The Meaning of Spiritual Freedom
What does freedom mean to you? Is it the power or right to act, speak, or think as you want without hindrance or restraint? Is it the absence of subjection to foreign domination or despotic government? Is it the state of not being imprisoned or enslaved?In Galatians 5:13, Paul reminds us of this: “For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love." This definition differs from what most people think of when they consider freedom. Freedom is often associated with independence, self-reliance, and flexibility. It is synonymous with liberty, autonomy, and privilege.
The freedom that Christ offers is radical. Galatians 5:1 says that “it is for freedom that Christ has set us free." In Christ, we are free from sin and death. We are free to love, serve, and honor others. Several Scriptures illustrate this principle.
2 Corinthians 3:17
For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
John 8:32
And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
John 8:36
So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.
Romans 8:1-4
So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.
And because you belong to him, the power
of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.
The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins.
He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit.
1 Corinthians 7:22
And remember, if you were a slave when the Lord called you, you are now free in the Lord. And if you were free when the Lord called you, you are now a slave of Christ.
As we commemorate national holidays, like Labor Day and Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance, it is important to remember our spiritual freedom. We are free because of what Christ did for us on the cross: “He humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross" (Philippians 2:8). Are you living freely? Have you accepted God’s grace? Our freedom was bought with a price. May we never forget the sacrifice that was made to keep it.
Written by Joy Reschke, Digital Marketing Specialist at Tyndale House Publishers.