Through This Man
Through This Man
Our Freedom in Christ
… through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses. Acts 13:38-39
For many Americans, the word "freedom" conjures a picture of a bald eagle wrapped in an American flag (potentially with an iPhone in wing for the younger generations). We've grown up in a land that trumpets it’s freedoms to the world and, in all honesty, we're fairly free compared to much of the world. There are many opportunities, systems, avenues to give us greater freedom.
But there is also a false, impossible-to-be-achieved, freedom that is longed for and not only in America. This false freedom is of "being autonomous." This is “to have the ability to fully control yourself and all your affairs.” Adam and Eve reached out to attain autonomy, to be like God. That is what "being autonomous" really is. It is having the freedom to do as you please. We were not made to be free in that sense, for only God is free in that way.
What kind of freedom do we have then? Well, what were we made for? True freedom is being able to do that which you were created for. We were made to know God, to glorify him and enjoy him forever. Therefore, freedom is found when we enjoy and glorify him in daily and continual worship in all we do. But image-bearers have been cursed and are no longer free as Adam and Eve had been. Their sin broke the world and broke us too. We, like them, chase the autonomy-driven-dream to be like God. Don't we experience this each day? When our sleep is interrupted, when our plans are broken, when we can't solve worldwide viruses, and when we can't find the remote control? We long to be autonomous.
The Law of Moses laid out how God's people could live under God's rule and in God's presence. However, they were unable to be faithful and the Law exposed what was already true: They weren't free to do what they were made to do; they were slaves to sin and deserving death.
But Jesus Christ came, he died the death his people deserved, he rose to new life, and now everyone who believes in him is freed to do as they were created to... to know God, to enjoy God, and to glorify him forever. It is through this man that the forgiveness of sins has been accomplished, we are set free from chasing false autonomous freedom, set free to live rightly under God's rule, and set free with God's presence within us by the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ has forever set you free to live as you were created to, knowing God, enjoying God, and glorifying him in all.
Thoughts for Reflection:
Why is it good that you are not "autonomous" or free to do as you please?
How is the freedom to be what you were made to be, through Christ alone, true freedom?
All Saints Contributor - Ben Leatherberry