Reborn Free
Read This Week: Galatians 3
So in Christ Jesus, you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. – Galatians 3:26-29 NIV
To be free is an innate cry of the human heart. The very idea of being born free has inspired poems, songs, movies, and passionate speeches. Every person wants to live in a world where freedom is a way of life. It is every bit the desired experience as it is a romantic thought.
Unfortunately, not everyone has been or is born free. Some have entered into situations of oppression and captivity; a life where personal and collective freedom is not realized by law. They live under societal or religious regulations that suppress liberty and restrict autonomy.
But Galatians 3 and many other passages in the Bible, teach us that no matter where we happen to come into the world, we are not born through the law, but are brought up under the law. The law does not give us life; it regulates it. It can deny or facilitate the experience of freedom, but it can’t make one free. The law does not allow us to be born free, it incites in us a longing for freedom. The law can govern and provide a valuable society for people, but it cannot bring intrinsic value to their lives.
In this chapter, Paul continues his teaching and maintains this idea by repeating over again that it is faith in Christ and not one’s adherence to a set of laws that makes them free and a recipient of God’s promises. He says, “Is the law, therefore, opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely not! For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law.”
Only God can bring life, freedom, and righteousness and he did it, once and for all, through the person of Jesus Christ. And because of what He offers to us through salvation, it doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from, you can have life, experience freedom, and share in all the promises of God.
Paul writes in verses 28-29, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” We are all children of God and free people through faith.
Be encouraged today, that in spite of your circumstances that are enslaving you or the things that make you feel like a captive, you are free. The truth of the gospel declares over your life that even if you are in prison or living in an oppressed state, you have all the freedom you need in Christ. Nothing can stop His power in your life. You are reborn free.
Why live in bondage when you can be free? Bondage is selfishness fulfilled. Trying to grasp at the things of the world, seeking to save your life, you lose it. It’s so sad that many are tormented and bound by their own greed, if they would only give their life to God and others, they would save it and gain the desires of their heart. Freedom is a gift from God, all He asks is that we lose our life to save it. Just like Jesus gave His life to save you.
Most of us will only have to give our time, talent and treasure to put feet to our faith, others have given their lives, contending for the faith. Thank you, God for people who inspire us to be authentic in word and deed, and to walk in the freedom that we have in You.
Bondage is selfishness fulfilled. That is a truthful and deeply impactful statement. Our selfish acts of sin and indulgence and our selfish denials of God’s grace and the freedom that He provided for us on the cross always lead to oppression. Your statement reminded me of Proverbs 14:12:
There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end, it leads to death. Even in laughter, the heart may ache, and joy may end in grief.
Our way leads to bondage and God’s way leads to freedom. God’s way leads to lasting joy, pleasure and success. Like you asked, “Why would we want this when we can have all God offers to us?”
I was speaking with a dear friend of mine regarding his current situation in life, and like God always does, He with perfect timing, led me to sharing Galatians 3 with him to speak about the law and how it pertains to us as Christians. Having the relationship with God and attaining that freedom is crucial to true happiness in our lives.
To me it feels that this chapter is a pivotal focal point to really distinguish the difference between “religion” and knowing God. It is easy to crave structure and want to follow a set of rules and guidelines, but it takes courage to branch outside of that and take the gift that Jesus gave us, and be free, be close with God, and truly build an eternal relationship.
I agree, Javaid. I think it takes more courage to be in a faith relationship with Jesus and to receive his grace daily in order for that to empower our love and service than it is to follow rules in a legalistic way. Yet, with the courage and faith comes more freedom and intimacy with God.
I’m blessed to know you made that distinction with your friend because so many people (especially those who are far from God) have the wrong perspective and impression of what it is to have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. How freeing it is, how hopeful it is and how peaceful it is as opposed to the oppression, sadness, and anxiety of trying to measure up by following a set of religious rules. I hope your friend was encouraged.