A few years ago a growing epidemic started to spread through the Church at large. Modern-day judaizers began muddying up the pure waters of gospel truth. This problem goes way back.
Some first Century Jews who believed in Christ had a hard time letting go of the laws of Moses. They preached that following the laws of Moses was still required for salvation. Paul preach that Christ made all believers free from the Law’s daily grind. He took aim at this issue in his epistles blasting away at these judaizers. His words still resonate today.
Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. (Gal. 5.1)
Freedom from the yoke of bondage is code for no longer being bound to keep the law. The freedom we have in Christ, to live free from the law, was bought for us at a very high price. Jesus secured for us an everlasting freedom from the law of sin and death (In Rom. 8:2 “the law of sin and death” was a reference to the law of Moses.) It is not wise, as Paul said, to be entangled again with this yoke of bondage.
You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. (Gal. 5.7-8)
The persuasion Paul refers to is that of the mixing of the works of the law with faith in Christ. These two don’t mix, and the craving to mix them doesn’t come from God.
In Old Testament times Jews were governed by Moses’ law. But, the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus makes them, and us, free from it. Now, we govern our lives by walking in love and being led by the Spirit.
You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Gal. 5.13-14 NIV)
and if by the Spirit ye are led, ye are not under law. (Gal. 5.18 YNG)
I don’t know about you, but I’m glad I’m free in Christ.
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One Response to Our Freedom In Christ
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I totally agree with this article. One thing that I have had to learn as a believer and a leader is to be strong in the word for myself, share what God has revealed to me, but also to do what the word instructs us in Romans 14:13-15:4 and that is to not put a stumbling block in our brother’s way when we know and are convinced of a certain truth, remembering that they are still our brothers in the Lord. We know that the kingdom of God is not of outward things but it is of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Not destroying the work of God for these outward things Likewise, those who don’t see it yet, should still walk in love and keep the unity, not turning from or shunning their brothers or sisters in Christ. The body of Christ has ALOT of work to do in themselves!