Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Freedom in Christ

As Independence Day or 4th of July approaches, it initially conjures up visions of family gatherings, barbecues, picnics, fireworks, parades, and the American flag waving.  Our ancestors fought and sacrificed much for the liberties we enjoy today in this country.  I thank God for the freedom we have enjoyed in the USA to worship God.

However, our “true” freedom and liberty lies in Christ and not in the Constitution of the United States.  Galatians 5:1 says “Stand fast therefore in liberty wherewith Christ has made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”   Jesus said “the truth shall make you free.” We know that Jesus is “the way, the truth, and the life.”  (See John 14:6).

Salvation was freely given by Christ.   The gift of God is eternal life.  It is a free gift.  Romans 6:22 says “But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.  For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”  We are free from the law of sin and death (see Romans 8:2).

Jesus died on the cross to liberate all people. Freedom began when Jesus said “it is finished.”(See John 19:3).  He died for the sins of the whole world. He provided a plan of salvation for all people. Galatians 3:26-29 states “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.  For as many of you as have been baptized unto Christ have put on Christ.  There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female; for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.  And if ye be Christ’s, then ye are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”  Let me ask you, have you been baptized unto Christ so you can join the heirs of the promise?

 In Luke 4:18, Jesus says “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.”  

Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (see II Cor. 3:18) and I give God thanks for liberty through Christ Jesus, my Lord and Savior.












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