On July 4th, it will be 246 years since our founding fathers declared our independence from England. And, as we celebrate this freedom from tyranny and oppression, let us not forget about the infinitely greater freedom that we have in Christ.
In his letter to the Galatian believers, Paul makes a simple yet profound statement: “It was for freedom that Christ set us free,” (5:1a). Christ’s atoning sacrifice on the cross provided eternal freedom for those who are found in Him. But this freedom is not so that we can act however we choose. Paul later writes, “For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” (5:13-14). While we do not need to rely on fulfilling the Law in order to be saved, we must remember that we were bought with the price of Christ’s blood so that we may live for Him.
I thank God for the freedoms that we enjoy in this country, but I am overjoyed for the eternal freedom that He has provided through His Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord!
Blessings in Christ – Pastor Zach