Freedom is a Gift from God!

In the Scriptures, freedom is not simply the absence of external constraints but a spiritual reality that liberates humanity from the bondage of sin, the demands of the law, and the fear of death. It is a gift initiated by God, accomplished through Christ, and experienced through the Holy Spirit. The Apostle Paul captures this beautifully in Galatians 5:1: "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery." This verse sets the tone for our exploration, emphasizing that freedom is both a purpose and a promise of Christ’s work—a gift believers are called to embrace and protect.

This freedom is rooted in the Gospel: the good news that salvation is by grace through faith, not works (Ephesians 2:8-9). It is a freedom that transforms lives, restores relationship with God, and equips believers to live for His glory. This post will delve into key biblical texts, unpacking their original language terms to deepen our understanding of this divine gift.

Freedom from Sin

The Enslavement of Sin

To appreciate the freedom God provides from sin, we must first understand sin’s enslaving nature. The Bible portrays sin not merely as isolated acts of wrongdoing but as a pervasive condition that separates humanity from God. Romans 3:23 declares, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," underscoring the universal bondage of sin. Jesus elaborates in John 8:34, "Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin." The Greek word for "slave" here is δοῦλος (doulos), meaning one who is wholly under another’s control. This paints a picture of humanity helplessly bound to sin’s dominion.

Sin’s consequences are severe: spiritual death and eternal separation from God (Romans 6:23). Without divine intervention, humanity lacks the power to break free, trapped in a cycle of rebellion and guilt.

Christ’s Liberating Work

The good news of the Gospel is that God has provided freedom from this bondage through Jesus Christ. Romans 6:18 states, "and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness." The Greek verb ἐλευθερόω (eleutheroō), translated "set free," means to liberate or release from bondage. This liberation is not earned but received as a gift of God’s grace through faith in Christ’s atoning death and resurrection.

In Romans 6:6-7, Paul explains, "We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin." The phrase "set free" in verse 7 is δεδικαίωται (dedikaiōtai), linked to justification, meaning to be declared righteous or acquitted. Through union with Christ’s death, believers are released from sin’s penalty and power—a profound act of divine deliverance.

Jesus reinforces this in John 8:36, saying, "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." The adverb ὄντως (ontōs), "indeed," emphasizes the genuine, complete nature of this freedom, distinguishing it from the fleeting liberties the world offers.

Freedom’s Implications

This freedom from sin is comprehensive. Romans 8:1-2 proclaims, "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death." Here, "set you free" again uses ἐλευθερόω (eleutheroō), highlighting liberation from sin’s condemning power. Believers are no longer under sin’s dominion but are empowered by the Spirit to live righteously (Romans 6:14).

Yet, this does not mean sin disappears entirely from the believer’s life. Rather, as Paul warns in Romans 6:1-2, "Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?" Freedom from sin is an ongoing process of sanctification, where the Spirit enables believers to resist temptation and grow in holiness. It also frees them from guilt and shame, as 1 John 1:9 assures, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

In summary, freedom from sin—granted through Christ’s sacrifice—is a foundational gift that restores believers to God, empowering them to live as His redeemed children.

Freedom from the Law

The Burden of the Law

In the Old Testament, the law (תּוֹרָה, torah in Hebrew) was God’s covenant with Israel, revealing His holiness and humanity’s sinfulness (Romans 3:20). It served as a guardian until Christ came (Galatians 3:24), but its demands were a heavy burden. Acts 15:10 describes it as "a yoke on the neck" that no one could bear, reflecting the impossibility of achieving righteousness through perfect obedience.

Christ’s Fulfillment of the Law

The Gospel declares that believers are free from the law’s burden through Christ. Galatians 5:1 urges, "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery." The "yoke" (ζυγός, zygos) symbolizes the oppressive weight of the law’s requirements, particularly its ceremonial aspects, which Christ fulfilled (Matthew 5:17). In contrast, Jesus offers an "easy yoke" (Matthew 11:30), rooted in grace.

