Galatians 5:13–"For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another."
Freedom can be a controversial word in the American church. The reason for this is two-fold. Firstly, Americans have been raised with a specific understanding of what freedom is. As a result, we bring our American definition of freedom to bear upon the Scriptural meaning of freedom. We struggle, sometimes, to take our American lenses off, meaning that we confuse Christian freedom with American freedom, even going so far, unfortunately, to use the terms synonymously.
But Christian freedom is different. It is the freedom to love one another, the freedom from sin, the freedom to do what is right in God's eyes, the freedom to obey the commands, and, lastly, the freedom to live a life of submission to God's will in our lives. It is in this way that we have been called to freedom just as we have been blessed with freedom.
Let us not forget this. And let us not use our freedom in Christ to serve ourselves but, rather, to love each other more!
Showing posts with label freedom. Show all posts
Showing posts with label freedom. Show all posts
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Independence Day–Freedom in the Lord
2 Cor 3:17: "Now the Lord is Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."
This verse popped up on my Facebook page today, Independence Day. I love how direct it is, how contrary to our human understandings of freedom and liberty. The truth is, there is no freedom apart from the Spirit of Christ. But we think of freedom and liberty as primarily human attributes. This couldn't be further from the truth.
Think about it: God alone doesn't have to answer to anyone or anything. He alone has freedom and liberty in all its virtue and magnificent glory. Humans, on the other hand, are completely contingent. We are not and cannot be free because of our dependent nature. Because of this reality, humans can only become free if God, in fact, makes us free by entering into us. This is what Paul is talking about: freedom in Christ alone!
This verse popped up on my Facebook page today, Independence Day. I love how direct it is, how contrary to our human understandings of freedom and liberty. The truth is, there is no freedom apart from the Spirit of Christ. But we think of freedom and liberty as primarily human attributes. This couldn't be further from the truth.
Think about it: God alone doesn't have to answer to anyone or anything. He alone has freedom and liberty in all its virtue and magnificent glory. Humans, on the other hand, are completely contingent. We are not and cannot be free because of our dependent nature. Because of this reality, humans can only become free if God, in fact, makes us free by entering into us. This is what Paul is talking about: freedom in Christ alone!
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Freedom in Christ, but for what purpose?
Galatians 5:13: "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another."
Christianity exalts freedom, claiming utter freedom in Christ. But this freedom, this liberty is a liberty not merely from that which enslaves (sin). This freedom is also to that which is God (love). However, there is a tendency to equate freedom with the ability to do whatever one desires at any feasible time. This is a deformed caricature of freedom, more aligned with novel-Americanism than the Word of God.
For what good is freedom if it is only used to isolate and individualize personal egos? Instead, freedom is purposed for love, for devoting one another to more intimate fellowship. Yet, as asserted by this verse, freedom is not a gift, as it were, it is a calling. We would do well, then, to treat it as such and to live as such and to understand our freedom not as mere license for flesh and sin but as a privilege calling us obedience and devotion.
Christianity exalts freedom, claiming utter freedom in Christ. But this freedom, this liberty is a liberty not merely from that which enslaves (sin). This freedom is also to that which is God (love). However, there is a tendency to equate freedom with the ability to do whatever one desires at any feasible time. This is a deformed caricature of freedom, more aligned with novel-Americanism than the Word of God.
For what good is freedom if it is only used to isolate and individualize personal egos? Instead, freedom is purposed for love, for devoting one another to more intimate fellowship. Yet, as asserted by this verse, freedom is not a gift, as it were, it is a calling. We would do well, then, to treat it as such and to live as such and to understand our freedom not as mere license for flesh and sin but as a privilege calling us obedience and devotion.
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Free Indeed
Jesus says this profound statement as recorded by John: "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." (John 8:36).
This is a lovely statement for Christ to make. It is a status given to those who Christ chooses: freedom. But the relevant question is, what are we freed from? or to?
