Christian Liberty
While it is that season for the United States, I thought it would be prudent to have the discussion of Christian liberty that all Christians, no matter what country you reside in, can reflect on.
Galatians 5:1-6 “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. 2 Indeed I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing. 3 And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep the whole law. 4 You have become estranged from Christ, you who [attempt to] be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. 5 For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.”
As Christians, we are free from sin and the need to follow the old law “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.” Our liberty, our freedom, is purchased with the blood of Jesus Christ. Now this does not mean we are to intentionally sin, but rather recognize and be assured in our salvation.
However, in this particular passage Paul is wanting to discuss to the self righteous person. The individual who believes they can do their own righteousness and be saved. “Indeed I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing.” The term circumcised here is in the context of the Jewish believers who made up most of the early church. Here Paul is saying that if we leave the faith and believe our own works can get us into heaven we are mistaken. There is a freedom in Christ that cannot be mistaken as something we earn or purchase ourselves. Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” There are people who claim to be believers in Christ, who think they are following the law and are perfect in what they do. In fact, they do not realize that the law points to only one righteous person and that is Jesus Christ. The law does not save you, the law serves one purpose and that is to point you to the need of a savior. “3 And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep the whole law. 4 You have become estranged from Christ, you who [attempt to] be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. 5 For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.” It is important to understand that man has a basic desire wound tightly into an unqualified pursuit of proving themselves worthy. This desire is to our detriment, for man is not capable of proving anything other than unworthiness. Thus why Christ’s unfailing love and free gift of salvation is so liberating. This gives us the opportunity to love the Lord and pursue righteousness, but with the understanding that it is Christ who finished His good work in us. We can only thank Him and follow the commandments set forth for our present age as the Church. So take this time to reflect on the liberty we have in Christ Jesus.
Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,
Jl