We are all born as slaves to sin, enemies of God. Christ died so we can have the freedom to deny sin and avoid its deadly consequences.
While the Bible often speaks of literal freedom—such as God freeing His people from Egyptian bondange—its focus is most frequently spiritual freedom experienced in Christ. Jesus indicated that the truth (Himself) is the way to freedom (John 14:6; John 8:32, 36). Paul wrote of how sin enslaves but Christ frees (Romans 8). He pointed out how Christ frees us from the Law, enabling us to come before God, covered in Christ’s righteousness (Galatians 5). Those who place their faith in Christ, have a new identity as servants of Christ who look forward to an eternity in His presence.
The last day of school, a teen’s first car, the moment your shoes come off after work—even small doses of freedom feel great. But no freedom is as significant as what believers find in Christ. Before placing faith in Christ, people are in bondage of sin. Knowing Christ frees us from sin and allows us into God’s presence.proThis freedom does not mean sin is completely removed. Paul spoke of his ongoing struggle with sin (Romans 7:15-20), yet also noted that sin no longer controlled him (Romans 6:1-2). He sought to live a transformed life because of his new identity in Christ (Romans 12:1-2; 2 Corinthians 5:17). This included putting off old habits and developing new patterns that honored God (Ephesians 4:22-32).
The seeming paradox? We are set free from sin to serve Christ. But the freedom found in Christ gives the believer a desire to live for Christ as a servant. This was Jesus’ attitude during His time on Earth (John 13:1-20; Philippians 2:5-11). The apostle Paul exemplified this, too, introducing himself in many letters as a "servant of Christ Jesus."
Servants of Christ should live as free people. This means having a different outlook than the world. The world thinks freedom means limitless sin when it actually means enslavement to sin. The world looks down on those with a servant mentality, but as children of the King, we follow His example of servitude. The world often links personal value to achievement. Believers know that God loves us as we are because we are covered in Christ’s righteousness.
We experience true freedom in Christ by knowing Him, walking in His ways, and engaging with the changes He makes in and through our lives. This freedom transcends the human freedoms desired in this world, providing peace in this life and freedom with Christ forevermore.