Paul
writes in Galatians 5:1
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”
The freedom that Paul writes of is the freedom from sin, guilt, condemnation, judgement, self loathing, religious legalism, prejudice,
sexism, shame, anxiety. The world will still throw this at you, but we are no longer enslaved to it. Christ frees. Being free in Christ is not about following a bunch of rules. It is not about a philosophy to life. It is not about making Jesus an important part of your life. It is about recognizing Christ as your life. Giving control of your life to Jesus. It is
about transformation into love, hope, mercy, forgiveness, non-judgement, and freedom. This transformation is only by the Grace of God. It is not a system. It is not a way of life. It is a rebirth and life in Christ.
The struggle for believers is not conforming to the world’s patterns. Thereby keeping our hearts and minds open to listen to the guidance of The Holy Spirit dwelling in us. This enables us to endeavor to be as sin free as we possibly can despite the weakness of our flesh, of our, pride, our tempers, are bodily and mental compulsions. Jesus said during the Sermon on the Mount;
35 The slave
does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. 36 So
if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. – John 8:34-36
The point is some people have felt abandoned by their churches, others have known some Christians who are rulesy, hypocritical people who judge, others as though their Christianity makes them superior in status to others. And sadly, many Christians have fallen into this mode of behavior towards one another or towards those who they should be loving and sharing the Gospel with rather than being haughty with. Sadly, this actually creates in many an aversion to being part of a church fellowship. My brothers and sisters, the church is the body of those who love and serve God, who love and serve each other. It is as though many have forgotten that Jesus was the sacrifice for our sins. He took on our punishment and gave His life physically, spiritually, supernaturally, so that through Him we shall have eternal life.
It is not about religion. It is about a relationship. It is not about what we
do, it is about who we become in Christ. When we believe the truth of the Gospel which is that we are saved in Christ, and that God the Holy Spirit dwells in us, we can open our ears and our minds, and our hearts to The Holy Spirits counsel and guidance in our lives. This is the only way to walk in the Spirit, who will be our strength when we are weak in our struggle with our human frailty. Christ is our freedom. The Gospel is truth. When we faithfully receive Christ we are baptized by the Holy Spirit transforming us to His righteousness. We become dead to
sin, and alive in Christ. We become part of His kingdom now for all eternity, and when the Lord calls us home, we will go to His Heavenly kingdom in spirit. We are not saved by our deeds or behavior. We are only saved by Christ’s Grace.
