What Does ‘Freedom in Christ’ Mean? The Amazing Truths About Spiritual Freedom
Being free is an idea we all cherish as Americans, but scripture also talks about the concept of spiritual freedom. So, what does freedom in Christ mean, and how does it differ from the American ideals of freedom we enjoy every day?
Freedom is a concept that many people appreciate and cherish more as they learn how vital their liberties are. Those who have fought for freedom, have sacrificed, have been oppressed, restricted or have had freedoms taken away are certainly more likely to appreciate the freedoms they enjoy.
Ronald Reagan once described the battle we face for physical freedom when he said:
“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same…”
Of all the amazing freedoms we experience as Americans, though, the freedoms that God offers us far exceed any freedom we can experience in this world.
What Does ‘Freedom in Christ’ Mean?
There are many different physical freedoms that we enjoy in our country. Freedom of speech, freedom from oppression, and financial freedom are a few of the most common types we experience every day.
But of all freedoms that we can enjoy, spiritual freedom is the one that no one can take away from us and that we can have without the need to battle. Why? Because Jesus already paid the price for our spiritual freedoms. We simply need to surrender ourselves to God and trust in his word.
Benjamin Franklin talked about the freedom God offers us when he famously said:
“Freedom is not a gift bestowed upon us by other men, but a right that belongs to us by the laws of God and nature.”
But what does ‘freedom in Christ’ mean? At its core, this common phrase means that, as Christians we have been released from the heavy burden of sin, empowered to enter into God’s presence, and given the strength to live according to God’s plan.
Let’s take a closer look at the freedoms we have gained in Jesus!
8 Freedoms We Have in Christ
God, in his infinite wisdom and mercy offers the following freedoms to us as Christians.
1. Freedom from the Bondage of Sin
“So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, ‘If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’ ”
2. Freedom from Guilt
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. ”
3. Freedom from Shame
“For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, ‘Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.’ ”
4. Freedom from Worry
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ”
5. Freedom From the Bondage of the Law
“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. ”
6. Freedom from the Fear of Spiritual Death
“…and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. ”
7. Freedom from God's Wrath
“For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, ”
8. Freedom to Approach God
“We have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, ”
Remembering Our Freedom in Christ
We gather every summer to celebrate and commemorate our country’s Independence Day and the fact that we can enjoy the amazing freedoms every day that we fought for as a country. This time of celebration is also a time to consider the many freedoms that we are blessed with as Christians.
The Bible offers many promises of freedom from God and allows us the freedom of free will. Let’s consider the many freedoms he has given to us by giving him the praise, honor, and worship he deserves!