True Liberty Is Found In Christ

God gives us liberty in Christ, setting us free from the bonds of sin that holds us captive until the day of our redemption. (Romans 8:2)

The whole concept of Christianity is that we were separated from God the Creator when humankind sinned. Not only separated but captured by our lust to sin and held in bondage by our desire to serve self. And we were not only held by our condemnation of sin, but the Law convicted us and condemned us, too.

But the Bible tells us that if we are in Christ, we are no longer condemned but free from sin and death!

For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

Galatians 5:13

True Liberty Is Found In Christ

Here in America, most of us are not living in an oppressive society. We have the means and the ability to live our lives as we want. We can come and go at our own pleasure, speak out about our feelings and ideas, and lay in the bed of our making due to our own actions–to the extent our jobs and finances allow.

However, as Christians, America is not our home. It’s not our forever place. We are committed to a much bigger and higher (literally) destination. And we have greater liberties in Christ. 

God says wherever His Spirit is, there is freedom.

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17

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What Does it Mean to Have Freedom in Christ?

We were once slaves to sin, but when God came to live within us in the form of the Holy Spirit, we were set free from everything.

• free from the punishment of sin (John 8:36)
• free from the judgment of the Law (Romans 3:20-22)
• free from the condemnation of guilt and shame (Galatians 5:1)

In the 2016 movie Risen, a Roman tribune is assigned to find Jesus’ body after the resurrection. He eventually arrests Mary Magdelene and questions her severely concerning information on the whereabouts of Jesus’ body and His followers. 

“I could have what I want pulled from you,” he threatens. “Put you to death like that (referring to the crucifixion).” But Mary smiles and whispers, “It doesn’t matter.”

He thinks she is trying to be a martyr, so he promises her, “Then give me the others, and I’ll grant you freedom.”

As she looks through the bars of the window where her captors are holding her, she smiles and declares, “I’m already free.” (mind blown!)

True freedom is found in Christ.

When we accept Christ as our Lord, it doesn’t matter what the circumstances are. He has given us eternal life and nothing can take that away from us.

Paul said, as he sat in prison, “As it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Philippians 1:20-21

Man can destroy the body, but he cannot destroy the soul; so what holds us in bondage?

Believe in Christ and be free.

What Does the Bible Say About Liberty?

Our liberties are given to us by God. The whole concept of Christianity is that we were separated from God the Creator when humankind sinned. Not only separated but captured by our lust to sin and held in bondage by our desire to serve self. And we were not only held by our condemnation of sin, but the Law convicted us and condemned us, too.

But the Bible tells us that if we are in Christ, we are no longer condemned but free from sin and death!

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. Romans 8:1-2

When Jesus took our place on the cross, He paid for the sins of the whole world, allowing us to have a clean slate after we accept His gift of salvation.

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. -John 8:36

What the Bible says about our liberty:

• Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. -2 Corinthians 3:17
• 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. -Romans 8:1-2
• So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. -James 2:12

What is the Law of Liberty?

Several Christian liberties are described in the Bible. For example, we have liberty from the Law of Moses, which was given as a means to show sin, but the Law cannot save us from sin, that’s what Jesus did on the cross.

• For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it—the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. Romans 3:20-22

Also, we have liberty from the power of sin over our daily lives. Walking in the power of the Holy Spirit gives us the ability to conquer sins that would otherwise have dominion over us.

• For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace. Romans 6:14

And we are freed from the penalty of death which sin convicted us of. Our conviction is overturned by the payment of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.

• 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

Christian liberty can also mean that we are free to take part in any secular activities that are not expressly condemned in the Bible. Romans chapter 14 has a list:

• eat anything vs. eating vegetables only
• eating vs. fasting
• one day is better than another vs. all days are alike
• eat meat vs. don’t eat meat
• drink wine vs. don’t drink wine

How Do We Practice Christian Liberty?

For you brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. -Galatians 5:13

Inevitably, during our Christian walk, we run into “gray areas” of right and wrong. Some of these issues skirt around social activities. When the Bible doesn’t have a yes or no answer, what should we do?

When we set up boundaries, sometimes we inadvertently think others should do the same, which may cause us to become legalistic. On the other hand, if we fly by the seat of our pants on these issues, we may be caught by surprise in a situation causing us to stumble.

Being in the Word and praying are great tools to figure out these answers, which need to be decided by you as an individual or by you and your spouse as you raise your family. However, the following questions may be beneficial in making these decisions.

3 Questions to Consider When Exercising Our Liberties

1. Does it build up?
2. Will it cause someone to stumble?
3. Will God receive glory? (1 Corinthians 10:31-32)

Martin Luther wrote, “A Christian man is the most free lord of all, and subject to none; a Christian man is the most dutiful servant of all, and subject to everyone.”

1. Does it build up?

When you are enjoying or practicing an activity that may be questionable for someone else, remember 1 Corinthians 10:23, “All things are lawful, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful, but not all things build up.”

2. Will it cause someone to stumble?

Do you remember what Cain’s answer was to God when God questioned him about Abel’s whereabouts? Cain answered with a question, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” And although God did not elaborate at that time, the answer is “Well yes, yes you are.”

We should never want to make someone fall into sin, stumble over doctrine, or cause them to reject the gospel. Jesus said to love others as we do ourselves. And Paul encouraged in 1 Corinthians 10:24, “Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.”

3. Will God receive glory?

Sometimes it’s intimidating to follow the rules and regulations set up by churches and other Christians. We all don’t hold the same beliefs in every area of life. We disagree about lots of things.

• drinking alcohol
• certain foods
• frequenting certain places
• the way we dress
• what to wear to church
• public and Christian schooling
• how we preach
• what songs we sing in church

However, we should remember, that our purpose as Christians, whether we are playing or working, is to glorify God. Paul instructs the church in Rome, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God.” Romans 14:20

We are called to liberty, free from rules and regulations that cause us unnecessary burdens. We are free of the guilt and shame our sins have brought upon us. But in this freedom, we are called to serve others; we love our neighbors by using our freedoms to help them. And as we practice these liberties, may we never cause anyone to stumble by prohibiting the work of the Lord.

Join the Conversation

 When I attended a legalistic church, I didn’t willingly feel that I judged others for not doing what I was practicing. Still, to some extent, there was a slight feeling of superiority inside me that God brought to a screeching halt one day. Eventually, He led me to reexamine everything I had believed to that point. Although that was a heart-breaking experience, I’m grateful the Lord spent time with me, exposing my sins and showing me the truth–“here a little, there a little.” -Isaiah 28:10

Do you have questions about the gray areas of life? Are there things you struggle with, not knowing if they are right or wrong? Or have you had an experience that God has given you the liberty to overcome? Join the conversation by sharing in the comment section below. You’ll find mine in there.

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