Liberty and freedom are words we hear often as we prepare to celebrate the 4th of July. We cherish our independence and take great pride in our freedom from worldly bondage and oppression. However, the biblical concept of liberty is different from the world’s idea of freedom. The Bible is clear that it is through God’s grace that we, as believers, are given spiritual freedom. The Apostle Paul tells us in Galatians 5:1 that believers are free in Christ: “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” It is by his crucifixion, death, and resurrection, that gives us true freedom from the bondage of sin. To be free from sinful bondage means that those who have made Jesus the Lord of their lives are no longer enslaved by the power of sin. In Jesus Christ, we are set free from the guilt, influence, and punishment. We have the power, through the Holy Spirit, to live victoriously. Clearly, God wants us to experience the joy of spiritual freedom.
The true freedom that Christ gives us is freedom from…
The penalty of sin.
Those who place their faith in Christ will be rescued from condemnation. Romans 8:1, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
The power of sin.
No longer are we in bondage to sin but now can live life righteously. Romans 6:18, “You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.”
The presence of sin
When our eternal life is fulfilled, we will be without sin. Romans 6:22, “But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.”
Pray
Lord,
I give thanks for your promise of spiritual freedom. I humbly come before you, seeking release from the chains of fear, doubt and guilt that sin has enslaved me with. Fill me with your light and love while guiding me towards true freedom in your presence. May my soul be unburdened, embracing the peace that only freedom in you can provide. In your mercy, grant me the strength to live in your grace.
In Jesus’ name
Amen.
Bible references are in New International Version (NIV>.
1776 was a man-made fight for freedom. Now is the time for Jesus’ revolutionary perspective on freedom and family for everyone. Please try to present more inclusivity in your pics. I’m feeling left out; need to see more of God’s peoples’, black, brown, beige as well as white. “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity.” Psalm 133:1