When Scripture says we are “free in Christ,” what are we actually free from?
Key Verse:
“For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” —Galatians 5:13 NASB
Background Context:
One of the greatest blessings of the Gospel is the freedom we have through Jesus Christ. Yet one of the greatest misunderstandings is what that freedom actually means. Some view Christian freedom as permission to live however they choose because salvation is by grace through faith. Others believe God’s commands no longer matter because Christ fulfilled the Law.
Scripture presents a very different picture. Our freedom in Christ is not freedom to sin—it is freedom from sin so that we can faithfully follow God.
Reflection:
The Bible is absolutely clear that salvation is a gift of God’s grace. We cannot earn it through our own efforts or by perfectly obeying God’s Law.
Paul writes in Ephesians 2:8–9:
“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
Our salvation rests entirely upon God’s grace through faith in Yeshua. That truth should fill us with gratitude and humility.
Yet receiving God’s grace does not mean God no longer cares how we live.
In fact, Paul anticipated this misunderstanding. In Romans 6:1–2 he asked:
“Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? May it never be!”
Grace was never intended to become an excuse for disobedience. Rather, grace frees us from the bondage of sin so that we can pursue righteousness.
Acts 13:38–39 helps explain this freedom:
“Through Him forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and through Him everyone who believes is freed from all things, from which you could not be freed through the Law of Moses.”
Notice what Paul says.
We are freed from sin and its condemnation—from what the Law could never accomplish on its own because of mankind’s sinful condition.
He does not say we are freed from God’s instruction.
Likewise, Romans 8:1–4 declares that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus because “the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.” Through Christ, the penalty of sin is removed, and through the Holy Spirit we are empowered to walk according to God’s will rather than according to the flesh.
Yeshua Himself made it clear that following Him does not mean abandoning God’s instruction. In Matthew 5:17 He said:
“Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill.”
Later, when asked about the greatest commandment, He summarized the entire Law and the Prophets with two foundational commands:
“You shall love the Lord your God…” and “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37–40)
God’s Law was never intended to be a burden that earned salvation. It reveals God’s character and teaches us how to love Him and love one another according to His design.
Yeshua also said:
“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:15)
Obedience does not produce our salvation.
It is the fruit of a heart that has been transformed by God’s grace.
Paul develops this same thought throughout Galatians 5. He warns believers not to seek justification through works of the Law, because no one can earn righteousness that way. At the same time, he gives an equally strong warning against abusing Christian freedom.
He writes:
“For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”
Christian freedom is not freedom to do whatever feels right.
It is freedom to do what is right.
Paul then explains what living by the flesh looks like—immorality, idolatry, jealousy, anger, drunkenness, and many other sins. In contrast, he describes the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
The contrast could not be clearer.
Freedom in Christ is demonstrated by walking in the Spirit, not by indulging the flesh.
The Holy Spirit does not lead us away from God’s ways.
He leads us into them.
When we truly follow Yeshua, we are no longer trying to earn salvation through perfect obedience to the Law—a task no sinful person could ever accomplish. Instead, we joyfully obey because we have already been saved by grace and because we desire to become more like Christ.
Christian freedom is therefore not a “get out of jail free” card that allows us to ignore God’s commands.
It is the wonderful privilege of being set free from sin so that we can finally live as God intended.
Application:
- Thank God that salvation is His gift of grace through faith in Yeshua.
- Remember that Christian freedom is freedom from sin, not freedom to sin.
- Study God’s Word to better understand how He calls us to love Him and love others.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to help you walk according to His ways rather than according to the flesh.
- Examine your life to see whether you have ever used “Christian freedom” as an excuse to avoid repentance or obedience.
Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You for the incredible gift of salvation through Your grace. Thank You for setting me free from the bondage and penalty of sin through Yeshua. Help me never to misuse that freedom as an excuse for disobedience, but instead to walk by Your Spirit and delight in following Your ways. Continue transforming my heart so that my obedience flows from love for You and gratitude for all You have done. May my life reflect the freedom that is found in faithfully following Christ. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.
May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.
John Golda
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