Wednesday, July 4, 2018

Can You Buy Freedom?


God sent Him (His Son, Jesus) to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that He could adopt us as His very own children. And because we are His children, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, "Abba, Father." Now you are no longer a slave but God's own child. And since you are His child, God has made you His heir. Galatians 4:5-7

Yearning to be Free
Freedom isn’t free. Someone purchases it…someone gives up something for others to be free. In the United States our military and police men and women give up their time, talents and often their homes so that they can safeguard our country. The USA is known for its freedom. Today we all celebrate that freedom with parades, BBQs and fireworks. It’s time to gather family and friends to celebrate our liberty once again.

A price has been paid for our spiritual freedom, too. Jesus paid it all. He obediently went to the cross and died—as a sacrifice for our sin. When there is sin—someone or something has to pay. With Adam and Eve, God sacrificed an animal in the Garden of Eden to cover their shameful nakedness. God gave up His Son for us…Jesus was the sacrifice. Do you think you are without sin? Consider… For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. Romans 3:23. Everyone sins…some worse than others…but everyone has sinned. We can’t ever stand before God, in His purity and righteousness if we have sinned. So Jesus took on our sin on Himself when He went to the cross. That means that we can go before God—pure and sin free. Safely home to God one day. What a great hope.
Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but He died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but He was raised to life in the Spirit. 1 Peter 3:18.

Spiritually, we are adopted by God. Romans 5:15-17 says, For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "Abba! Father!" The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. As heirs of God we will receive our “inheritance” from our adopted Heavenly Father. That thought is a spiritual meal in itself! So much food for thought. What will our inheritance be? Are you among God’s adopted children? Do you realize that to be His adopted child is just as easy as confessing your sin, agreeing with God that you are a sinner—we all are! Then merely asking for His forgiveness, and accepting that forgiveness. It really is as easy as it sounds, but it takes a decision. What is your “decision”? What will be your inheritance? Can you buy freedom with your inheritance? Our freedom has been paid for by Jesus. God sent Him to buy freedom for us. 

Is spiritual freedom the same for everyone? I think not because we are not all at the same level of spiritual maturity. Sin binds us spiritually—holding us back from spiritual growth. Christ gives us freedom from sin just as God promised. So we are free. Christ means Messiah. Jesus is the Messiah for whom the Jews were searching and longing. The Savior. Who is Jesus Christ to you? Is He your promised Savior?
And now that you belong to Christ, you are the true children of Abraham. You are his heirs, and God's promise to Abraham belongs to you. Galatians 3:29
Enjoy your freedom in Christ! Set off some spiritual fireworks today—Rejoice and be glad!

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, Let all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; Let those who love Your salvation say continually, "The LORD be magnified!" Psalm 40:16 NASB

Daily Bible Reading: 2 Kings 9-11
(Revised from 2017 Banquet With The King blog)

© 2018 Text and photo by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.
Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.
Follow And Like "Banquet With The King" on Facebook. 👍

No comments: