Fence
The theological analysis of the biblical term Fence reveals a richness of meanings that transcend the mere literal connotation of a physical barrier. From a conservative evangelical Protestant perspective, we see the Fence as a multifaceted metaphor for divine protection, holy separation, the boundaries established by God, and even the barriers that Christ demolished. This study will delve into the Hebrew and Greek roots of the concept, its development in biblical revelation, its centrality in Pauline theology of salvation, its various doctrinal manifestations, and its practical implications for the life of the believer.
Grounded in the inerrant authority of Scripture and the centrality of Christ, we will explore how the Fence serves to illustrate God's sovereignty, the necessity of holiness, the redemptive work of Jesus, and the Christian's journey of faith. Reformed theology, with its emphasis on sola Scriptura, sola gratia, and sola fide, will guide us in understanding that, although the Fence may represent limits and separation, it is within these divine boundaries that we find true freedom and security in Christ.
From the Old Testament, where the Fence delineated property and protection, to the New Testament, where Christ becomes our greatest Fence of salvation and the demolisher of spiritual and social barriers, the term resonates with eternal truths. A deep understanding of this concept empowers us to live a life that honors God, recognizing His sovereignty in establishing and removing barriers according to His eternal purpose.
1. Etymology and Roots of the Fence in the Old Testament
In the Old Testament, the concept of Fence is expressed by several Hebrew words, each with its nuances, but converging on the idea of a barrier or delimitation. The most prominent word is gader (גָּדֵר), which means "wall," "fence," or "hedge." It is frequently used to describe physical barriers that protect vineyards, fields, or cities, as seen in Numbers 22:24, where the angel of the Lord stands in a path with walls on either side. However, its meaning transcends the literal, taking on deep theological connotations.
Other Hebrew words that contribute to the understanding of the Fence include chomah (חוֹמָה), which refers to a city wall, denoting defense and security (cf. Isaiah 26:1, Nehemiah 4:16), and siyyag (סִיָּג), which specifically means "fence" or "hedge," emphasizing the idea of protection or isolation, notably in Job 1:10, where Satan questions the divine Fence that God had placed around Job and all that he had.
The context of the use of the Fence in the Old Testament is vast. In narratives and wisdom literature, the Fence symbolizes divine protection and God's providence. Psalm 125:2 declares that "as the mountains are around Jerusalem, so the Lord is around his people," an image that evokes the idea of a protective Fence. The wisdom of Proverbs also warns about the neglect of the Fence, as in Proverbs 24:31, where a lazy person's field has its stone fence broken down, resulting in ruin, illustrating the need for vigilance and diligence in maintaining ethical and moral boundaries.
In the Law and the Prophets, the Fence manifests separation and holiness. The fences of the Tabernacle and the Temple (cf. Exodus 27:9-19) delineated the sacred space from the profane, establishing limits for worship and access to God's presence. This aspect of the Fence emphasizes the purity and exclusivity of Israel's relationship with Yahweh. However, the removal or breaking of the Fence is often a prelude to divine judgment and vulnerability, as lamented in Isaiah 5:5, where God threatens to tear down the fence of His vineyard (Israel) because of its disobedience, and in Psalm 80:12, where it complains that the fences of the vineyard were broken down.
The concept of the Fence, therefore, develops progressively in Old Testament revelation, from a literal object to a powerful symbol of God's sovereignty in protecting His people, in establishing limits for holiness, and in pronouncing judgment when these limits are violated. The Fence is a testimony to divine order in the cosmos and in human life, a visible and conceptual manifestation of God's care and justice. It demonstrates the importance of recognizing and respecting the boundaries that the Creator has established, both for the protection and for the sanctification of His people.
2. The Fence in the New Testament and its Meaning
In the New Testament, although the word Fence is not as prominent as in the Old Testament, the underlying concept of barriers, protection, and separation is conveyed through Greek terms and metaphors. The most relevant Greek word is phragmos (φραγμός), which directly corresponds to the Hebrew gader, meaning "fence," "hedge," or "wall." This term appears in crucial passages that illustrate the theological meaning of the Fence in the context of the new covenant.
In the Gospels, Jesus uses the metaphor of the Fence in His parables of the vineyard. In Matthew 21:33 and Mark 12:1, Jesus describes a landowner who plants a vineyard, fences it with a hedge, and leases it to tenants. The Fence here represents God's protection and provision for Israel, His vineyard, as well as the boundaries of His covenant. The tenants' refusal to deliver the fruits and their violence against the servants and the owner's son symbolize Israel's unfaithfulness and rejection of Christ, culminating in divine judgment and the transfer of the vineyard to others.
However, the most significant application of the Fence in the New Testament is found in the Pauline epistles, especially in Ephesians 2:14. Paul declares that Christ "is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility" – the phragmos (φραγμός) – "by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations." This "dividing wall of hostility" or Fence is a deep theological concept, referring to the Mosaic Law and its ordinances that separated Jews and Gentiles, creating a barrier of hostility and exclusion. Christ, through His death on the cross, abolished this Fence, making possible the union of both groups into one body.
