“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” Galatians 5:1
What is the difference between the liberty of the soul and a soul’s liberty? What is liberty in its most fundamental form and application? And how can man know liberty, the power and beauty of it, living it? The answer comes in the form of a definition, and the power to know and live what true liberty is. Where do we begin? We certainly do not begin with the protocol of fallen man, who is always looking behind him into the past to find the solution. Nor does it begin with the so called “resources” of man to determine what liberty is, for from the outset, his perspective is skewed and twisted, never able to come to a clean, clear, and comprehensible idea of the truth of liberty and freedom. The only way to grasp something of this concept is to begin with God, for He alone knows what true liberty is, how it can be known, and the only source from which one can receive it. As man is made from the clay of the earth, and thus confined to the littleness and constant changing of his perspective about all things, so man is not to be looked to for the answer. Only the Almighty, All-knowing Creator and Redeemer of men can give us the answer. So, where does God begin in His desire and will that his creation, though fallen into sin, can know something of this liberty to which he has been created, and called?
The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Corinthian believers, made a remarkable statement concerning the building of all things which are good and eternal. He said: “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (1 Cor. 1:11) Why does he write this most exclusive statement? Scripture reveals it to us in the book of Hebrews, “…Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (13:8) Here is the unchanging Christ, there being no variation in Him, with regard to time or his creation. He is not swayed by the opinions and ideas of men, especially as it has been proved, that there is nothing new under the sun. But the reason goes further than the incomprehensible eternal aspect of God. Paul, in his letter to the Colossians wrote of Jesus Christ, “For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers, all things were created by Him, and for Him.” (1:16) Christ is Creator and the Sustainer of creation. He alone knows all things, and this perfectly. When He came to this earth, and ministered among fallen men, He declared to all the unchanging, powerful truth, which gives us the very basis for not seeking man’s ideas on liberty, but those which are in Christ. This is one reason for which all who would follow Christ, would not only adhere to his words declaring, “I AM the truth,” but would also then seek FIRST the kingdom of God, and His righteousness. True liberty, its meaning and realization, is only known by the knowledge that Christ gives, and the power to be received from Him for its accomplishment, on this earth, as it is in heaven. So, where does Christ begin?
When Christ came to “walk among us,” revealing to us the grace and truth of God, He brought a wonderful message to mankind. It was the gospel. This gospel was both a true story, and an education in communicating to men the knowledge of the truth according to Christ in God. This gospel was to be spread throughout the entire world, taught, and communicated in such a way that men would come to know, and believe that Christ was their only Savior from sin, self, and Satan. The Lord Jesus would then take the eternal truths, apply them to the life, and break the hold of sin.
Dear Father, Set us free today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.