First of all, we have been freed from sin in Christ. This is not just freed from the curse of sin but also from the presence of sin, meaning that someone in Christ does not have to sin, they have the freedom to holiness. This freedom is all and out not available unless a person is in Christ and only through faith is it possible.
Additionally, however, we are freed from hostility in relationships and freed to love as Christ has loved us and gave Himself up as a perfect substitutionary atonement. God has not only reconciled us to Himself but we have been reconciled to each other too. We should not ever forget that Christ has done this for us as well.
In the end, God has saved us in Christ, and He has set us free in Christ. This is the reality. We need only have faith that it is as God has promised it to be. In this, then, we will see all the promised blessings be manifested in our lives and in the world.
This is a lovely statement for Christ to make. It is a status given to those who Christ chooses: freedom. But the relevant question is, what are we freed from? or to?
First of all, we have been freed from sin in Christ. This is not just freed from the curse of sin but also from the presence of sin, meaning that someone in Christ does not have to sin, they have the freedom to holiness. This freedom is all and out not available unless a person is in Christ and only through faith is it possible.
Additionally, however, we are freed from hostility in relationships and freed to love as Christ has loved us and gave Himself up as a perfect substitutionary atonement. God has not only reconciled us to Himself but we have been reconciled to each other too. We should not ever forget that Christ has done this for us as well.
In the end, God has saved us in Christ, and He has set us free in Christ. This is the reality. We need only have faith that it is as God has promised it to be. In this, then, we will see all the promised blessings be manifested in our lives and in the world.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Grand Illusion of Free Will
Free will is an illusion. It is a human fancy that can be supported neither by logic nor by the constraints of reality. Free will is defined, traditionally, as the individual moral agent possessing the ability for spontaneous choice. Simply put: a person can choose whatever they want whenever they want it. The key elements, thus, for free will's definition are spontaneity and choice. This is to say that free will only exists if the elements of spontaneity and choice are present.
However, if we consider the two things necessary for 'free will' then with some reasoning it can be seen that neither of these things exist in the scope of space/time. Because both of these things are to be considered necessarily present for free will, they need to be addressed as one. The point, I submit, is that neither of them actually exists as we may think of them.
Spontaneity means that we may have the ability to make any momentary snap decision desired and that a variety of choices must be present at the moment of that decision's making. But by that very definition, spontaneity cannot be present while allowing for the maximum number of choices because at any specific moment only a limited number of choices are available. I cannot wake up and go to sleep at the same time.
We are constrained by reality, then, to limit the number of choices available to the spontaneous chooser, but does this in itself challenge the reality of free will? Consider a hypothetical scenario to illustrate the point. For this let us limit the available choices to two in an effort to perhaps address the concepts of spontaneity more acutely.
Say there are only two options on a menu. Both items are specialties of the restaurant but, nonetheless, any patron may order either one or the other, not both. One of them is a sweet dish, the other a salty one. A patron sits down at the booth and makes a spontaneous decision. However, I submit that the decision is not spontaneous but was in fact predicated upon a number of contributing factors (think preference, health, et al), meaning that the choice was not, in the most rigid sense, a free choice but was in fact a highly predictable one. In this sense, although the individual experiences a spontaneous choice, there was, in actuality, no real free choice made.
Additionally, we must consider the reality of time, particularly the moment present, that is, the precise instant that past and future meet in the present passing moment as a defined and definite historical mark in time. If we consider that time is a passing of successive moments and the past is the historical logging of the finite certainty of those moments, then we can say that the past has a defined certainty. Simply put, once the moment passes it is gone and it can not be re-lived.
In reference to free will this is of particular interest. Choices are not choices in the past, for once a decision is made in space/time it was the only choice that could have been made. Once something is written in the record of history, it cannot be re-written. Because of this certainty, we cannot look back at choices made as hypothetical; we can only see them as sure realities that have passed.
So, in reference to past decisions, we are constrained to say that the definite nature of the past compels us to understand that in the light of history spontaneity and the availability of choice are irrelevant indicators of the presence of free will.
