Freedom

"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." Galatians 5:1 (NIV)

On this weekend where we celebrate our nation's birthday and independence from Europe almost 250 years ago, what is this "freedom" that we hold so dear? There are political freedoms, like we have here in the USA, that allow us to live in democracy rather than be ruled by a dictatorship. There is philosophical freedom that allows us to think whatever we want and vocalize it as such. There is personal freedom that gives us the ability to go wherever we want whenever we want. There is religious freedom that allows us to worship our God without fear of persecution. And on and on they go. We are so overwhelmed by our freedoms that we often take them for granted not realizing what we have in them. Freedom supposedly allows us to be in control of our own lives without the interference of others on our actions or thoughts.

But are we truly free in a personal sense? Nelson's New Christian Dictionary says "freedom is not a natural state of human beings but is gained through faith in Jesus Christ and the right relationship with him." Our freedom extends only as far as we are personally able to control our actions and words. And because we are controlled by sin, we are not truly free until we abide in Christ and He abides in us. Jesus said "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." (John 8:34-36)

This freedom that Jesus provides is a complete package that includes eternal salvation, freedom from sin, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." (2 Cor. 3:17) So we can be assured that if Christ is the Lord of our life, then the Holy Spirit dwells within us providing true freedom from the oppression and slavery of sin.

Jesus also provides eternal freedom from death. Romans 8 says "therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death." (1-2) This does not mean that we will have immortality on earth, but will be eternally alive with Christ in the kingdom of God. Those who believe in Him will not die the second death and be cast into the lake of fire for all eternity. (Rev 20:14-15) Jesus said "If you hold to my teachings, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:31-32) If we live by the teachings of Christ and in the will of God our Father, we will truly be free from sin. This does not mean that we will never sin again, but that we are dead to the sinful nature and it no longer controls our destiny in this world or our eternity. The Holy Spirit will lead and guide us so that we may be representatives for Christ in all we say and do. Peter wrote "for it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants for God." (1 Peter 2:15-16) So by becoming a true servant of Christ, we are set free. These two ideas don't typically co-exist, for humans understand that if you are a servant, you are not free. But in God's kingdom, the servants are free and the slaves are condemned to a life of misery in sin and Hell.

So while we celebrate our independence in this fair country and the freedoms that go along with our government, let's not forget that Jesus Christ provides the only true way to personal freedom. "For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace." (Romans 6:14) God is our Master and we are His servants, and Jesus is the only way to Him. For Christ said "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except by me." (John 14:6)