Freedom in Christ, The Greatest Independence: Galatians 5:1
As we celebrate freedom in America this week, I find myself celebrating another kind of freedom too—one that cannot be granted by a government or protected by a military. It is the freedom Christ purchased for us through His death and resurrection.
The freedoms we enjoy as Americans are rooted in the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. Together, these documents define many of the liberties we cherish: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, the right to assemble, and the right to petition. These are incredible blessings. For the men and women who have sacrificed to define and defend these rights, I am deeply grateful. Their service deserves our honor, respect, and appreciation.
But as wonderful as those freedoms are, they cannot touch the deepest need of the human heart. The freedom Christ paid for is so much more. “Freedom in Christ” is a phrase we hear a lot, but what does it actually entail?
Jesus came to set us free from the power of sin. And “if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36). Think about that. We are no longer defined by our past or controlled by our failures. Sin no longer has the final say. Because of Jesus, we have the freedom to live differently.
He also came to set us free from shame. Romans 8:1 reminds us, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” The enemy loves to remind us of what we’ve done, or failed to do. God reminds us of who we are. The cross settled our identity. We are forgiven, redeemed, adopted, and made new.
Jesus also came to set us free from the letter of the law. Paul spends much of Galatians explaining that we are not justified by keeping the law but by faith in Christ. Jesus fulfilled the law perfectly on our behalf (Matthew 5:17). That doesn’t mean God’s standards no longer matter. It means we don’t obey Him to earn His love. We obey because we have already received it. As Jeremiah prophesied, God would write His law on our hearts (Jeremiah 31:33). Instead of trying harder in our own strength, the Holy Spirit transforms us from the inside out.
Jesus also came to set us free from death. His resurrection changed everything. “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). Death is no longer our master. Because Jesus lives, we live also (John 14:19). Our hope isn’t limited to this life. It is eternal.
And finally, Jesus came to set us free for something, not just from something. Freedom in Christ isn’t permission to live however we want. It is the power to become who God created us to be. Paul goes on to say, “For you were called to freedom... only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13). Real freedom is the ability to walk in righteousness. Real freedom is partnering with God in His Kingdom. Real freedom is hearing His voice, following His Spirit, loving people well, forgiving quickly, serving joyfully, and living with purpose.
This Independence Day, I’ll celebrate the freedoms we enjoy as Americans, and I’ll thank God for those who have sacrificed to protect them. But I’ll celebrate even more the freedom that was purchased with the blood of Jesus. Because the greatest freedom we will ever know is not found in a nation. It is found in a Savior. No government can give it. No enemy can steal it.
That is the freedom worth celebrating.