In summation, free will is an illusion because its dependence upon spontaneity and choice cannot be carried throughout the system. And, as choice meets present that passes into past, we must say that merely the presence of a definite, unalterable past inhibits our understandings of free will.
In the end, will is always impeded by the limitations of reality at the very point that the 'free willing agent' meets the present passing moment. This is not, obviously, to remove at the very least the appearance of choice, however, it is meant to highlight inherit challenges to conceptions we hold towards the human construct of free will. To be sure, this has been a less-than-exhaustive look into free will but perhaps it may stir up more consideration of this important categorical assertion of the human condition.
However, if we consider the two things necessary for 'free will' then with some reasoning it can be seen that neither of these things exist in the scope of space/time. Because both of these things are to be considered necessarily present for free will, they need to be addressed as one. The point, I submit, is that neither of them actually exists as we may think of them.
Spontaneity means that we may have the ability to make any momentary snap decision desired and that a variety of choices must be present at the moment of that decision's making. But by that very definition, spontaneity cannot be present while allowing for the maximum number of choices because at any specific moment only a limited number of choices are available. I cannot wake up and go to sleep at the same time.
We are constrained by reality, then, to limit the number of choices available to the spontaneous chooser, but does this in itself challenge the reality of free will? Consider a hypothetical scenario to illustrate the point. For this let us limit the available choices to two in an effort to perhaps address the concepts of spontaneity more acutely.
Say there are only two options on a menu. Both items are specialties of the restaurant but, nonetheless, any patron may order either one or the other, not both. One of them is a sweet dish, the other a salty one. A patron sits down at the booth and makes a spontaneous decision. However, I submit that the decision is not spontaneous but was in fact predicated upon a number of contributing factors (think preference, health, et al), meaning that the choice was not, in the most rigid sense, a free choice but was in fact a highly predictable one. In this sense, although the individual experiences a spontaneous choice, there was, in actuality, no real free choice made.
Additionally, we must consider the reality of time, particularly the moment present, that is, the precise instant that past and future meet in the present passing moment as a defined and definite historical mark in time. If we consider that time is a passing of successive moments and the past is the historical logging of the finite certainty of those moments, then we can say that the past has a defined certainty. Simply put, once the moment passes it is gone and it can not be re-lived.
In reference to free will this is of particular interest. Choices are not choices in the past, for once a decision is made in space/time it was the only choice that could have been made. Once something is written in the record of history, it cannot be re-written. Because of this certainty, we cannot look back at choices made as hypothetical; we can only see them as sure realities that have passed.
So, in reference to past decisions, we are constrained to say that the definite nature of the past compels us to understand that in the light of history spontaneity and the availability of choice are irrelevant indicators of the presence of free will.
In summation, free will is an illusion because its dependence upon spontaneity and choice cannot be carried throughout the system. And, as choice meets present that passes into past, we must say that merely the presence of a definite, unalterable past inhibits our understandings of free will.
In the end, will is always impeded by the limitations of reality at the very point that the 'free willing agent' meets the present passing moment. This is not, obviously, to remove at the very least the appearance of choice, however, it is meant to highlight inherit challenges to conceptions we hold towards the human construct of free will. To be sure, this has been a less-than-exhaustive look into free will but perhaps it may stir up more consideration of this important categorical assertion of the human condition.
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Freedom from the Fungi of Sin
Armillaria Ostoyae, or Honey mushrooms, are some the largets living organisms on the earth. They are parasitic fungi that spread across root systems with its lace-like stems that grow under the bark of trees and shrubs, robbing the plant of its vital nutrients, killing the host-plant as it grows. Although the mushroom begins from a single spore they can spread for miles. In Oregon's Malheur National Forest, one such fungi has spread for some 2,200-plus acres. It is estimated that this particular organism is over 2,400-years-old.
