Since the U.S. was founded, freedom has been one of the watchwords of American culture. This past week, we’ve been celebrating the freedom we have as a country, specifically independence from Britain. But freedom is a key concept in the Christian life as well. A quick study of the concept of freedom as it’s used in the New Testament shows that there are several aspects and layers to a Christian’s freedom… (All verses are from the New International Version.)
Freedom from the penalty of sin
“To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’
They answered him, ‘We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?’
Jesus replied, ‘Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.’” (John 8:31-34)
“Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses.” (Acts 13:38-39)
Without Christ, we are slaves of sin, but because of Christ’s sacrifice, sin no longer has power over us. We are free from its control and the judgement that comes with it.
Freedom from the Law
“Before the coming of this faith, we were held in custody under the law, locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed. So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith.” (Galatians 3:23-24)
“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)
Before Christ, God’s people were bound by the Law of Moses. They demonstrated their faith in God by obeying that Law, even though it could not remove the power of sin. But Christ’s sacrifice replaced the sacrifices under the Law once and for all and replaced the old law-based covenant with a new one—where faith in Christ is the only requirement for righteousness. Therefore, we are no longer bound under the Law.
Freedom to approach God
“In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.” (Ephesians 3:12)
Because we are covered with the righteousness of Christ and no longer guilty under the law, we have direct access to God and can go to Him any time with confidence and without fear.
Freedom to follow Christ
“But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance.” (Romans 6:17)
Even though we are free from the law, that doesn’t mean we should abuse our freedom by acting in ways that displease the Lord. No set of rules can ever make us righteous, but we have a new allegiance to Jesus, whom we love and want to please.
Freedom to love others
“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. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Galatians 5:13-14)
“’I have the right to do anything,’ you say—but not everything is beneficial. ‘I have the right to do anything’—but not everything is constructive. No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.” (1 Corinthians 10:23-24)
Because of our freedom, our decisions should now be guided by love for God and for others. We shouldn’t abuse our liberty in ways that would lead others away from Christ.
The Christian freedom can seem paradoxical. Although we are free from sin and the Law, Romans 6:18 says we are “slaves to righteousness.” But what this means is that we have a new allegiance to Christ—not driven by fear of penalty, but by love.
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