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Top Ten Freedoms We Have in Christ
There is tremendous freedom in Christ–much more so than we may believe. Human nature drives us to create a highly detailed list of “do’s and don’ts” that are well-meaning attempts to prevent sin in the life of a Christ-follower. We hear a lot of this in Sunday sermons. Less often taught from the pulpit, our freedom in Christ is a scary proposition for pastors and ministry leaders charged with our care. There is often fear as an underlying motive for glossing over the subject. Would church members behave in an orderly way if they knew how much freedom they had? This question led me to answer: “What is the absolute extent of our freedom in Christ?” Here is a “Top Ten” list of freedoms I believe we have in Christ. Please feel free to respond and tell me which others I have missed.
"Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true." Acts 17:11 NIV We are free to engage daily with Scripture, embracing our God-given freedom to seek truth and challenge others’ interpretations of the Bible. We can not trust the interpretation of the Bible by those who may unknowingly be limiting our freedom. 2. FREE FROM HUMAN INTERPRETATIVE AUTHORITY While we respect the role of teachers and pastors, we hold that no human has ultimate authority over the interpretation of Scripture; Christ alone can do this. "As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him." 1 John 2:27 NIV Our confidence rests in the anointing of the Holy Spirit, granting us discernment and understanding of the Bible. 3. FREE TO CONFIDENTLY APPROACH GOD We are free to come into the very presence of the blessed Triune Godhead, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. “In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.” Ephesians 3:12 NIV and “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 NIV As we enter intentionally into the presence of Christ, we receive tremendous blessings. This daily discipline requires time specifically set aside to sit in the presence of the Almighty God. 4. FREE TO SEEK GOD’S WISDOM We are free to seek God’s wisdom, directly from God, the final authority on all that is wise and unwise. "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." James 1:5 NIV God invites us to seek His wisdom shamelessly. God, the ultimate source of all wisdom and truth, willingly guides us in understanding His Word. We do not need a priestly or pastoral intermediary. 5. FREE TO LIVE UNBURDENED BY THE LAW God gave us a New Covenant. "For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death." Romans 8:2 NIV Christ's sacrifice fulfilled the law, liberating us from its penalties and enabling us to live in the newness of the Spirit. 6. FREE FROM CONDEMNATION Christ-followers are freed from condemnation, which the law could not accomplish, giving us the boldness to live righteously for God. "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Romans 8:1 NIV This profound declaration reaffirms that our standing before God is not based on adherence to the Law but on our true identity in Christ Jesus. 7. FREE TO BEAR FRUIT We are free to produce fruit that reflects our transformation in Christ, fruit not grown from our human effort but springing forth from God’s Holy Spirit. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23 NIV This freedom reveals the true evidence of the Spirit's work within us, transcending the Law, and manifesting the richness of God's grace. 8. FREE TO SERVE IN LOVE Our freedom in Christ is not a license for self-indulgence but an invitation to serve one another in love. "You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love." Galatians 5:13 NIV We are free to think of others more highly than we think of ourselves, and free to love all without fear of that love not being returned. 9. FREE TO BE LED BY THE SPIRIT As believers, we are given the Holy Spirit to teach us and reveal the truths of God’s Word, allowing us personal communion and understanding. "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." John 14:26 NIV This promise implies that the interpretation of God’s Word is not confined to human authority but is made alive in us through the Spirit’s teaching. 10. FREE TO REST IN GOD'S GRACE We are free to rest in the assurance of God's grace, knowing that our salvation and standing before God are not based on our efforts but on Christ's complete and finished work on the cross. "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV This freedom allows us to live in peace, knowing we are eternally secure in God's love and grace. It liberates us from the anxiety of trying to earn God's favor through our actions and invites us to trust the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice fully. In this rest, we find the strength to face life's challenges and the motivation to serve God out of gratitude, not obligation. Our identity and value are anchored in what Jesus has done for us, freeing us to live joyful, purposeful lives dedicated to His glory. CONCLUSION In exploring these scriptures, we begin to grasp the breadth and depth of our freedom in Christ. This vast freedom invites us to live unburdened by the law, serve in love, bear spiritual fruit, and live free from condemnation. It is a freedom that should be explored, celebrated, and lived out in the full expression of faith, joy, and love. Let us embrace the tremendous freedom we have in Christ! Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. March 29, 2024 POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at [email protected]. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate conversations with Christ. Comments are closed.
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