Oddly, while this fungi is present, it is very difficult to trace unless the tree is cut into as the fungi grows primarily under the bark, tapping directly into the nutrient source. The "hidden" killer. Often times researchers are not even aware of the fungi's presence until a cluster of trees is found dead and, upon dissection, the fungus is found.
The story of the Honey mushroom is much like the story of sin, which hides just under the skin, stealing the vital nutrients of the host and eventually killing him/her. Something so small, hidden just beneath our skin with tremendously devastating effects. Sin, like the fungi, eats away at its host to eternal destruction, and prevents the nutrients of God's grace from transforming our lives.
Fortunately, we have an advocate in Christ Jesus who has cured us of our disease and has removed the parasite of sin. Sin entered into mankind through one man just as the Honey mushroom spread form a single spore. But Jesus, through His obedience unto death, made a way to cure us of the pervasiveness of sin so that we could be free from its parasitic pull (Rom. 5:12-21; 1 Cor. 15:19-26).
God, by the work of His Son, has saved us utterly. As a result, we can come to Him in faith so as to receive the perfect remedy for sin. As Jesus enters into us, by the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit, God's holiness applied directly into us and the sin that had so destroyed the innards of our beings is removed wholly from our lives. Let us then press into God in faith as to be fully cured from the fungi of sin that eats away at us from the inside out!
Oddly, while this fungi is present, it is very difficult to trace unless the tree is cut into as the fungi grows primarily under the bark, tapping directly into the nutrient source. The "hidden" killer. Often times researchers are not even aware of the fungi's presence until a cluster of trees is found dead and, upon dissection, the fungus is found.
The story of the Honey mushroom is much like the story of sin, which hides just under the skin, stealing the vital nutrients of the host and eventually killing him/her. Something so small, hidden just beneath our skin with tremendously devastating effects. Sin, like the fungi, eats away at its host to eternal destruction, and prevents the nutrients of God's grace from transforming our lives.
Fortunately, we have an advocate in Christ Jesus who has cured us of our disease and has removed the parasite of sin. Sin entered into mankind through one man just as the Honey mushroom spread form a single spore. But Jesus, through His obedience unto death, made a way to cure us of the pervasiveness of sin so that we could be free from its parasitic pull (Rom. 5:12-21; 1 Cor. 15:19-26).
God, by the work of His Son, has saved us utterly. As a result, we can come to Him in faith so as to receive the perfect remedy for sin. As Jesus enters into us, by the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit, God's holiness applied directly into us and the sin that had so destroyed the innards of our beings is removed wholly from our lives. Let us then press into God in faith as to be fully cured from the fungi of sin that eats away at us from the inside out!
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Bondage of Sin
Salvation is a term that is pregnant with theological meaning and importance, not the least of all being freedom from sin. Jesus, through His perfectly sinless life and atoning, sacrificial death, saved the whole world from sin (Matt. 1:21; 20:28; Luke 19:10; John 1:29; 3:17; Eph. 1:7; Gal. 4:4-5; 1 Tim. 2:5-6; 1 Pet. 2:24-25; 1 John 1:7; 2:2; 3:5; 4:10). The point is clear and definite: Jesus saves from sin. However direct the Scripture may be in this regard, many believers do not claim their freedom in Christ.
Paramount to this dialogue is to assert natural man's utter bondage to sin. In our fleshly self, we are slaves to sin. As Jesus declares plainly: "everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin (John 8:34)." For Jesus, sin is not a light matter but, as His tone denotes, is severe and sobering. Slavery. This word has so much historical baggage to sift through, especially for Americans, but for a first-century Jew, slavery was a matter of debt.
In first century Israel, of which Jesus is contextually rooted, slavery was a debt matter not a racial one. When Jesus declares that we sinners are slaves to sin, He is stating that there is a sin-debt of which sinners are in utter and hopeless servitude to obey. Accepting the severity of our bondage to sin is essential to claiming our freedom from sin's bondage in Jesus.
