“Therefore, there is now no condemnation [no guilty verdict, no punishment] for those who are in Christ Jesus [who believe in Him as personal Lord and Savior]. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life [which is] in Christ Jesus [the law of our new being] has set you free from the law of sin and of death.”-Romans 8:1-2
(LISTEN TO AUDIO VERSION)
To better appreciate and enjoy the freedom or liberty in Jesus Christ, you must know and understand who you have become in Him. Romans chapter 8 verses 1 and 2 state that the status of a believer in Christ Jesus is “FREE” and “NO CONDEMNATION”.
As a believer in Jesus Christ, you are no longer under condemnation. You are free from the bondage of sin and death. Simply put; you are debt-free! What you now possess is Eternal life.
Jesus Christ sets you free the moment you believe in Him. This is the good news of the Gospel. In John 3:16, Jesus said – “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believes in Him, should not perish but have eternal life. This good news calls for celebration. If you have believed in Christ Jesus, you are free to start enjoying eternal life.
What has Jesus set you free from?
You have been set free from sin and death. You have also escaped the wrath that comes from not believing in Jesus Christ according to John chapter 3 verse 36. Romans 6:20-23 and Acts 13:38-39 confirm that you have been set free from every sin. The penalty of sin hanging on us when we were sinners, has been paid in full by Jesus Christ. Hallelujah! What you have is “freedom” ] in Him. Aside from the forgiveness of sins, we have also been made alive with Christ according to Colossians 2:13-14.
In Titus chapter 2 verses 13 to 14, we learn that Jesus has redeemed us and purchased our freedom from all wickedness. Praise God! If we have been set free, why then, do some Christians behave as if they are still in bondage?
Ignorance or lack of knowledge is one of the many reasons. Some Christians refuse to know what God has made available to them in His Word. In Hosea 4:6, God says people perish for the lack of knowledge because they reject knowledge. (Emphasis mine). Note that the problem here is the rejection of the knowledge, which causes you to lack the knowledge and therefore leads you to perish. Jesus said in John 8:32 that the truth you know will set you free.
Another reason is that many Christians allow their past to imprison them. This leaves them plagued by guilt and condemnation. Your past life is not a life sentence. There is a better present and future life in Christ Jesus. The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 5:17, that anyone in Christ is a new creation. A new creation has a new life, not the old life. And if Jesus has set you free, you are free indeed according to John 8:36. Romans 6:4 encourages believers to walk in the newness of life.
Ignorance of the word of God and all the great benefits available to you as a child of God, will not only keep you in bondage but will become a license for greedy and false preachers to take advantage of you. In Galatians 2:4, Paul did not mince words as he brought to the fore, the activities of “false believers” aimed at bringing us (believers) back into bondage. I like the NKJ version of the Bible which states, “And this occurred because of false brethren secretly brought in (who came in by stealth to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage),”
I often say many Christians are living a “bonded life”, even though the law of liberty in Christ has been put into effect. This makes me sad. In Galatians 5:1, Paul calls on all believers to hold on firmly to their freedom to avoid another yoke of bondage. Jesus came to proclaim liberty to the captives according to Luke 4:18. You are a child of the free woman so stop living like a child of the slave woman -Galatians 4:30-31.
Enjoying your freedom means acknowledging and living a practical life that demonstrates that indeed, true freedom is in Christ Jesus. You talk and walk that freedom. You walk with your chest out and your head up, ready to explain your freedom to anyone with questions.
What are we free to do?
Among many other things, we are free to know God every day and to have a deep relationship with Him– 2 Cor 3:17, John 17:3.
We are also free to enter the presence of God with boldness. You must not hide from God. Genesis 3:8 says Adam and Eve hid from God after they had disobeyed Him, but Jesus has set you free to have an eternal relationship with your creator -Hebrews 4:16, James 4:8. The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ broke and removed every barrier that existed between us and God-Romans 5:10.
We have been set free to make disciples. This is the “Great Commission” that every believer or follower of Jesus Christ must pursue. I call it the ministry of a believer. You may dodge this assignment if you are running around feeling guilty and condemned. One of the tricks satan employs to discourage the children of God from sharing Jesus is guilt. I want you to know that your freedom is your license to tell others about Jesus Christ– Matthew 28:19-20 boldly.
We have been set free from the law which is of the old covenant into freedom in Christ in the new covenant. The law points people to sin -Galatians 3:23-25, Hebrews 8:6-7. Gentiles that are non-Jews were not part of the old covenant and its associated laws-Romans 2:14, Galatians 4:4-5. The new covenant in Christ Jesus however embraces Gentiles and there is no distinction between Jews and Gentiles in Christ-Galatians 3:28.
Jesus has set us free! We are cautioned against abusing that freedom. 1 Peter 2:16 advises believers against using our freedom as a cover-up for evil. In Galatians 5:13, Apostle Paul admonishes Christians not to use our freedom to please the flesh. I will encourage you to rely on the Holy Spirit as you live your new life in Christ; He is your helper -John 14:26.
Recommended: Watch “YOUR FREEDOM IN CHRIST JESUS ” by clicking on the links below. Get related messages on our YouTube Channel
YOUR FREEDOM IN CHRIST JESUS – YouTube
KEEP YOUR FREEDOM IN CHRIST JESUS with Pastor -Patrick – YouTube
OUR FREEDOM THROUGH CHRIST – YouTube
YOUR FREEDOM IN CHRIST JESUS # 2 – YouTube
OUR FREEDOM THROUGH CHRIST-4 – YouTube
YOUR FREEDOM IN CHRIST JESUS # 5 (Shadows or Realities ?) – YouTube
Let me hear from you. Send all your questions and comments to pqgm29@gmail.com
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