While I sit and see all these people going about their business I can't help but to think about how many of them are in bondage and don't even know it. Others might realize but have no idea how to obtain the freedom they have been looking for.
The book of Galatians talks to us about freedom. This book was written by Paul between 49ad - 55ad. The is letter unlike any of His other letters, is written for a group of churches He help established while spreading the gospel. Paul felt a need to write this letter after hearing that some among the church where spreading heresy in the form of deeds for salvation rather than preaching salvation as gift of grace from God.
Galatians 5:1 speaks to us a out being free - 1It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
What type of freedom is Paul talking about? I believe there are three main types. First we have freedom from the slavery of sin. We where set free from the bondage of sin. Before this freedom we had no choice but to sin. We where controlled by sin. Rom. 8:9 says You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit. In other words we do not have to be under the yoke of sin.
Second we have freedom from external restraints. Salvation was not meant for the elite, the athlete, the socialite nor just for the poor or the needy and it is not received base on what you do, who you are or the fulfillment of a list of do's and don'ts. Salvations is a free gift from God that is for whoever believes in Him.
This is why John 3:16 is such an important verse, it encapsulates this simple truth. Nothing less nothing more.
Finally we are free to access him at any point in time. John 10:9 jesus states that he is the gate and we are able to go through his gates at any time. Not only that but when we go through those doors we will find salvation, protection and fulfillment of our needs.
Freedom is not doing what you want to, when you want to, how you want to and however you want to do it. Freedom is trusting in God with your life knowing that you have freedom from sin, freedom fro external pulls and the freedom to access God at any time. All you need to do is live out the freedom.
Live free!
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