Are you burdened by sin and seeking true freedom? Do you feel weighed down by the chains of sin and guilt? Join us as we explore the profound depths of freedom and grace found in Christ.
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Table of contents
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Watch the video of this teaching at https://www.celllifechurch.tv/freedom-and-grace-in-christ/ or on our YouTube channel.
Introduction
Today we are talking about one of the fundamental beliefs of the Christian faith, the profound freedom and grace found in Jesus Christ. This world is marked by turmoil and uncertainty, the promise of freedom and grace in Christ holds immense significance for us all. Let’s look into the depths of this truth and discover liberation, empowerment, and steadfastness, all in the freedom and grace of Jesus Christ.
Liberation Through Freedom and Grace
At the core of the Christian message lies the proclamation of liberation through freedom and grace. One of the chief keys to our faith is taught by Jesus and the Apostle John captures this truth in John 8:36, which says:
John 8:36
(36)Â So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
This declaration captures the essence of Christ’s redemptive mission—to free all of humanity from the bondage of sin and shame and restore us to a state of wholeness and righteousness bringing us back into a right relationship with God, our Creator, through the undeserved gift of grace.
Let’s read that passage again, but with more context. Let’s read John 8:31-38.
John 8:31-38
(31)Â To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Â (32)Â Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." Â (33)Â They answered him, "We are Abraham's descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?" Â (34)Â Jesus replied, "Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Â (35)Â Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. Â (36)Â So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. Â (37)Â I know that you are Abraham's descendants. Yet you are looking for a way to kill me, because you have no room for my word. Â (38)Â I am telling you what I have seen in the Father's presence, and you are doing what you have heard from your father."
Sin, with its insidious grip, not only separates us from God but also gives us a profound sense of guilt and shame. Sin makes us a slave to the trials, tribulations, and manipulations of this world and sentences us to toil and death. Yet, through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we find redemption and forgiveness. The Apostle Paul articulates this truth in Romans 8:1, saying:
Romans 8:1
(1) Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,
In Christ, the heavy yoke of guilt and shame is lifted from us. We are accepted and adopted into the family as co-heirs with Jesus by the unending love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness of God. This acceptance into the family of God empowers us to love and to serve.
Empowered by Freedom and Grace to Love and Serve
The freedom we receive in Christ empowers us to cast off our selfish desires and embrace a life of sacrificial love and service. Galatians 5:13-14 encourages all believers, saying:
Galatians 5:13-14
(13) You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. (14) For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: "Love your neighbor as yourself."
This instruction from the Apostle Paul underscores the transformative nature of Christian freedom. This then empowers us to extend grace and kindness to those in need, participating in the redemptive work of Christ, in other words, being the Church.
In imitating the selfless love demonstrated by Christ on the cross, we discover the true essence of freedom. Freedom is not a license for self-indulgence but a motivator for compassionate loving action. It allows us to do what the Holy Spirit prompts us to do when and where he prompts us.
As we extend grace and kindness to others, we allow Christ to show the transformative power of love through us. We become the hands and feet of Jesus. Jesus has given this to all of us to show the world the freedom found in him. This freedom and grace that Christ has given us is what we need to remain steadfast as we go through the inevitable trials and tribulations of this world.
Steadfast in Freedom and Grace Through Trials
In the midst of life’s trials and tribulations, the liberation of freedom and grace found in Christ serves as an anchor for the soul. It is a steadfast assurance that goes beyond the natural laws and understanding of this world. We read in 2 Corinthians 3:17,
2 Corinthians 3:17
(17) Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
Even amidst the storms of life, the presence of Christ provides a refuge of peace and hope. Jesus is a sanctuary from which we draw strength and courage to endure. When we find ourselves standing against the calamities and catastrophes of this world we can remember what King David gave us in Psalms 18:1-3.
Psalms 18:1-3
(1) I love you, LORD, my strength. (2) The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. (3) I called to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I have been saved from my enemies.
King David sang those words to the Lord after the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul.
While the trials of life may attack us relentlessly, just as King David’s enemies did, our faith in Christ empowers us to navigate through the storms with unwavering resolve and determination. The Apostle Paul teaches us in Philippians 4:13,
Philippians 4:13
(13) I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
In Christ, we find an inexhaustible source of strength, courage, and endurance needed to overcome adversity, attacks, and the storms of this world and emerge victorious. This is the fullness of the liberation of freedom and grace in every aspect of our lives.
Conclusion
A central fundamental belief of Christianity is that Jesus Christ brings us freedom and grace which gives us liberty, empowerment, and steadfastness to face the world each and every day. The liberation of freedom and grace found in Jesus is much more than just freedom from bondage; it is a profound transformation of the soul. It encompasses love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness in the face of adversity. As you embrace this divine gift of freedom and grace in Christ, be transformed by its power and be empowered to live lives of purpose, compassion, and steadfast faith always sharing the love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness of Christ with everyone you interact with.
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