It is for Freedom that Christ has set us Free!

Christ has set us Free!

"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."

2 Corinthians 3:17 emphasizes that the presence of the Spirit brings freedom. I believe this verse points to more than freedom from sin or the constraints of the law. Freedom can mean many things to many people, but freedom, for its own sake, is a transformative position and mindset. Spiritually, it is one of the keys to the victorious life that God has promised us. So, the question remains: Why do so many believers still live in bondage?

If you as a believer still believe the Spirit’s primary role is conviction and exposure of sin, you will live guarded and self-focused. If you live with the understanding that the Spirit’s purpose is assurance, confidence, and truth through sanctification, you will live secure and transformed. Sanctification flows from your new identity, not from accusation. God does not continually prosecute what He has already pardoned. Heb 9:14 says “How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!” If this is true, and our very consciences have been cleared, why do many believers still live in bondage to guilt?

When we stumble as believers, the Holy Spirit does not drive us back into shame. He pulls us into truth AND REMINDS US OF WHO WE ARE IN CHRIST. The Holy Spirit always agrees with our Advocate, not the accuser! Rom 2:4 “Or do you show contempt for the richness of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?” Repentance flows from the pursuit of righteousness, not from being crushed by condemnation. Could the real issue beneath this debate be where attention is focused? Believers who focus on sin management tend to focus on behaviors, while those who pursue righteousness find true transformation. So, “complete freedom” is available with the proper focus and understanding?