"Let Freedom Ring"

  The churches of Galatia were being brought under the bondage to the Law again. There were those in the church that were taking the OT Law and making it binding on those in Christ Jesus. Paul called: "It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery." (Gal. 5:1) We read such and sneer because we would not allow such to happen today.

  We find many in the body of Christ being told what to think, how to feel, what to do, rather than think, feel and do from your faith in the Lord. The cry for unity comes and when we look closely, it's really called uniformity, not unity in Christ. Why? Because we have allowed others to be lord instead of Jesus our Lord. The result is a system of works.

  There was a "new gospel" being heard in regions of Galatia where Paul had established the church. Paul was amazed and said by them allowing those in the church to direct them to something other than the gospel he preached, they had deserted Jesus (Gal. 1:6). No longer were they being led by Jesus, tied to Jesus and surrounding His death, burial and resurrection, they were being led to a system of performance! Liberty, freedom is found only from Christ. To turn to anything else will enslave and destroy one. The proclamation from heaven was signed in the blood of Christ Jesus. Those in bondage have been liberated. Those in chains of slavery have been set free. This is the good news that Paul and other proclaimed in the preaching of the gospel. Without money, one may be set free. Without price, on may cast aside the shackles of an old life and start anew. It has nothing to do with the level of education, the color of skin, your past or your wealth. The gospel of freedom rings: You are free from sin, from weakness and corruption, from the world system and performance! "It was for freedom that Christ set us free!"

  There were these "false brethren" that came in to spy out this liberty in Christ Jesus but Paul and the apostle didn't yield to them for a moment (Gal. 2:4-5). The voices were ringing against Jesus that we must work...work, work, work to be saved! The more you work, the more you feel better about salvation and the more salvation you will have. The cry: "Faith without works is dead! That's Scripture!" The apostles would not allow one to manipulate Scriptures. Faith that saves is a faith that responds in obedience to the Lord and that saving faith doesn't look to its works as the ground for salvation, it looks to Jesus and Him crucified.

  Jesus died in our (my) place. There are no amount of works that can substitute for His sacrifice. Jesus took my place and my sins and died my death. "The wages of sin is death but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Rom. 6:23) A people set free. Freedom! What a glorious sound. Take it seriously. Look at Jesus and away from you and your performances. Guard this wonderful gospel. Use it lovingly. Never, ever put your faith in your performance as the badge of your salvation! Otherwise, you will forfeit Christ Jesus and the freedom found in Him. Praise God for His gift of salvation by His grace in Christ Jesus!