Those whom the Lord sets free, are free indeed, and the truth shall set you free... the truth found in Christ.
Being "free in the Lord" does not mean freedom to do whatever one wants, without restraint. Instead, it is a spiritual liberation, granted by Jesus Christ, that frees believers from the penalty, power, and eventual presence of sin, the condemnation of the Old Testament Law, and the fear of death. This freedom is guided by, and comes from the transformation the Holy Spirit. Nothing that one earns. It is freely given, at the moment we receive Christ as Savior, in salvation.
Key aspects of this freedom include:
Freedom From The Penalty That Sin Placed On Us
Through Christ's sacrifice, believers are forgiven for all their sins (past, present, and future) and are free from the eternal condemnation and punishment that sin brings.
The Power of Sin
While believers still have a sinful nature, sin no longer has ultimate dominion over them. The Holy Spirit provides the power to resist temptation and choose a righteous, holy life, rather than being enslaved to sinful desires.
The Old Testament Law/Legalism
Christians are not bound by the ceremonial laws and rules of the Old Covenant as a means of earning salvation or maintaining their standing with God. Salvation is received by grace through faith alone, not by works.
Guilt, Shame, and Fear
Believers are free from the burden of past failures, the shame the enemy uses against them, and the fear of death.
Satan's Dominion
Christians are rescued from the control of darkness and brought into the kingdom of God's Son.
Freedom For This liberation has a purpose:
It is a freedom for a new way of living... a brand new life in Christ.
Relationship with God
Freedom grants direct access to God's presence without fear, allowing a personal and intimate relationship as His children.
Serving Others in Love
Instead of using freedom as an excuse for self-indulgence, believers are called to serve one another humbly in love. Love is the guiding principle that fulfills God's law.
Living for God's Purpose
True freedom is found in discovering and living out the purpose for which one was created, which involves walking with God and producing the "fruit of the Spirit" (love, joy, peace, etc.) to all.
Obedience to God
Biblical freedom is not a lack of restraint, but the ability and genuine desire to do what is right and obey God's will through the power of the Spirit. This obedience flows from a grateful heart for Jesus' ultimate, physical sacrifice on the cross, to save us from our sins...not a desire to earn approval. He already loves us.
In essence, as the Scripture states, "if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed" (John 8:36). This is an ongoing, lifelong process of growth (sanctification) that will ultimately culminate in complete freedom from sin's very presence in the future (glorification).
He turns no one away.
Key aspects of this freedom include:
Freedom From The Penalty That Sin Placed On Us
Through Christ's sacrifice, believers are forgiven for all their sins (past, present, and future) and are free from the eternal condemnation and punishment that sin brings.
The Power of Sin
While believers still have a sinful nature, sin no longer has ultimate dominion over them. The Holy Spirit provides the power to resist temptation and choose a righteous, holy life, rather than being enslaved to sinful desires.
The Old Testament Law/Legalism
Christians are not bound by the ceremonial laws and rules of the Old Covenant as a means of earning salvation or maintaining their standing with God. Salvation is received by grace through faith alone, not by works.
Guilt, Shame, and Fear
Believers are free from the burden of past failures, the shame the enemy uses against them, and the fear of death.
Satan's Dominion
Christians are rescued from the control of darkness and brought into the kingdom of God's Son.
Freedom For This liberation has a purpose:
It is a freedom for a new way of living... a brand new life in Christ.
Relationship with God
Freedom grants direct access to God's presence without fear, allowing a personal and intimate relationship as His children.
Serving Others in Love
Instead of using freedom as an excuse for self-indulgence, believers are called to serve one another humbly in love. Love is the guiding principle that fulfills God's law.
Living for God's Purpose
True freedom is found in discovering and living out the purpose for which one was created, which involves walking with God and producing the "fruit of the Spirit" (love, joy, peace, etc.) to all.
Obedience to God
Biblical freedom is not a lack of restraint, but the ability and genuine desire to do what is right and obey God's will through the power of the Spirit. This obedience flows from a grateful heart for Jesus' ultimate, physical sacrifice on the cross, to save us from our sins...not a desire to earn approval. He already loves us.
In essence, as the Scripture states, "if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed" (John 8:36). This is an ongoing, lifelong process of growth (sanctification) that will ultimately culminate in complete freedom from sin's very presence in the future (glorification).
He turns no one away.
