This is a word in Scripture of strong meaning. It is not unfrequently made use of for the whole of spiritual slavery, in those who are under a covenant of works. They are said to be in bondage to sin, to Satan, to their own consciences, to the law of God, to the justice of God, to the fear of death, and eternal judgment. Whereas, those that are brought into the liberty of the gospel, are said to be delivered "from the bondage of corruption, into the glorious liberty of the sons of God." Hence the Lord Jesus, in allusion to this blessed change, saith, (John 8:36) "If the Son shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." The Holy Ghost by his servant the apostle Paul, (Galatians 4:22-31,) hath exemplified both these doctrines in a beautiful allegory, in the instances of Sarah and Hagar.