What is Freedom in Christ?- Breaking Bonds of Sin!

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Freedom in Christ is one of the most profound and transformative concepts in the Christian or Messianic Jewish faith. It represents the release from the bondage of sin and the old ways of living, ushering us into a life of grace, peace, and purpose. But what does this freedom truly entail?

Let’s explore this through scripture, practical application, and an illustration that speaks volumes about the nature of our liberation in Messiah Yeshua.

Updated and republished from 3/26/2020

Understanding Freedom in Christ

To grasp the depth of what it means to have this freedom, we must first understand what we are freed from and what we are freed to. According to the New Testament, we are liberated from the bondage of sin, which, without Messiah, could only condemn us. Paul states in Galatians 5:1

“For freedom, Messiah set us free—so stand firm, and do not be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”

TLV

This freedom is not a license to sin but an invitation to live righteously, empowered by the Holy Spirit. As we accept Yeshua as our Messiah, we are no longer slaves to our sinful nature but are reborn as children of God, with a new identity and purpose.

An Elephant in Chains: An Illustration

To better understand how we have been freed but can still continue to live in bondage, let’s look at this example of the elephant in chains.

In many parts of the world, young elephants are trained by being tied to a stake in the ground. Initially, the elephant tries to break free but eventually learns that escape is impossible. As the elephant grows, the same small stake and chain are plenty to keep it in place, even though the huge animal could easily break free if it just tried.

It has become conditioned to believe that the small stake and chain can hold it in place because, in the past, it always had.

This is a great analogy for our spiritual condition before knowing Messiah.

We are like that elephant, bound by chains of sin, guilt, and past experiences. Over time, we become conditioned to believe that we cannot break free.

However, the truth of the Gospel is that through Yeshua, those chains are broken.

Romans 6:6 (TLV) tells us,

“We know that our old self was crucified with Him, so that the sinful body might be done away with, so we no longer serve sin.”

TLV

When we come to faith in Yeshua, we are given the power to break free from our old habits, fears, and doubts. Like the elephant, we have the strength to walk away from what once held us captive. The chains that once seemed unbreakable are shattered by the power of His love and sacrifice.

Yet many believers still believe that old “stake” holds them back. So how do we break free?

Have you ever wondered why, as a believer, you know you are saved and yet you still feel under bondage? Learn what it is to have freedom in Christ and begin breaking bonds? Share on X

Living Out Our Freedom

Living in the freedom of Christ means embracing a new way of life. Here are some practical steps to walk in this newfound freedom:

1. Renew Your Mind: Romans 12:2 (TLV) encourages us to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” This means aligning our thoughts with God’s Word and rejecting the lies that once held us captive.
   
2. Walk in the Spirit: Galatians 5:16 (TLV) instructs us to “walk by the Ruach (Spirit), and you will not carry out the desires of the flesh.” By yielding to the Holy Spirit, we find the strength to live righteously.
   
3. Embrace Community: Hebrews 10:24-25 (TLV) reminds us to encourage one another and not forsake assembling together. Being part of a faith community helps us stay accountable and grow.
   
4. Practice Gratitude: 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (TLV) says, “in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Messiah Yeshua.” Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have in Him.

Breaking Bonds in Your Life

It could be bondage to fear, insecurity, past mistakes, temptation, and yes, even religion! Many of us come to Messiah only to continue to live under the bondage to the sins of the past.

We have eternal life and yet we feel as though we are bound to the past! We are bound to the very things Yeshua came to redeem us from!

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 says:

“For although we do live in the world, we do not wage war in a worldly way; because the weapons we use to wage war are not worldly. On the contrary, they have God’s power for demolishing strongholds. We demolish arguments and every arrogance that raises itself up against the knowledge of God; we take every thought captive and make it obey the Messiah.”

CJB

Weapons we fight with? Yes! It is warfare! And these bonds we live under should be demolished! Take every thought captive and make them obey the Messiah!

In Conclusion

Freedom in Christ is a gift that transforms our lives, breaking those chains that bound us at one time and empowering us to live in the fullness of God’s love and purpose. As we understand and embrace this freedom, we are called to live as testimonies of His grace, helping others discover the same liberation we have found.

Let the story of the elephant in chains remind us that no matter how strong the bonds of our past may seem, they are nothing compared to the power of the Messiah. Embrace your freedom in Christ and walk boldly in the new life He has given you.

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CJB – Taken from the Complete Jewish Bible by David H. Stern. Copyright © 1998. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Messianic Jewish Publishers, 6120 Day Long Lane, Clarksville, MD 21029. www.messianicjewish.net.

Tree of Life (TLV) – Scripture taken from the Holy Scriptures, Tree of Life Version*. Copyright © 2014,2016 by the Tree of Life Bible Society.  Used by permission of the Tree of Life Bible Society.

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