“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then…” — Galatians 5:1
Over the years, I’ve for sure become something of a history nerd. (Some of you already knew that.) I’ve had the privilege of walking the corridors of Independence Hall in Philadelphia and standing on Lexington Green where someone fired the “shot heard round the world.” Along with that, I’ve traced Boston’s Freedom Trail and explored the fields of Gettysburg. Not once, but twice. Each visit reminded me of the same truth: freedom always comes at a cost.
No one accidentally becomes free.
Soldiers sacrificed. Families sacrificed. Some men signed the Declaration of Independence knowing it could become their death warrant. Others absolutely gave their lives on battlefields so future generations could live in liberty.
And I’m certainly grateful for our nation’s freedoms. However, those historic places have only pointed me to an even greater reality.
Spiritual freedom isn’t free either.
But Now
The Apostle Paul reminds us in Colossians 1 that we were once separated from God and hostile toward Him. But then come two of the sweetest words in Scripture: “But now…” Through Christ’s death on the cross, God reconciled us to Himself and declared us holy in His sight. Indeed, Christ freed us from every accusation. That’s not because we finally got our act together. On the contrary, it’s because Jesus paid the price we could never pay.
Sometimes I think we treat grace like the free samples at Costco — pleasant, appreciated, and kind of easy to forget by the time we reach the checkout line! But the freedom Christ purchased definitely wasn’t cheap. It cost Him everything.
That’s why the Gospel isn’t simply something we celebrate once and move on from. It surely shapes how we live every day. We remember who we were. Also, we celebrate what Christ has done. As well as continuing to trust Him. And we live out the new life He has given us.
As you go through this week, don’t just thank God for the blessings He’s given you. Also thank Him for the freedom He purchased for you.
Because freedom isn’t free.
It never has been.
And no one paid a greater price for your freedom than Jesus Christ.
Living in His freedom,
Posted in A Word from the Pastor