Free Indeed

 

For freedom Christ frees us!  Stand firm, then, and be not again enthralled with the yoke of slavery.

Paul To The Galatians 5: 1, Concordant New Testament 

How many believers out there have at one time or another seen religion as more of a chore than a belief?  The truth is, I don't blame you if you had.  For centuries the institutional church has burdened congregations with the rules of what to do and what not to do in order to have favor with God.  Some may wonder, what does freedom in Jesus really mean?  Well, I can tell you what freedom in Christ Jesus has meant to me.  See, I was once one of those bored church goers who obediently sat in my pew each Sunday while some pulpit pounder spoke of the freedom to be found in Jesus.  One of the most often quoted verses can be found in John 8:36, that if the Son sets you free, then you are free indeed.  Interestingly, the concordant version of the New Testament speaks that if Jesus makes us free, that we shall be "Really free" {Johns Account 8:36}.  Yet, how do you explain freedom in Christ to someone who has never experienced it?  The mainstream church talks a big game by preaching on the freedom found in Jesus, but they fall short in practice.  I believe that freedom in Jesus goes hand in hand with freedom from the obligations of the institutional church.  Freedom from the traditions.  Freedom from the guilt and shame of sin {Paul To The Romans 6:6-11}.  THIS is the freedom which we find in Christ Jesus.  How many times have you sat through a Sunday sermon only to have the pastor tell you that you are a sinner?  Yeah, I've been there.  Of course, believing that we are still in sin is not freedom, but slavery.  Slavery to the yoke of sin.  The apostle Paul speaks in a few places in scripture.  In Romans, Paul proclaims that we consider ourselves to be "Dead indeed" to sin {Paul To The Romans 6:11}.  Make no mistake, when the mainstream church proclaims us sinners, they are perpetuating that which enslaves us!  Dare I say that when the mainstream church speaks to us of being sinners, that they themselves are perpetuating a lie.  The lie which proclaims that, despite giving Himself on the cross to free us of the consequences of our sin, that Jesus failed to accomplish His destiny.  This is NOT freedom in Jesus.  

For the spirits law of life in Christ Jesus frees you from the law of sin and death. 

Paul To The Romans 8: 2, Concordant New Testament 

The truth of Christ Jesus is that He did not give Himself up that Gods children would remain in bondage.  Yet remain in bondage many continue to do.  I have a good friend and coworker who stresses each and every day if he has offered enough prayers to overcome the sins he has committed that day.  Again, this is NOT freedom in Christ.  This is bondage plain and simple.  When the pastor speaks that we are sinners, he attempts to wash away the hope which Jesus brought unto us.  The hope of freedom from the slavery of sin.  I cannot speak to the motivation within the mainstream church as to why they would continue to promote slavery to sin.  All I know is that it does not speak to the freedom we have in Christ.  The freedom which we have in Jesus assures us that Christ died to free us from the yoke of sin.  That we are no longer under the threat of condemnation {Paul To The Romans 8:1}.  More importantly, that we are now one with Christ Jesus {Paul To The Galatians 2:20}.  Not only are we free from the slavery of sin, but we are now free IN Christ Jesus.  I spoke of how it is that I would describe freedom in Jesus to someone who had never experienced it.  It all comes down to one question...are you a sinner?  If you believe that you are still indeed a sinner, then you are still enslaved by sin and not free in Christ Jesus.  For Jesus took that penalty for you that you will be free!  

~Scott~