Christ Set Us Free

Note from today’s Bible reading: Galatians 5-6

When Paul wrote his letter to the Galatians, he addressed the issue of Jewish Christians trying to incorporate elements of the Law of Moses into the gospel of Christ (and binding this upon the Gentile Christians). While that law originated with God and helped lead those who were under it to Christ (Galatians 3:24), He never intended it to remain in effect once Christ established His kingdom.

So while the law was good for what God intended, the rules and regulations contained in it were not to be added on top of the instructions found in the gospel of Christ. Therefore, Paul wrote, “It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery” (Galatians 5:1).

However, while “Christ set us free” from the obligation to keep the regulations and statutes under the Law of Moses, He did not free us to live in whatever way we please. In particular, we are not free to disregard the law of Christ and pursue a life of sin.

Just a little later in this chapter, Paul wrote, “For you were called for freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13). Jesus freed us from sin, not to sin. And as we live for Him, we are to take advantage of opportunities to do good to others.

So remember that Christ set us free. We are no longer slaves of sin or under bondage to the regulations of the Mosaic law. Yet we must continue to do good as we serve the Lord.