Paul expands this in Galatians 3:13, "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree.’” The verb ἐξηγόρασεν (exēgorasen), "redeemed," means to ransom or buy back, indicating Christ’s death purchased our freedom from the law’s curse.

In Colossians 2:13-14, we read, "And you, who were dead in your trespasses… God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross." The law’s "record of debt" is erased, freeing believers from its condemnation.

A New Way of Living

This freedom does not abolish the law’s moral principles, which reflect God’s eternal character (Romans 13:10, "Love is the fulfilling of the law"). Instead, believers are under the "law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2), a rule of love written on their hearts by the Spirit (Hebrews 10:16). Romans 7:6 explains, "But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code." The verb κατηργήθημεν (katērgēthēmen), "released," signifies discharge from the law’s binding power.

Thus, freedom from the law is not lawlessness but liberation to live by grace, fulfilling God’s will through love and dependence on the Spirit.

Freedom through the Spirit

The Spirit’s Role

The Holy Spirit is the enabler of freedom in the believer’s life. 2 Corinthians 3:17 states, "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." The noun ἐλευθερία (eleutheria), "freedom," denotes liberty from restraint, a gift bestowed by the Spirit’s presence.

Upon faith in Christ, the Spirit regenerates and indwells believers (John 3:5-6; 1 Corinthians 6:19), bringing multiple dimensions of freedom:

Power Over Sin: Romans 8:13 says, "if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live," highlighting the Spirit’s strength to overcome sin.

Worship in Truth: John 4:24 notes worship "in spirit and truth," freed from ritualistic constraints.

Assurance as God’s Children: Romans 8:15 assures, "you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’" banishing fear.

Illumination of Truth: John 16:13 promises the Spirit guides into all truth.

Fruitful Living: Galatians 5:22-23 lists the Spirit’s fruit, evidence of freedom’s transformative power.

Communal Freedom

The Spirit also fosters freedom within the Church. 1 Corinthians 12:7 states, "To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good," uniting diverse gifts for God’s glory. This ἐλευθερία (eleutheria) implies a generous freedom that benefits others.

In Romans 8:2, "For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death," the Spirit liberates from death’s fear, enabling bold access to God (Hebrews 4:16). This freedom is both personal and collective, reflecting God’s kingdom purposes.

Living in Freedom

Embracing Our Identity

Freedom in Christ calls believers to live as God’s children. Galatians 4:7 affirms, "So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God." This identity empowers joyful service, not obligation.

Responsible Freedom

1 Peter 2:16 instructs, "Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God." The term ἐπικάλυμμα (epikalymma), "cover-up," warns against misusing freedom as a pretext for sin. Similarly, Galatians 5:13 advises, "do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." ἀφορμή (aphormē), "opportunity," suggests freedom is a starting point for love, not self-indulgence.

Standing Firm

Believers must resist re-enslavement, whether by legalism or libertinism. Galatians 5:1’s "stand firm" (στήκετε, stēkete) is a call to vigilance. Freedom is also a platform for kingdom work—sharing the Gospel and loving others (Matthew 10:8).

Living in freedom means embodying the Gospel daily, reflecting Christ’s liberation to the world.

The Biblical Perspective on Freedom

Freedom is central to the Gospel. It underscores salvation by grace through faith, fostering intimacy with God free from condemnation. It transforms lives, as believers are conformed to Christ’s image (Romans 8:29), and fuels mission, compelling them to share this gift (Matthew 28:19-20). Freedom is both a personal reality and a corporate witness, glorifying God.

The Gift of Freedom

Freedom in Scripture—freedom from sin, the law, and death—is a multifaceted gift from God, secured by Christ and enlivened by the Spirit. Keywords like ἐλευθερόω (set free), ἐλευθερία (freedom), and ζυγός (yoke) reveal its depth. This freedom is not earned but received, calling believers to gratitude, obedience, and service. As evangelicals, we celebrate this gift, living as those truly free for God’s glory.

Happy Independence Day!