 Corinthians 3:17, “Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty”.
Thus, being in “the image and likeness of God” (Genesis 1:26) quite arguably means being a “free” spirit. And under His guidance and care we have opportunity to have optimal “degrees of freedom”, which come from the eternal love and security which the Lord provides.
(1) Schaefer, F.A., How Should We Then Live? The Rise and Decline of Western Thought and Culture, Fleming Revell Co, 1976, pg 106
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