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Day Sixteen

 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.                                Galatians 5:1 NIV

What is freedom? What does it mean to be free? Freedom is understood as either having the ability to act or change without constraint or to possess the power and resources to fulfill one’s purposes unhindered. There is political freedom from oppressive governments. There is economic freedom from debt. But what is spiritual freedom?  John McArthur writes, “The reality of believing in Jesus, obeying His Word, and knowing the truth brings spiritual freedom. Such freedom is multifaceted and includes freedom from the bondage of falsehood, Satan (John 17:15; 2 Cor. 4:4; 1 John 5:18), condemnation (Rom. 8:1), judgment (John 3:18; 5:24), spiritual ignorance (8:12), spiritual death (8:51), and, most significantly sin (Rom. 6:18, 22). It was to liberate lost sinners that Jesus came into the world.” We are not liberated to sin but from sin. Our freedom is free but it is not cheap. Paul writes, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” I am slave to sin, but God has set me free through the blood of Jesus Christ. I have been free from sin not to go back to a life of sin. God has removed my sin. God has forgiven my transgressions. God has cleansed my iniquities. God has created with me a clean heart and a steadfast spirit. The gift of freedom is free but it cost Jesus his own life.  “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed” (Luke 4:18). Pray for God to set you free from a life of sin. Pray for God to bring freedom to your heart and soul. It’s time to stand firm today in freedom. God has set you free. It’s free but it’s not cheap.