Paul, in his letter to the Romans, indicates that we who are slaves to sin have been freed from sin's slavery but have now, by the work of Jesus, become slaves to righteousness (Rom. 6:16-20). Additionally, when we accept the freedom found in Christ through belief in Jesus we are given freedom from the bondage of sin.
Sadly, although Scripture and Spirit both confirm the freedom from bondage found in Christ, many Christians still live lives of bondage. Instead of being wholly freed from sin believers can become expert practicers of sin management. Sin management refers to the practice of managing sin as opposed to the biblical requirement of putting sin to death in Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit so that we may be freed from the bondage of sin.
Honest, Spirit-led self-assessment is of supreme importance to claiming God's freedom from the bondage of sin. When we can truthfully examine ourselves so as to expose the chains of sin that are tied around our lives then are we able to claim our redeemed and free self in Christ. Confession and repentance are key. A safe environment surrounded by a fellowship that cares to protect and envelop us in the love of Jesus is principal to this endeavor. Let us then press forward to claim the freedom we have been given in Christ!
Paramount to this dialogue is to assert natural man's utter bondage to sin. In our fleshly self, we are slaves to sin. As Jesus declares plainly: "everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin (John 8:34)." For Jesus, sin is not a light matter but, as His tone denotes, is severe and sobering. Slavery. This word has so much historical baggage to sift through, especially for Americans, but for a first-century Jew, slavery was a matter of debt.
In first century Israel, of which Jesus is contextually rooted, slavery was a debt matter not a racial one. When Jesus declares that we sinners are slaves to sin, He is stating that there is a sin-debt of which sinners are in utter and hopeless servitude to obey. Accepting the severity of our bondage to sin is essential to claiming our freedom from sin's bondage in Jesus.
Paul, in his letter to the Romans, indicates that we who are slaves to sin have been freed from sin's slavery but have now, by the work of Jesus, become slaves to righteousness (Rom. 6:16-20). Additionally, when we accept the freedom found in Christ through belief in Jesus we are given freedom from the bondage of sin.
Sadly, although Scripture and Spirit both confirm the freedom from bondage found in Christ, many Christians still live lives of bondage. Instead of being wholly freed from sin believers can become expert practicers of sin management. Sin management refers to the practice of managing sin as opposed to the biblical requirement of putting sin to death in Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit so that we may be freed from the bondage of sin.
Honest, Spirit-led self-assessment is of supreme importance to claiming God's freedom from the bondage of sin. When we can truthfully examine ourselves so as to expose the chains of sin that are tied around our lives then are we able to claim our redeemed and free self in Christ. Confession and repentance are key. A safe environment surrounded by a fellowship that cares to protect and envelop us in the love of Jesus is principal to this endeavor. Let us then press forward to claim the freedom we have been given in Christ!
Friday, January 27, 2012
Freedom in Forgiveness
Because of our fallen and depraved fleshly nature, everyone makes mistakes. These mistakes, some large some minute, affect relationships and prevent us from love. Moreover, this relational discord hinders our ability to claim our promised freedom in Christ. Jesus has promised relief and freedom from a life of guilt over past sin. Unfortunately, sometimes we are trapped by our own guilt over previous mistakes.
When we continually dredge up the sins of our past we are not claiming the forgiveness and freedom that God has already given us in Christ. The Lord desires for us to live fully free lives. Regrettably, many believers live lives as if God only forgives future sins or sin that is in recent memory. The reality is that God forgives all of our sin, including all of our previous sin.
All this being true, our memories of mistakes gone by still remain. Because of this truth we have the ability to replay previous scenes and situations in our minds again and again. This can weigh us down with guilt and remorse. Basically there are two ways to deal with previous sin that continues to haunts us with guilt: we can either confront or conceal.
If we attempt to conceal our previous sin, we ignore it in hopes that the regret or guilt will lessen with time. Concealing sin so that we don't ever deal with it prevents us from applying the fullness of Christ's forgiveness personally. We end up with piles of pain and regret. Hiding our regret and our previous mistakes so that we never have to deal with them means that we continually relive the pain and regret associated thereof.
