By Pastor Barron Greenwalt, En-Joy Ministries
December 31, 2025
In our ongoing exploration of biblical justice amid contemporary corruption, we turn to a hero of faith whose life exemplifies Christian political activism: William Wilberforce. This 18th-19th century British parliamentarian, driven by his Christian faith, led the charge to abolish the slave trade— a victory that echoes the prophets’ cries against oppression. Tying this to today’s horrors like child sex trafficking and the estimated 50 million enslaved worldwide, Wilberforce’s story urges us not to ignore evil but to confront it with godly courage, restoring morality and holding leaders accountable.
Wilberforce’s Journey: From Conversion to Abolition
Born in 1759, Wilberforce entered Parliament young but lived a worldly life until a profound encounter with Christ in 1785. Influenced by John Newton (former slave trader and author of “Amazing Grace”), he committed to two “great objects”: suppressing the slave trade and reforming manners (societal morals). For over 20 years, he endured ridicule, health struggles, and political setbacks, introducing abolition bills repeatedly until the Slave Trade Act passed in 1807, banning British involvement. He persisted until slavery itself was abolished in the British Empire in 1833, just days before his death.
Wilberforce’s motivation? Scripture. He drew from Exodus 21:16 (ESV): “Whoever steals a man and sells him… shall surely be put to death.” And Galatians 3:28: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free… for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” His Clapham Sect allies, rooted in evangelical zeal, combined prayer, research, and advocacy—exposing the trade’s atrocities through testimonies and pamphlets.
Biblical Foundations: God’s Hatred of Slavery and Call to Freedom
The Bible condemns human bondage as theft of God-given dignity (Genesis 1:27). From Pharaoh’s enslavement of Israel (Exodus 1-14) to the prophets’ rebukes—Micah 2:1-2 warns against those who “covet fields and seize them”—Scripture demands justice. Jesus proclaimed liberty to captives (Luke 4:18), and Paul urged Philemon to receive Onesimus “no longer as a bondservant but… as a beloved brother” (Philemon 1:16).
Wilberforce embodied this: He fought systemic sin, as Proverbs 24:11-12 commands: “Rescue those who are being taken away to death… If you say, ‘Behold, we did not know this,’ does not he who weighs the heart perceive it?”
Ties to Today’s Modern-Day Slavery
Wilberforce’s battle is far from over. In 2025, modern slavery thrives: child sex trafficking exploits millions, with networks profiting from vulnerability amid porous borders and lax enforcement. Labor trafficking in supply chains, debt bondage in agriculture, and forced marriages echo the transatlantic trade’s horrors. Scandals like the Epstein case reveal elite complicity, with minimal prosecutions despite promises—mirroring unaddressed governmental fraud we’ve discussed.
Just as Wilberforce exposed the trade’s brutality, we must shine light on these shadows. Organizations like Jaco Booyens Ministries, International Justice Mission, Hope for Justice, and A21 fight biblically, rescuing victims and prosecuting perpetrators. Yet, where is the church’s unified voice? As in 19th-century abolitionism, evangelicals must lead—pressuring leaders to secure borders, fund anti-trafficking efforts, and dismantle corrupt systems enabling exploitation.
Our Mandate: Courageous Activism to Restore a Godly Nation
Wilberforce prayed daily and acted persistently. We must do the same: Support anti-slavery initiatives, vote for accountable leaders, and expose darkness (Ephesians 5:11). Let’s reclaim our prophetic role, turning our nation back to God—where life is valued, justice prevails, and freedom rings.
As Joshua 1:9 exhorts: “Be strong and courageous… for the Lord your God is with you.” Join the fight; sign petitions, volunteer, and pray for deliverance.
Lord, ignite in us Wilberforce’s fire. Expose modern slavery, empower rescuers, and heal our land through repentance. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
How can we apply Wilberforce’s legacy today? Comment below or connect with En-Joy Ministries. Let’s abolish bondage in our time!
In His service, Pastor Barron Greenwalt, En-Joy Ministries
