Christian Living

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John 8:36
…Who the Son sets free, is free indeed...

Many Christians view the above passage and comprehend it to be a simple verse that encourages us when we are going through difficult times or when we are oppressed by personal vices. I do not want to minimize the encouraging factor or emotional strength that this verse can give us. In fact we are told to lean on such promises and let it work in our lives. But this passage is far more over-reaching than our usual view on it. It's much more powerful than a simple encouragement or a reminder that God can see us through. These words are rooted in God's omnipotence and sovereign design. What, after all, are we free from?
One: We are free from the power of sin. It no longer has dominion over our lives. Romans 6:18 "You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness." When we lived in darkness we were salves to sin. We had no control. In fact sin's power was so overwhelming that even if we did good, we were unable to become righteous. Our righteousness was like filthy rags in the sight of God. But because God has delivered us from its grasp, we are able to become righteous in HIS sight. And since sin gives birth to death, then we are free from "death" as well. We are able to attain eternal life because God has freed us from the trap of sin.
Two: We are free from legalism. The dictionary defines legalism as, "strict conformity to the letter of the law rather than its spirit". When I speak of the "Law" in reference to legalism, I don't simply mean the 10 commandments, but also the entirety of all the law in the Old & New testament that people misuse or abuse. Galatians 3:23-25 says, "23Before this faith came, we were held prisoners by the law, locked up until faith should be revealed. 24So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. 25Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law." The Law was designed to lead us to Christ. It was designed to give us the overwhelming realization that attaining perfection through the law was impossible, so we need a savior. Don't misunderstand, we are not free to do what we want, but we are free from rules and regulations that do nothing but burden the people. There is a difference. (Read Luke 11:46) Jesus said that all the laws and prophets ultimately hang on two commandments: 1) Love the Lord with all your heart....2) Love your neighbors as you love yourself. God is after the heart. We please God, not by the outward "observance" of laws set up by men, but by seeking & loving him genuinely by our hearts.
In reference back to John 8:36, let's be encouraged that God can free us from our trials and our vices because He is able. But let us also keep in mind that our full freedom goes far beyond this. That this same freedom liberates us from God's wrath, which therefore allows us to receive eternal life. Further more, it is also liberty from the legalism that people in power use to enslave other men and "useless" regimented rules that the religious use to bring "assurance" to the ignorant.. We can be comforted to know, that our God given freedom is an over-reaching, incomprehensible, total release from everything single thing, influence, and oppression that holds us down- emotionally, physically, legalistically, and spiritually. Because those God has set free can be truly and fully free. We are free indeed!

March M. Villareal
[email protected]
www.freewebs.com/manswicked

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