The relationship of the Fence to the person and work of Christ is central. He is not only the demolisher of the Fence of hostility but also the new Fence of protection for His followers. In John 10:9, Jesus states: "I am the door if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture." Although He uses the metaphor of the "door," the idea of safe access and a protective boundary is inherent. Those who are in Christ are secure, as if within an impregnable Fence (cf. John 10:28-29, where Jesus guarantees that no one can snatch His sheep out of His hand).
There is a clear continuity and discontinuity between the Old and New Testaments regarding the Fence. The continuity lies in the idea that God establishes boundaries and offers protection. The divine Fence around Job in the OT finds its parallel in Christ's protection over believers in the NT. The discontinuity, however, is more striking: Christ not only maintains certain divine fences (such as the moral limits of the Law), but He intentionally tears down others, especially those that were temporary and ceremonial, designed to point to Him. The Fence of the Law that separated Jews and Gentiles was dismantled to create a new community in Christ, where salvation is accessible to all by faith, without distinction (cf. Galatians 3:28).
Thus, the Fence in the New Testament evolves from a literal and legal barrier to a metaphor for reconciliation and new identity in Christ. He is the fulfillment of all of God's protective fences, and at the same time, the Liberator who destroys the barriers that hindered full communion among peoples and direct access to God. This understanding is fundamental to Protestant evangelical salvation theology.
3. The Fence in Pauline Theology: The Basis of Salvation
Pauline theology offers a profound understanding of the Fence, especially in relation to the doctrine of salvation. The passage from Ephesians 2:14-16 is central to this discussion, where Paul declares that Christ "destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility." This Fence was the Mosaic Law, with its ordinances and rituals that created an insurmountable barrier between Jews and Gentiles, hindering full communion and union in one people of God. Christ's work on the cross, therefore, was not only to redeem individuals but to demolish structures of separation, inaugurating a new humanity.
In the ordo salutis (order of salvation), the demolition of this Fence is crucial for justification by faith. Paul argues in Romans 3:23-24 that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." The Law, which in one sense functioned as a Fence to delimit God's people and reveal sin (cf. Romans 7:7), could not justify. On the contrary, it condemned. Christ, by fulfilling the Law and dying for our sins, removed the Fence of legal condemnation, opening a path of access to God that is not mediated by works but by faith in His sacrifice (cf. Galatians 2:16).
Justification, then, is the act of God declaring the sinner righteous based on the imputed righteousness of Christ, once the Fence of sin and the Law has been overcome by His work. Sanctification, the process of being conformed to the image of Christ, is also impacted by the understanding of the Fence. The old external Fence of the Law is replaced by the new internal Fence of the Holy Spirit, which empowers the believer to walk in newness of life (cf. Romans 8:4). Freedom in Christ is not a license for sin, but the ability to live in obedience to God's commandments, not out of fear of condemnation, but out of love and gratitude.
Glorification, the final stage of salvation, represents the definitive removal of all fences of imperfection and sin, when the believer will be fully and eternally in God's presence, transformed into the likeness of Christ (cf. 1 John 3:2, Philippians 3:20-21). John's vision in Revelation 21:3-4, of God dwelling with His people, is the culmination of the tearing down of all fences that separated us from Him.
The contrast with the works of the Law and human merit is a recurring theme in Pauline theology. Paul vehemently argues in Galatians 3:10-11 that "all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse," and that "the righteous will live by faith." The Fence of the Law, though holy and just, was not given to save, but to reveal human sinfulness and the need for a Savior. To rely on works for salvation is to try to build a new Fence of human merit, which is insufficient and offends the grace of God.
Therefore, the central soteriological implications of the Fence in Pauline theology are profound: salvation is entirely by God's grace, through faith in Christ, who demolished the Fence of hostility and condemnation. This truth is the basis for the unity of the church, the freedom of the believer, and the hope of eternal glory, foundational to the pillars of Reformed theology of sola gratia and sola fide. The Fence, in this sense, is no longer a barrier to condemnation, but Christ Himself who envelops us in His grace and leads us to eternal life.
4. Aspects and Types of the Fence
The metaphor of the Fence, as we have seen, is multifaceted and takes on different theological aspects in Scripture. One of the most prominent is that of the Fence of divine providence and protection. God is often portrayed as the one who fences and protects His people. In Job 1:10, Satan recognizes that God had "hedged" Job and his household with protection, preventing evil from reaching him. This divine Fence is a testimony to God's sovereignty and His active care for those who belong to Him (cf. Psalm 121:7-8, where the Lord guards the going out and coming in of His people). It is a manifestation of common grace, which protects creation, and special grace, which watches over the elect.
