FREEDOM

The Gospel of Jesus Christ not only allows a sinner to be reconciled to God, it completely 'emancipates' him ... If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. (John 8:36)

Many believers fail to walk in the freedom paid for on Calvary's cross. They allow the chains that held them captive to rattle in the background, robbing them of the joy of their salvation. 

Sadly, what they see as 'humility' is actually egocentric by nature. It denies the sufficiency of Christ's atoning sacrifice by keeping the past alive. 

Though their 'old man' is dead in the eyes of God, they choose to reanimate him at every turn. This ought not to be so ... How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? (Romans 6:2)

There is freedom:

• From sin's power ... For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. (Galatians 5:1) 

• From sin's condemnation ... The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18)

• From sin's penalty ... For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23)

With it comes responsibility:

• Use it for good ... You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. (Galatians 5:13)

• Use it wisely ... All things are lawful for me - but not everything is beneficial. All things are lawful for me - but I will not be controlled by anything. (1 Corinthians 6:12)

• Use it ethically ... Do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bond-servants of God. (1 Peter 2:16)

May this be your testimony ... I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)

Therein lies true freedom.