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For Freedom Christ Has Set Us Free!

For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1 ESV

 

To give a little backdrop to this post… Yesterday during our gathering, the question was asked – “If we are free in Christ, does that mean we can do whatever we want…won’t people take advantage of this?” Well let me tell you, this opened up a conversation that lasted the rest of service, it was great! I pondered this topic the rest of the day and on into the evening. In fact, I woke up this morning with the subject still fresh in my thoughts. So I figured it would make a good post…

 

To you, what does it mean to be free in Christ? We use this term constantly but is using the term enough? Are we living in “freedom” as the Bible means or are we living as we want? There is a difference.

 

The world would define freedom something like this; to be really free and able to do exactly what ever you want, when ever you want, how ever you want and with who ever you want… sound familiar?

 

The dictionary defines freedom as a state of exemption from the power or control of another; exemption from slavery, servitude or confinement. But what does the Bible mean when the word freedom is used? Are we really allowed to just run amuck with no care in the world; all-the-while claiming praise God I’m saved! Or, is there something bigger behind the meaning of this word? YES!

 

Freedom according to the Bible has more to do with the word emancipation which means - the act of setting free from slavery, servitude, subjection or dependence; deliverance from bondage or controlling influence; liberation; as the emancipation of slaves by their proprietors. The law is the covenant of bondage. This is at the heart of Paul’s pleading that we cling to our freedom found only in Christ. His burden was that followers of Christ would not to be subjected again to the burden of Jewish law, being made slaves again to rites, customs and habits. The heart of the book of Galatians is FREEDOM; freedom from the pursuit of righteousness through works, which is wearisome and empty in the end. Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law. You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace. Galatians 5:2-4

 

As the infomercials would boldly state…But wait! That’s not all – with this freedom you also receive a life-long, even eternal relationship with the living God of the universe, absolutely FREE! Wait! There’s more – act now and you will also receive a guilt free conscience!

 

This entire package is yours to be had right now because Jesus Christ has paid, in full, the price required and this is known as GRACE…

 


Wag

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