Liberty in Christ

Freedom! Let freedom ring! The grand desire for freedom is seen in the heroic efforts individuals undertake to obtain it. Throughout history various groups have fought and died for ‘lands of freedom.’ Patrick Henry once said “Give me liberty or give me death.” The Pilgrims traveled the Atlantic Ocean to escape tyrants in Europe. In doing so, most of them died making the journey. The wars that have plagued our history show how often alarming powers have tried to wrench our freedoms from us; and still do. Even today we ourselves and our country go to great lengths to fight anyone who threatens our freedoms; many threats come from within; we fight on. This profound fervor should now be used to battle our most sinister and dangerous oppressor of all; sin!

Is it possible to be free from the bondage of sin? Yes! “Awake to righteousness and sin not…” (1Cor. 15:34) “Let every soul be subject to higher powers. For there is no power but of God; the powers that be are ordained of God.” (Rom 13:1) The Bible teaches that if we obey the word of God we will no longer be slaves of sin; instead we can become slaves of righteousness. What a blessing! “But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.” (Rom. 6:17-18)

When one becomes a Christian, he instantly gains liberty from sin. Paul had to remind some early Christians “We have freedom now because Christ made us free. So stand strong. Do not go back into the slavery of the Law.” (Gal 5:1) Satan is trying to rob us of our freedom. We must always be at war with sin; fight the good fight of faith.

Submit to God; resist the Devil! “Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time; casting all your care upon him for he cares for you. Be sober; be vigilant; because your enemy the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him steadfast in the faith.” (1 Pet 5:6-9

We are now to carry the sword of the Spirit. “If you abide in my word, you are my disciples indeed; you shall know the truth; and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:31-32)