Freedom in Christ

There has been a lot of discussion recently about freedom in the news, as there are some who believe they are free to do whatever they want. But freedom is not absolute for any man or woman.  By living within limitations, we allow freedom for all, and a society without constant fear. For example, a person does not have freedom to do evil.  By doing what is good we serve and protect our neighbors.  For example, we do not have freedom to kill or to harm another human being, nor by our words to seek to destroy another human being, if we intend to live in a civil society.  We can peacefully protest laws which go against our conscience, as Christians, but we are not given freedom by Christ to do anything we want.  In Christ, a Christian is free to serve the Lord Jesus. We are free to love one another. We are not free to serve only ourselves or our sins.  Our society shows its greatness when it does what is just and right and good!

The freedom in Christ is granted to those who serve Christ, so by doing what is good, just, right and true we can proclaim by our living the Lord Jesus!   A Christian walks in the truth, does not promote lies and seeks for the common good of all persons!  We are welcoming in Christ.  We show hospitality to all people. We are peacemakers.  We do not promote war, but instead work for peace for all men, women and children!

“For freedom, Christ has made you free!  Do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.” (the Epistle to the Galatians 5:1 -The Apostle Paul)

One would think in a modern society like ours the gift of freedom in Christ to do good would be obvious to all.  But many people have not found their freedom in Christ to do good.  There are those who today use their freedom to do what is wrong, not what is good.  In a civil society, these kinds of people are called “law breakers.”  They are normally arrested, placed in jail and not released until they have paid for their crimes.  They are expected to make restitution for what they have done.

When a society has laws that no longer function to restrain evil, people lose hope and courage to live.  They either hide from the evil all around or choose to move to another place with less lawlessness.  Some, as in our society, arm themselves with multiple guns, hoping somehow this will keep them safe.  Except for those hunting rabbits, deer or squirrels to eat, guns are used to kill people and often do.  Owning and carrying a gun has not resulted in more freedom but promotes more fear.  Now, I must be afraid of my neighbor, as he or she can now shoot me, ending my life. Many people have been killed by guns in our society in this past year. Is this freedom in Christ or a new form of bondage?

Freedom in Christ means to fill ourselves with the love of Christ our Redeemer.  The love of God in Jesus Christ overcomes fear!  We are no longer afraid of dying, as God in Christ has given us eternal life.  We are forgiven, so we are free to forgive others.  Not being afraid of dying, we are free to serve Christ, no matter what the circumstances.  In dying to ourselves in Christ, we are free to live in the newness of eternal life!  “If God be for us, who can be against us?!” (Romans 8)

Some, upon reading this short article, will say this is “all pie in the sky.”  They will say “this is not practical for modern life, as it is better to kill than to be killed.”  I will say in response, “who wants to live in a society in which we are afraid of our neighbor?”

Christ offers to all who come to Him a better way of living.  He says, “it is better to forgive than to be forgiven!”  “It is better to live life, than to be afraid of death.”  “It is better to love your neighbor than to fear they are seeking to kill you.”  In Christ, all have been given the door into freedom!  We are given the door into eternal life!  Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth and the life!  No one comes to the father, except through me!”  (John 14;6)

The choice is yours!  You can live in Christ or remain bound in your fears.  The Lord Jesus offers you the way into eternal life and freedom from fear! “You shall know the truth and the truth will make you free!  And you shall be free indeed!” (The Gospel of John 8:32)

Unto God our Heavenly Father, and unto Jesus Christ the Son and unto the Blessed Holy Spirit be all praise, glory, honor and blessings, both now and forevermore!  Amen!

“Amen!”  We praise you, Lord Jesus Christ!

Bill Wilson, servant of God by God’s grace and mercies!

“Amen!”