Freedom

freedom - What does “freedom in Christ” mean? How can I be free if I’m supposed to follow God’s commands?

Jesus said, . . . “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

John 8:31-32

Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.

Romans 6:14

The Scriptures declare that we are all prisoners of sin, so we receive God’s promise of freedom only by believing in Jesus Christ.

Galatians 3:22

THE WORLD tells us that freedom is being able to do whatever we want. However, God tells us that we are free from sin but not free to sin. The early church father Augustine taught that true freedom is not choice or lack of constraint but being what you are meant to be. For example, if you take a train off the railroad tracks, is it really free? Of course not! It may be unrestricted, but it can’t move about the way it’s intended to. However, a train that stays on the tracks is free to live out its purpose. Freedom in Christ is the same concept. We are children of God, eternally loved, forgiven, and redeemed because of what Jesus did for us. When we try to live apart from that truth, we aren’t really living in freedom. God promises that those who trust in him and follow his ways are free from the bondage of sin as they live in the freedom of his wonderful grace.

Prayer Prompts

Lord, sometimes I feel my freedom constricted by . . .

Your Word says that true freedom is . . .