“It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.” (Gal. 5:1 NASB)
In a society where opportunity abounds, it’s easy for the glitter of what I’ll call “pseudo-freedoms” to catch our eye – like money freedom, time freedom, the freedom to do my own thing, to choose my own way. But none of these attainments represents true freedom.
Because post Fall, every single one of us is born under the bondage of sin and the sentence of death. That is, if we are not born again by the Spirit of God, we are condemned already (John 3:18). We are born into slavery and destined for destruction… the antithesis of freedom. And no amount of money, time, or presumed “freedom” to make our own choices can break that yoke of sin.
Only One can do that. Only One can unlock the chains of sin that bind us and rescue us from the sentence of eternal death. Only One was worthy and sufficient to pay the price of freedom on our behalf – God’s One and Only Son.
Real freedom can only be found through the precious price of the blood of the spotless Lamb of God. Real freedom wasn’t free. God paid a heavy price for our freedom; yet He offers it to those He has chosen as a completely free gift.
Do you long to be free… truly free? Then come to God in faith, believing that He is the only source of real freedom. Run to the Lamb of God, the only One who can free you from this yoke of slavery to sin. For “… if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed!” (John 8:36).
- Lord, the liberty which Your Son purchased for me as a believer under the Gospel includes my freedom from the guilt of sin, Your condemning wrath, and the curse of the moral law. By Your Son I am delivered from this present evil world, from bondage to Satan and dominion of sin, the sting of death, the victory of the grave, and everlasting damnation. Because of Christ, I have free access to You, boldly through the throne of grace, and I give You all my obedience through the power of the Spirit.
- Lord, help me imitate the Lord Jesus in His independent authority. You have given us a kind of sovereignty over things in our life, putting us in charge over the earth (1 Cor. 3:21-22) while submitting to You alone (1 Cor. 3:23). Do not allow my conscience to fall under the authority of anything (1 Cor. 6:12) other than Your Word, so that I might be able to perform this liberty (this right) which Christ acquired for me by His own blood (Gal. 5:1). Help me not abuse that authority (1 Cor. 10:23) or use it in a way that makes others stumble (1 Cor. 8:9).
- Lord, this New Covenant in Jesus utterly abolished all the bondage, servitude and slavery of previous covenants, especially those of the Old Testament under Moses. From external rites in worship, to meeting place requirements, to meats and drinks, etc., all of this was fulfilled in Christ’s work. Liberty and freedom were awarded me in Christ, the New Testator of the Covenant of Grace. Help me see the work of Christ in the adoption that I have as a son, and how I was redeemed from servitude to receive the Spirit of grace. I no longer receive the spirit of bondage, to fear, but the Spirit of adoption, by which I cry “Abba Father.”
Further References for Gal. 5:1
1 Cor. 16:13; Gal. 2:4; John 8:32; Acts 15:10; Rom. 8:2; Phil. 1:27
