For freedom Christ frees us! Stand firm, then, and be not again enthralled with the yoke of Slavery.
Galatians 5: 1, Concordant New Testament
This week much of the nation will be celebrating our annual independence day holiday. This season usually brings out everything from backyard barbecues to hometown fireworks. Yet, over time many have forgotten the true meaning of our annual independence day holiday. It's safe to say that this holiday meant more back in the 1700's than it does today. For back in those days, the wounds of the bondage of oppression were still fresh in the minds of many in our young nation. Beginning in 1775, our forefathers fought back against British colonial oppression. This fight carried on until the end of hostilities brought forth a new nation in 1782. If one were to ask the average citizen in 1782 what freedom meant to them, you would more than likely get a heartfelt answer from one who had experienced the oppression of the British. However, ask that same question today and you may get a myriad of responses, with very few relating to the British empire of old. Today, freedom carries with it many definitions. Freedom from slavery. Freedom from addiction. I even heard one misguided CNN anchor comment on our freedom from Donald Trump! I believe that very few people would comment on the freedom they have in Christ Jesus on this day. Somehow we do not associate Jesus with freedom. Yet freedom in Christ is exactly what the apostle Paul spoke in the beginning of Galatians {Galatians 5:1}. It is Jesus who has freed us from the yoke of slavery in sin {Romans 6:11}. It is Jesus who gave of Himself that we would be free {2 Corinthians 5:21}. There is no greater freedom than this. He demanded no payment. He accepted no ransom. On the contrary, it is Christ Jesus who is OUR ransom from sin. Yet this is not the entire picture of our freedom in Christ. Once realized, one will see that they truly are free.
If ever, then, the Son should be making you free, you will be really free.
John 8: 36, Concordant New Testament
I believe that when Paul spoke of the freedom we find in Christ Jesus he wasn't only speaking to our freedom from the slavery of sin. I first realized this during a Sunday morning gathering of Christian believers coming together in fellowship. Many of those in attendance testified to how free they felt not being tied down to a church pew that Sunday morning. Imagine that, a believer feeling freedom from not being in church? But consider this, is church where we will ultimately find God? I would have to disagree with that. Paul, when speaking in Athens, testified that the Lord does not dwell in temples made with hands {Acts 17:24}. This fly's in the face of the traditional church narrative that we need to be in "Gods house" on Sundays. As if the Lord dwelled in each and every house of worship. This goes against the truth of Christ our Lord and savior. For Paul also speaks to the truth of Christ Jesus in us {Galatians 2:20}. It is not the brick and mortar building which is the Lords house...but His children. This is the reality of our freedom in Christ. It is Jesus who dwells in us. Gone are the old obligations of mandatory church attendance, tithing and adhering to a law long since dead. Freedom in Christ assures us of a life lived in Him, not striving to be like Him. Freedom in Jesus frees us from the traditions and demands of the man made church. When they ask you what church you belong to...tell them you celebrate Christ Jesus in you.
All is allowed me, but not all is expedient. All is allowed me, but I will not be put under its authority by anything.
1 Corinthians 6: 12, Concordant New Testament
~Scott~
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