Definition and Context
In a biblical context, "licence" refers to the freedom or permission to act according to one's own will, often without restraint or regard for moral or divine law. It can imply a misuse of freedom, leading to actions that are contrary to God's commandments. The concept of licence is often contrasted with the biblical call to live a life of holiness and obedience to God's will.

Biblical References
The Bible addresses the issue of licence, particularly in the context of Christian freedom and the potential for it to be misused. In Galatians 5:13, the Apostle Paul warns believers: "For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love." . Here, Paul emphasizes that Christian freedom should not be an excuse for indulging in sinful desires but should be used to serve others in love.

Similarly, in 1 Peter 2:16, believers are instructed: "Live in freedom, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God." . This verse highlights the responsibility that comes with Christian freedom, urging believers to live as servants of God rather than using their freedom as a pretext for wrongdoing.

Theological Implications
Theologically, the concept of licence challenges believers to consider the nature of true freedom in Christ. While Christians are freed from the law's condemnation through faith in Jesus Christ, this freedom is not a licence to sin. Romans 6:1-2 addresses this issue: "What then shall we say? Shall we continue in sin so that grace may increase? Certainly not! How can we who died to sin live in it any longer?" . The passage underscores that grace does not grant permission to sin but calls believers to a transformed life.

Moral and Ethical Considerations
From a moral and ethical standpoint, the misuse of freedom as licence can lead to behaviors that are detrimental to both the individual and the community. The Bible calls for a balance between freedom and responsibility, urging believers to exercise their freedom in ways that honor God and promote the well-being of others. In 1 Corinthians 10:23-24, Paul writes: "Everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible, but not everything is edifying. No one should seek his own good, but the good of others." . This passage encourages believers to consider the impact of their actions on others and to prioritize the common good over personal liberty.

Practical Application
In practical terms, Christians are called to exercise their freedom with discernment and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruit of the Spirit, which includes self-control, as evidence of a life led by the Spirit rather than by the flesh. Believers are encouraged to cultivate these virtues, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide their actions and decisions.

The concept of licence serves as a reminder of the potential pitfalls of misusing freedom. It challenges Christians to live in a manner that reflects their identity in Christ, using their freedom to glorify God and serve others rather than indulging in selfish desires.LICENCE

li'-sens: This word is not found at all in the Revised Version (British and American) (except in Judith 11:14; Ecclesiasticus 15:20; 1 Maccabees 1:13), and twice only in the King James Version (except in 2 Maccabees 4:9), both times in Acts. In Acts 21:40 (as translation of epitrepo) the American Standard Revised Version has "leave" where the King James Version has "licence." In Acts 25:16, "opportunity to make his defense" (as translation of topon apologias) takes the place of "have licence to answer for himself."

5117. topos -- a place
... participle locality), ie Location (as a position, home, tract, etc.); figuratively,
condition, opportunity; specially, a scabbard -- coast, licence, place, X ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5117.htm - 7k

Of the Power of the Church in Articles of Faith. The Unbridled ...
... THE UNBRIDLED LICENCE OF THE PAPAL CHURCH IN DESTROYING PURITY OF DOCTRINE. ... THE
UNBRIDLED LICENCE OF THE PAPAL CHURCH IN DESTROYING PURITY OF DOCTRINE. ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 8 of the power.htm

Argument. --Moreover, we must be Careful that no one Should Think ...
... Argument."Moreover, We Must Be Careful that No One Should Think that This Licence
May Be Carried to Such an Extent as that He May Approach to Things Offered ...
/.../novatian/on the jewish meats/chapter vii argument moreover we must.htm

How Augustine, Coming into Britain, First Preached in the Isle of ...
... How Augustine, coming into Britain, first preached in the Isle of Thanet to the
King of Kent, and having obtained licence from him, went into Kent, in order to ...
/.../bede/bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap xxv how augustine coming.htm

If it be Granted that Second Marriage is Lawful, yet all Things ...
... that which is good because it is "lawful," or that which is so because it is
"profitable?" A wide difference I take to exist between "licence" and salvation. ...
/.../tertullian/on exhortation to chastity/chapter viii if it be granted.htm

Different views in Regard to Marriage Held by Heretics,
... not. In fact, neither is such continence laudable because it is heretical,
nor such licence defensible because it is psychical. ...
/.../tertullian/on monogamy/chapter i different views in regard.htm

The Life of Mr. Richard Cameron.
... He stayed some time in his company, who, finding him a man every way qualified for
the ministry, pressed him to accept a licence to preach; which he for ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr richard.htm

Of the Apostle's Meaning in 1 Cor. vii. 12-14.
... wondering at either their own waywardness or else the double-dealing [444] of their
advisers, in that there is no scripture which holds forth a licence of this ...
/.../tertullian/to his wife/chapter ii of the apostles meaning.htm

On Filthy Speaking.
... And so likewise also in this instance the Instructor censures licence in names,
and thus cuts off the licentious intercourse of excess. ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter vi on filthy speaking.htm

The Gods of the Mythic Class the Poets a Very Poor Authority in ...
... to execration the wretched, disgraceful and atrocious (examples) of your gods, you
defend them as mere fables, on the pretence of poetic licence; whenever we ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/ad nationes/chapter vii the gods of the.htm

The Drama
... the comic element found its way into these pieces, especially into those which were
performed about Twelfth Night, a time of merry-making and often of licence. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/winkworth/christian singers of germany/the drama.htm

Licence (3 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia LICENCE. li'-sens: This word ... to answer for
himself.". Multi-Version Concordance Licence (3 Occurrences). ...
/l/licence.htm - 8k

License (3 Occurrences)

/l/license.htm - 8k

Lice (4 Occurrences)

/l/lice.htm - 10k

Noisy (14 Occurrences)
... given time enough in the past to the doing of the things which the Gentiles delight
in-- pursuing, as you did, a course of habitual licence, debauchery, hard ...
/n/noisy.htm - 10k

Unholy (23 Occurrences)
... given time enough in the past to the doing of the things which the Gentiles delight
in-- pursuing, as you did, a course of habitual licence, debauchery, hard ...
/u/unholy.htm - 13k

Licentiousness (10 Occurrences)
... given time enough in the past to the doing of the things which the Gentiles delight
in-- pursuing, as you did, a course of habitual licence, debauchery, hard ...
/l/licentiousness.htm - 9k

Image-worship (1 Occurrence)
... given time enough in the past to the doing of the things which the Gentiles delight
in-- pursuing, as you did, a course of habitual licence, debauchery, hard ...
/i/image-worship.htm - 6k

Debauchery (9 Occurrences)
... given time enough in the past to the doing of the things which the Gentiles delight
in-- pursuing, as you did, a course of habitual licence, debauchery, hard ...
/d/debauchery.htm - 9k

Pursuing (50 Occurrences)
... given time enough in the past to the doing of the things which the Gentiles delight
in-- pursuing, as you did, a course of habitual licence, debauchery, hard ...
/p/pursuing.htm - 21k

Habitual (9 Occurrences)
... given time enough in the past to the doing of the things which the Gentiles delight
in-- pursuing, as you did, a course of habitual licence, debauchery, hard ...
/h/habitual.htm - 9k

What is the Church of England? | GotQuestions.org

Licence: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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