How can I have freedom in Christ?

How can I have Freedom in Christ?

Only through Jesus Christ can we find true freedom, a freedom within and can never be taken away. The Holy Bible (NIV) in Romans 8:21 describes “the glorious freedom of the children of God”; and Galatians 2:4 speaks of “the freedom we have in Christ Jesus.” You may wonder: How can I have this freedom in Christ?

1. Jesus Christ came to free his followers from the bondage and penalty of sins.

Jesus says, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10b). Hebrews 9:15 describes what Jesus has done for his followers: “..he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins [they] committed…” A ransom is a price paid to buy the freedom of another. The price Jesus paid was his own life given on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. John 15:13 says, “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” That is what Jesus Christ did! He gave his life so we could be free! Through Jesus Christ we find spiritual freedom that can never be taken away from us. “So,” as John 8:36 declares, “if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

2. God loves us and want us to discover freedom from sin in Jesus Christ.

Many people seem to think that God could never love people who are sinful. “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8). John 3:16, says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” And verse 17 continues, “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” God’s plan is not to condemn anybody. Rather, “In love, he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will-- to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves” (Ephesians 1:5-6). He wants us to become his children and enjoy freedom in Christ.

3. All of us have sinned; our sin keeps us in bondage and separates us from God.

The Bible teaches that: “…all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23); also, “the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). God created us to enjoy the freedom that comes from a positive relationship with him. Since the first man and woman, however, we have stubbornly chosen to go our own independent way. Disregarding God’s judgment of right and wrong, we have all fallen into sin. Death in hell is what sinners all deserve---unless we receive God’s gift of eternal life in heaven! According to Ezekiel 18:4, “The soul who sins is the one who will die.” God says, “For every living soul belongs to me.” Jesus himself said, “If you do not believe that I am the one I claim to be, you will indeed die in your sins" (John 8:24b).

4. We must all receive Jesus Christ as Savior to be forgiven and thus truly free.

In John 14:6 NIV, Jesus stated, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father [God] except through me.” There is no other way to get into heaven. Jesus is the only way. Jesus said, “If you do not believe that I am the one I claim to be, you will indeed die in your sins" (John 8:24b). “Yet to all who received him”, says John 1:12 “to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God…” Ephesians 1:7 tells us, “In him, we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins.” Romans 5:1 says “…we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

We must each make an individual choice to receive Jesus Christ and put our trust in him to save us. Receiving Christ involves turning from sinful ways (repentance) and trusting in Jesus Christ completely (faith). When we become fully committed followers of Jesus Christ, he will lead us into a life of freedom through discovery of his perfect plan.

The invitation is going out today: “Come! Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.” (Revelation 22:17). That means you! Will you come to Jesus and take the free gift of eternal life? If you are willing to receive this gift, then you can discover true freedom in Jesus Christ.

You can receive the gift of eternal life right now by a simple prayer of faith; if the following is the desire of your heart, pray this prayer right now:

Lord Jesus, thank you for coming to free me from bondage to sin. Thank you for dying on the cross to pay my ransom. I know that I need forgiveness and I ask you to save me from my sins. I come to you, Lord Jesus, and I claim your promise to give me the free gift of eternal life. I ask you to direct my path from this point forward and help me discover the freedom of living for you. Amen.

If you prayed that prayer from the heart, then why not praise God for what he has done:

“To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood… to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.” (Revelation 1:5-6). You can count on God to keep his promise so save you, even if your feelings alternate. In order to make your commitment final, you need to share your decision with someone. I would consider it an honor, if you would send me a brief e-mail and let me know what you have done. I will do everything I can to assist you to discover freedom in Christ.