“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free…” Galatians 5:1
Ahhh, freedom! We love that word, don’t we! It’s our American heritage and a cherished gift. And yet, many today define that word as doing what one wants irrespective of consequences and their effects on us and others. Indeed, such a perspective on freedom makes us slaves to our lower impulses and sinful desires, and that is no freedom at all. It makes us subservient to our base instincts and hurtful impulses.
In the book of Galatians, Paul is arguing against the actions of the Law to make one right with God. He was opposing the idea that we become righteous by keeping the commandments and not by trusting in the grace of God. His main point was that sinners are saved through the gift of faith and not by our own works. Jesus fulfilled the commands of the Law, and while they are still upright truths to follow, they do nothing to save us from sin or to merit salvation. When we trust in our own efforts to save ourselves, we put chains upon ourselves and become bound to the Law, but when we live by grace and the forgiveness it grants, we are set free.
Do the commandments of the Lord, it is the best path to the abundant life on earth! But, it does not save. In fact it can take us away from a focus on Christ to a focus on ourselves and our own works. When we esteem Christ and His work on the cross, we are set free and begin to desire more the direction of His Law in living a fruitful, joyful life.
You are set free! Enjoy your freedom in Christ and live in His grace!
Know that you are loved!
Peace and Joy,
Pastor Kilian
