As Americans, we celebrate the 4th of July as the day we won our independence from Great Britain. We became a free nation under God. Every year we enjoy the BBQ,
parades, festivals, and fireworks; it is a great day to be an American! However, as Christians, we have better freedom to celebrate – freedom in Christ.
In John 8:36, Jesus makes a beautiful statement of victory. He says, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” The is great news for those of us that have accepted Christ. However, have you ever taken the time to think about what you have been freed from or for?
What has Jesus freed you from?
- Slavery to Sin (imprisonment) – For something or someone to be freed, it had first to be enslaved or imprisoned. You and I were prisoners, held captive by the impulses of Sin, bound to the instinct of Sin. We had no power to overcome Sin; it was our ruler and held us captive.
Before Christ, you lived how you wanted, and the foremost authority over our lives was our sinful nature. It was in control. Then you accepted Jesus, made Him Lord over your life, and were born again. God gave you a new heart and filled you with the Holy Spirit – you had been set free.
- The Penalty of Sin (Eternity). Let’s be honest without the shed blood of Jesus Christ applied to our lives, we are all in the same boat headed for hell. Unfortunately, many today don’t comprehend their eternal life is hanging in the balance.
Today, we can rejoice that Christ bore our sins on the cross, and we have eternal life.
- Guilt and Shame – Have you felt guilt or shame? Have you ever felt so bad about something that you repented several times to make sure God really forgave you? We all have, and the devil uses it to beat us up. The good news is Christ forgave you when you sincerely repented.
Christ does not just forgive the sins of the past; He removes our guilt and shame as well.
Now that you understand what Christ has set you free from, it prepares you to move into what Christ has freed you to do.
- Freedom to live – Live the abundant life in Christ through Jesus, love, have joy, experience peace, and enjoy life. You can now enjoy a healthy relationship with your Heavenly Father. James 4:8 says, “Come near to God, and he will come near to you.” This is the core of what Christ has freed you to. God wants a close relationship with you, and the only way that happens is by Jesus freeing you. This removes fear and worries from the relationship. You can enter God’s presence with confidence because you know He wants you there, and the hindrances have all been removed. This truly is living free.
- Freedom to serve (activity) Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” One of the other reasons Christ has freed you is because He has work for you to do. He has a plan for your life.
- Remember, you are saved by Grace, live by Grace, and God will accomplish His plan in your life through Grace. No need to try and win God’s approval; you have His approval through Grace. Approval doesn’t come because of what you do; it is because of what He did. Once you wrap your mind around this concept, you are free to accomplish God’s will, plan and purpose for your life without a hidden motive.
