FREEDOM AND LIBERTY IN CHRIST

“Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” -II Corinthians 3:17 [KJV]

Paul encourages all believers to stand fast in the liberty and freedom we enjoy in the Lord Jesus Christ. "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage" (Galatians 5:1).

Consider these brief thoughts on the believer's freedom in Christ:

1). Where Christ in the gospel is, the Spirit of illumination in our heart, there is freedom from darkness. "I am the light of the world: he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life" (John 8:12). "Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath
translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son" (Colossians 1:13).

2). Where Christ in the gospel is, the Spirit of regeneration in our heart, there is freedom from the bondage of sin. "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed" (John 8:32, 36).

3). Where Christ in the gospel is, the Spirit of redemption in our heart; there is freedom from the curse and penalty of sin. "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree" (Galatians 3:13).

4). Where Christ in the gospel is, the Spirit of comfort in our heart, there is freedom from fear and wrath; "But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and He that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art Mine" (Isaiah 43:1).

5). Where Christ in the gospel is, the Spirit of adoption in our heart, there is the freedom of a child to come unto his loving Father. "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:16).

6). Where Christ in the gospel is, the Spirit of love shed abroad in our heart (see Romans 5:5), there is freedom to serve Him not out of fear of punishment, or threat of the Law, but with a generous spirit of thanksgiving; (Psalm 103:1) "The love of Christ constraineth us" (II Corinthians 5:14).

-preacher Tom Harding of Zebulon Grace church in Pikesville, Kentucky USA

“We preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.” -II Corinthians 4:5

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