Freedom!

Do you know God’s freedom?

Through the blood of Jesus Christ, we received the gift of salvation. Our salvation promised us a new life. It sets us free from the bondage of sin. We are slaves no more. We are a new creation, the old has gone, and the new has come. Maybe for some of you who have been walking in the faith for a long time would say, “Yeah, I know that already.” But let’s ask ourselves and examine our hearts, “Am I living in freedom? Do I know the joy of real freedom in Christ?”

“The truth will set you free (v. 32).” In this simple sentence, Jesus reveals to us how to live in freedom. To keep the kids from eating sweets, some parents usually use the dentists to scare them. Without explaining carefully to the kids the truth behind eating candies and what the jobs of the dentists are, kids will eventually build a character in their minds that dentists are scary. Likewise, it’s when we accept the truth of what Jesus did on the cross that we start to enjoy the freedom He gives us. Embracing the truth that God has already forgiven us and will continue to forgive us, that he has made us righteous in Jesus Christ, and that he loves us, accepts us, purifies us, and lavishes us with his grace set us free from the lies of the enemies, the bondage of our sins, the slavery that leads to death.

Now, the choice is ours. Are we still going to live as slaves of our past sins? Are we going to continue living on the old habits that do not glorify God? Our transformation may not happen overnight, but the choice is ours to make if we will allow God to change us and become that man He called us to be. Whenever we make choices, we can pause to smile, breathe, and love, and allow the Holy Spirit to guide us.