How Can We Have Freedom in Christ?
How can we have freedom in Christ and what does that look like?
Freedom Challenge Africa is all about people finding physical freedom from human trafficking, but we are more passionate about those people also finding freedom in Christ! We know humans cannot experience true wholistic freedom without that. So, how does one obtain this freedom?
“So, if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.”
John 8:36
In short, freedom in Christ means surrendering your life to Christ. To repent of your sins and believe in the saving work of Jesus Christ and to follow Him all the days of your life. Here is how Jesus put it, “So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” John 8:31-32
Sounds easy enough, right? Well not always, since we still live in this broken sinful world. However, through God’s grace, He will continue to enable us if indeed we are truly repentant for our sins. He will transform our hearts to love Him more and want to serve Him more. He will help us to love our enemies and people we never thought we could love. He will help us take up our cross daily to follow Him, no matter where He leads or what tough life circumstances come our way.
What Freedom in Christ Is NOT
Freedom in Christ does not mean we can do whatever we want or that our life will always be easy. It means we will find joy in our relationship with our Creator and want to obey and serve Him. It means we are no longer slaves to sin (Romans 6). Trials may come our way, but our hope does not rest on the things of this life, but in the life to come- eternity with Jesus! Jesus said to “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) Freedom is having the Spirit of the Lord lead, teach, and comfort us each step of the way in this life, until we get our perfect bodies and remain in Jesus’ presence for eternity!
What a day to look forward to! When we will be transformed to glory! Are you ready for that day?
Reflection Time:
- Read John 8:31-36. Has the Son set you free yet? If so, how has it changed you? Who can you tell about this freedom? If not, what reservations do you still have? Is there someone you can talk to about them?
- How can you use your freedom for God’s glory? (More on this in the next devotional, but something to think about in the meantime!)
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.”
2 Corinthians 3:17-18