Another crucial aspect is the Fence of moral and ethical boundaries. God's laws, both in the Old and New Testaments, serve as fences that define what is holy and what is sinful, guiding God's people in a path of righteousness. The Apostle Peter exhorts us to be holy, "for I am holy" (1 Peter 1:15-16), establishing a Fence of holiness that distinguishes believers from the world. Romans 12:1-2 calls us not to conform to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, indicating a Fence that protects the believer's mind and heart against worldly influences.
There is also the ecclesiastical Fence, which defines church membership and discipline. Jesus, in Matthew 16:18, declares that He will build His church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it, suggesting a spiritual Fence that protects the community of the faithful. Ecclesiastical discipline, as taught by Paul in 1 Corinthians 5:1-13, is a way to maintain the Fence of the church's holiness, separating the impure to preserve the purity of the body of Christ. This Fence is not for arbitrary exclusion, but for the restoration and maintenance of the church's witness.
Reformed theology has historically emphasized the Fence of election and God's sovereign decree. Calvin and other reformers argued that salvation is entirely God's work, from election before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4) to the final perseverance of the saints. This doctrine describes a Fence of sovereign grace that surrounds the elect, ensuring their redemption and preservation. As theologian B.B. Warfield stated, God's grace is "irresistible" for His elect, acting as a protective Fence that leads them to faith and salvation.
Doctrinal errors to avoid include legalism, which builds human fences not ordained by God, transforming Christian liberty into a system of rules and merits. The legalist trusts in his own works and observances for salvation, neglecting the work of Christ who demolished the Fence of condemnation. On the other hand, antinomianism, the denial of God's moral law, is equally dangerous, as it tears down all ethical fences under the pretext of grace, resulting in licentiousness and disobedience. Both extremes distort the true meaning of the biblical Fence.
Another error is universalism, which denies the Fence of salvation, asserting that everyone will be saved regardless of faith in Christ. This position contradicts the Scriptures, which clearly establish that salvation is exclusively through Jesus (John 14:6, Acts 4:12). The Fence of salvation is Christ, and those who are outside of Him remain under condemnation. A correct understanding of the aspects and types of the Fence allows us to appreciate the complexity and wisdom of God's plan, maintaining a balance between sovereign grace and human responsibility, Christian liberty, and the limits of holiness.
5. The Fence and the Practical Life of the Believer
The theological understanding of the Fence has profound and practical implications for the life of the believer. Recognizing the divine Fence of protection and providence leads us to an unwavering trust in God. The believer is called to live within the Fence of God's protection, knowing that the Lord is their refuge and strength (Psalm 46:1). This trust is not passive, but active, impelling obedience and the pursuit of holiness. John Calvin, in his Institutes, emphasized that true faith leads to godliness, a life that reflects the holiness of God within the boundaries He has established.
The Fence also shapes personal responsibility and obedience. The Scriptures delineate moral and ethical fences that are essential for a life pleasing to God. In Philippians 4:8, Paul exhorts believers to think about whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. These are the limits of the Christian mind, a Fence that protects against sinful thoughts and attitudes. Obedience to God's commandments is not a burden, but a path to true freedom and joy, for His fences are for our good (cf. Deuteronomy 6:24).
Godliness and worship are intrinsically linked to our understanding of the Fence. By recognizing that God surrounds us with His love and protection, our natural response is worship and gratitude. A life of godliness, which seeks conformity to Christ, is lived within the fences of God's Word and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Christian service, in turn, is an extension of this godliness. We serve God and neighbor within the limits He has given us, using our gifts to build up the body of Christ (cf. Romans 12:6-8).
For the contemporary church, the doctrine of the Fence has significant implications. The church is called to maintain the Fence of doctrinal truth, contending for the faith that was once delivered to the saints (Jude 1:3). This implies discernment and, when necessary, confronting false teachings that attempt to tear down the fences of sound doctrine. At the same time, the church must imitate Christ in tearing down human fences of prejudice, discrimination, and division that contradict the gospel. As Paul teaches in Galatians 3:28, in Christ there is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. The church must be a model of unity and inclusion in Christ.
Pastoral exhortations based on the concept of the Fence would be numerous. Pastors should encourage believers to fully trust in the Fence of divine protection, especially in times of adversity, reminding them that God is faithful to guard His own (2 Thessalonians 3:3). They should also exhort obedience to God's moral limits, warning against the danger of tearing down the fences of personal and communal holiness (cf. 1 Corinthians 6:18, flee from sexual immorality). Preaching should balance freedom in Christ with the responsibility to live in a manner worthy of the calling (Ephesians 4:1).
Finally, the balance between doctrine and practice is essential. The doctrine of the Fence is not merely an abstract concept, but a living truth that informs and transforms the Christian life. We must clearly teach the fences that God has established for our protection and sanctification, and the freedom that Christ has granted us by tearing down the fences of hostility and condemnation. It is within the Fence of God's grace, revealed in Christ and applied by the Spirit, that we find the fullness of life, eternal security, and the purpose for which we were created. The Fence, therefore, is a constant reminder of God's sovereignty, Christ's redemptive work, and the call to holiness in all aspects of our existence.