Why License Matters for Christian Ministry

What is license in a theological context?

Theological license refers to the divine permission or authority granted by God for specific purposes, distinct from the misuse of freedom.

In Scripture, this concept is evident in Jesus’ commission to His disciples in Matthew 28:19-20, where He authorizes them to make disciples of all nations. Unlike moral license - where freedom is abused - divine license is bound by purpose and responsibility. Biblical narratives emphasize that such authority is never absolute but requires faithfulness to God’s will.

The Bible frames license as a stewardship, requiring accountability. This distinction guides Christian ethics, balancing divine empowerment with moral obligation, a theme explored further in discussions of grace and responsibility.

License and the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20

Matthew 28:18-20 illustrates Jesus’ granting of divine license to His disciples, framing their mission as both an authoritative mandate and a sacred trust.

In the passage, Jesus declares, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.' This 'license' reflects Jesus’ delegation of His own divine authority to the disciples, empowering them to extend His redemptive mission globally. The text links permission with responsibility: the disciples are given freedom and a structured task - baptism and teaching - based on obedience to Christ’s commands. The promise of Jesus’ perpetual presence further underscores that this authority is not autonomous but mediated by His ongoing guidance.

Theologically, this passage establishes that divine license is inseparable from accountability. The disciples’ authority derives from Jesus’ sovereign authority, yet it operates within clear boundaries defined by His teachings. This interplay between empowerment and obligation becomes foundational for understanding Christian mission as a stewardship under divine oversight, a theme expanded in subsequent New Testament teachings on church authority and evangelism.

License vs. Moral License in Christian Ethics

The biblical concept of license emphasizes divine permission bound by responsibility, in contrast to the misuse of 'moral license' that justifies sin under the guise of Christian freedom.

Paul’s warning in Romans 6:1-2 - 'Shall we keep on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means!' - explicitly rejects the idea that God’s grace permits unrepentant sin. Similarly, Galatians 5:13-14 cautions believers against exploiting freedom. It says, 'You were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.' These passages clarify that divine license, such as the authority given to the disciples in Matthew 28:19-20, is always tethered to ethical accountability.

Christian freedom, therefore, operates within the limits of love and obedience to Christ’s commands. Theological license is not a blank check for self-indulgence but a stewardship requiring faithful alignment with God’s will, as seen in the Great Commission’s emphasis on teaching and discipleship.

Why license matters today

Understanding divine license shapes Christian mission, ethical discernment, and the stewardship of spiritual authority in modern contexts.

In practice, this concept anchors Christian mission in God's sovereign will, as seen in Matthew 28:19-20 where Jesus delegates authority to His disciples 'to make disciples of all nations' - a mandate bound by teaching and baptism. ethical decision-making hinges on recognizing that divine license is never a blank check but requires alignment with Christ's commands, as Paul warns against exploiting grace for sin in Romans 6:1-2 ('By no means!'). This balance safeguards against moral license while affirming God-given freedom rooted in love and accountability.

Today, this framework guides churches in navigating cultural challenges, ensuring that ministry and personal conduct reflect both divine empowerment and stewardship. Such understanding prepares believers to live faithfully within the tension of freedom and responsibility, a theme central to Christian discipleship.

Going deeper

To deepen your understanding of divine license, consider exploring related theological themes such as authority, freedom in Christ, and stewardship of grace.

Key passages like 1 Peter 4:10-11 (authority and service), Galatians 5:1-14 (freedom in Christ), and 1 Corinthians 4:1-2 (stewardship of grace) provide foundational insights into how these concepts interrelate with the biblical understanding of license and responsibility.