“Christ Has Set You Free” — True Liberty Through the Gospel
There is a resounding declaration at the heart of the Christian message: “Christ has set you free.” Drawn from Galatians 5:1, this phrase is not merely a statement but a summons—an invitation to experience a freedom that is deeper and more enduring than any earthly liberty. Christian faith, rooted in the finished work of Jesus Christ, is the foundation upon which true freedom stands.
The Chains Broken: From What Are Believers Set Free?
The biblical understanding of freedom is distinct from worldly notions of independence or self-will. It is a release from powerful and invisible chains:
· The Power of Sin: Through Christ’s sacrifice, believers are delivered from the dominion and tyranny of sin. No longer are they compelled to obey the cravings and passions that once enslaved their hearts and minds. As Paul writes to the Romans, “Sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.” (Romans 6:14)
· The Curse of the Law: Christians are also freed from the condemnation brought by the law. The law, perfect and holy, exposes human failure and pronounces judgment, but Christ fulfills the law for us and removes its curse. In Him, the sentence is lifted, and the believer stands justified by faith alone.
· Bondage and Slavery: The old life is characterized by bondage—to sinful desires, to the relentless pursuit of self-justification, and to a performance-based religion that can never satisfy. Christ invites us to lay down those burdens, to cease striving for acceptance, and to rest in His completed work.
Freedom Manifested: The Life Liberated by Christ
This freedom is not a nebulous idea; it takes root and grows in the heart, transforming every aspect of life.
· Freedom by the Spirit: The Holy Spirit breathes into the believer a new power and vitality. It is the Spirit of life who sets us free from the “law of sin and death” (Romans 8:2), enabling us to live in accordance with God’s desires. The Christian is free—not to indulge the flesh, but to walk in step with the Spirit, bearing fruit that reflects the character of Christ.
· Living in Love: Christian liberty is never an excuse for selfishness. Instead, it finds its truest expression in serving others. As Paul exhorts, “do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love” (Galatians 5:13). The freedom Christ provides empowers believers to fulfill the law’s true intent: to love God and neighbor.
· Standing Firm in Freedom: Paul’s admonition is clear: “Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery” (Galatians 5:1). Whether it be the chains of legalism, ritual, or sin, believers are called to resist any force that seeks to re-enslave them. Their new life is founded on grace, not on the shifting sands of human effort.
The Truth That Sets Us Free
Jesus spoke these words: “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). In the Christian faith, this truth is not merely a set of propositions but a Person—Jesus Christ Himself. He is the embodiment of God’s love, mercy, and redemptive power. To abide in His teaching is to walk in freedom, no longer shackled by guilt, shame, fear, or condemnation.
Faith, Not Works: The Hope of Righteousness
Galatians 5:1-6 offers a penetrating insight into the heart of the gospel: Christ is the only Savior, and there is no other foundation for our acceptance with God. Outward observances—whether old religious ceremonies or new forms—cannot justify. It is not privilege, heritage, or performance that brings salvation, but sincere faith in Jesus alone. True faith is not passive; it is a living, active trust that expresses itself through love.
“May we be of the number of those who, through the Spirit, wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.” It is not by our own striving, but as the gift of God, that eternal life and righteousness are granted.
Conclusion: Living in the Freedom of Christ
Christian faith is the unshakable foundation of true freedom. It breaks the bonds of sin and law, calls us to a life of love, and roots us in hope by the Spirit. To be free in Christ is to be liberated from all that enslaves, and to be empowered for a life of righteousness, joy, and service.
Minister A Francine Green
September 2025
Let us stand fast, then, in the liberty with which Christ has set us free—walking by faith, working by love, and resting in the truth that has shattered every chain.
afrancinegreen.com 