Freedom in Christ

As I celebrated the 4th of July with family and friends yesterday, I took time to remember the great freedom I have as an American. Often, I take for granted the many opportunities and liberties of this country. I used the holiday as a reminder of just how much God blessed me by providentially placing me here. I thank and praise Him for such amazing grace!

Celebrating freedom in America naturally reminds me of the freedom believers possess in Christ Jesus. Followers of Christ are free from the law of sin and death! In Romans, Paul writes:

"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." Romans 8:1-2

In the past, I took this verse and other passages like it out of context to justify sin in my life. I immaturely concluded I could intentionally sin because Christ forgives me no matter what I do. Basically, I believed Christ's sacrifice gave me a free license to sin.

Needless to say, I was completely wrong. Christ gives us the freedom from sin not the freedom to sin! Because the Holy Spirit dwells within believers, we have the power to overcome sin. We are no longer dead in sin, but alive in Christ! (Ephesians 2:1-5)

Paul simply says, "We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?" (Romans 6:2)

We are no longer slaves to sin! (Romans 6:6) We are free! Free in Christ! (Romans 6:11) Sin no longer has power over us. (Romans 6:14) For now we are more than conquerors! (Romans 8:37)

My favorite movie of all time is Braveheart. The epic movie stars Mel Gibson who portrays William Wallace, a Scottish knight who led his people in a fight for their independence from England. One of the most memorable scenes from the movies is when Wallace gives an inspirational speech to his army about freedom. I've embedded it below.



Just as Wallace assures his people the English can not take away their freedom, God assures believers Satan can not take our freedom from sin because of the cross. Jesus defeated Satan's power over believers by sacrificing Himself on the cross and overcoming His own death. Thus, we should cling to the cross and its glorious power to defeat sin!

Let the cross serve as a reminder to the freedom Christ provides His followers! Remember it's through Him alone do we have freedom from sin!

In Him,

Mark