“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened by a yoke of slavery.”
Galatians 5:1
The Israelites were slaves in Egypt for 400 years. That’s a long time! Slavery in the U.S. has a lengthy history and did not end until President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. Even then, it ended on paper, but not necessarily in reality.
Those who founded this country fought for religious freedom. We continue to fight today for various freedoms. But spiritual freedom is at the heart of the teachings of Jesus. By His life, death, and resurrection, He fulfilled the law and ushered in the new covenant of grace to set us truly free.
Paul was enslaved to the law until he met Jesus on the Damascus Road. Immediately, he found freedom from the law of sin and death. When he confronted the church in Galatia for moving from grace back to the law (see vv. 7-12), he would be speaking to Christians throughout the ages who naturally gravitate to “indulg[ing] the sinful nature” (v. 13).
Celebrate the fact that Jesus bought your freedom from sin and death, and He provided it by grace alone. You are free to live in Christ’s righteousness!
Those who founded this country fought for religious freedom. We continue to fight today for various freedoms. But spiritual freedom is at the heart of the teachings of Jesus. By His life, death, and resurrection, He fulfilled the law and ushered in the new covenant of grace to set us truly free.
Paul was enslaved to the law until he met Jesus on the Damascus Road. Immediately, he found freedom from the law of sin and death. When he confronted the church in Galatia for moving from grace back to the law (see vv. 7-12), he would be speaking to Christians throughout the ages who naturally gravitate to “indulg[ing] the sinful nature” (v. 13).
Celebrate the fact that Jesus bought your freedom from sin and death, and He provided it by grace alone. You are free to live in Christ’s righteousness!
Scripture Focus
Galatians 5:1-26
Insight
“You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.” (Romans 6:18)
Bible In A Year
- Isaiah 11-13
- Psalm 77
- John 18