A Biblical Outline
Jesus declared to His followers; "If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed" (John 8:31), reminding them once again that true faith is following our Lord and Master's instructions. We must never forget that the obedience of faith will always have benefits (Hebrews 11:6), and we can see the benefits of freedom for Jesus followers immediately after His call for their obedience; "And ye shall know the trust and the truth shall set you free" (John 8:32).
In Christ, believers are liberated from the spiritual and legal bondages that once separated them from God. This freedom is not just a release from sin, but a calling to a new life of purpose.
1. Freed From: The "Three P’s" of Sin
- The Penalty of Sin: Freed from the "wages of sin," which is eternal death and the wrath of God. (Romans 3:24-26)
- The Power of Sin: Freed from the mastery of our sinful nature and the inability to choose what is right. (Romans 6:6-14)
- The Presence of Sin: The future promise of being entirely free from the existence and effects of sin in eternity. (Romans 8:21)
2. Freed From: Legalism and the Law
- The Curse of the Law: Christ became a curse for us, satisfying the law's requirement and freeing us from condemnation. (Galatians 3:13)
- Works-Based Salvation: Liberation from the attempt to earn God's favor through personal merit or religious rituals. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
- The Yoke of Slavery: The freedom to rest in Christ's finished work rather than the burden of performance. (Galatians 5:1)
3. Freed From: Emotional and Internal Bondage
- Condemnation and Guilt: The conscience is cleared from the weight of past and present failures. (Romans 8:1-2)
- Fear of Death: Christ’s resurrection removes the ultimate sting and fear of mortality. (Hebrews 2:14-15)
- Shame and Accusation: Freedom from the "shame" of past choices; we are now holy and free from accusation. (Colossians 1:21-22)
4. The "Freedom For"
- Freedom to Love: Liberated from self-focus to serve others in genuine love. (Galatians 5:13)
- Freedom to Obey: The power to walk in holiness and do what is right through the Holy Spirit. (Romans 6:22)
- Freedom to Approach God: We can now approach our Heavenly Father with confidence and intimacy. (Ephesians 3:12)