Instead we should confront previous sin head-on. We should not shy away from encountering the pain and guilt of previous sin but when it comes up, we really address it. When we choose to confront our previous sin we begin to live lives in the freedom from sin that God has promised. Remember, Satan is the accuser of the brethren so when we feel under indictment for our previous sin, it is not God, it is Satan who is accusing us.
Additionally, when we confront previous sin directly, we will seek and offer overdue forgiveness. Sometimes this means we forgive others. Sometimes we ask for forgiveness from others. And other times we simply need to forgive ourselves. Through all this, it is the Lord who ultimately supplies the forgiveness that is given through human agents. Therefore, when we seek to live in the forgiveness and freedom that God has promised to bestow through the work of His son, Jesus, we will confront our previous sin with an attitude of restoration and reconciliation. Let us press on to live in the freedom and forgiveness of Jesus!
When we continually dredge up the sins of our past we are not claiming the forgiveness and freedom that God has already given us in Christ. The Lord desires for us to live fully free lives. Regrettably, many believers live lives as if God only forgives future sins or sin that is in recent memory. The reality is that God forgives all of our sin, including all of our previous sin.
All this being true, our memories of mistakes gone by still remain. Because of this truth we have the ability to replay previous scenes and situations in our minds again and again. This can weigh us down with guilt and remorse. Basically there are two ways to deal with previous sin that continues to haunts us with guilt: we can either confront or conceal.
If we attempt to conceal our previous sin, we ignore it in hopes that the regret or guilt will lessen with time. Concealing sin so that we don't ever deal with it prevents us from applying the fullness of Christ's forgiveness personally. We end up with piles of pain and regret. Hiding our regret and our previous mistakes so that we never have to deal with them means that we continually relive the pain and regret associated thereof.
Instead we should confront previous sin head-on. We should not shy away from encountering the pain and guilt of previous sin but when it comes up, we really address it. When we choose to confront our previous sin we begin to live lives in the freedom from sin that God has promised. Remember, Satan is the accuser of the brethren so when we feel under indictment for our previous sin, it is not God, it is Satan who is accusing us.
Additionally, when we confront previous sin directly, we will seek and offer overdue forgiveness. Sometimes this means we forgive others. Sometimes we ask for forgiveness from others. And other times we simply need to forgive ourselves. Through all this, it is the Lord who ultimately supplies the forgiveness that is given through human agents. Therefore, when we seek to live in the forgiveness and freedom that God has promised to bestow through the work of His son, Jesus, we will confront our previous sin with an attitude of restoration and reconciliation. Let us press on to live in the freedom and forgiveness of Jesus!
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Victory in Jesus
There is a fairly well-known hymn by Eugene Bartlett that goes: "Victory in Jesus, my savior forever. He sought me and bought me with His redeeming love. He loved 'ere (before) I knew him, and all my love is due Him. He plunged me to victory beneath the cleansing flood."
Christians use the term "victory in Jesus" as a call to arms and to comfort. When we think of victory, we are asserting that we are in some sort of competition, a deadly battle for the state of mankind's souls. Additionally, when we assert that our victory is in Jesus, we are defining the terms of victory as a measure of obedience aligning with the Lord.
The major victory that believers have in Jesus is the victory over death, which is a result of sin. Paul, in 1 Corinthians, indicates clearly that believers have been given victory over the sting and defeat of death and sin (1 Cor. 15:54-57). It is a remarkable thing for Christians to claim victory and strive to live perfect, sinless lives. Because we have this victory, we are no longer encumbered and enslaved to sin but are now slaves to righteousness, able to live life to its fullest because of the work of Christ.
Additionally, believers in Jesus are to take heart in that we have overcome the world and its snares. John, in his Gospel as well as his epistle, indicates that believers can feel secure because in siding with Jesus, they are siding with the ultimate victor (John 16:33; 1 John 4:4; 1 John 5:4-5). In many ways, this is also the focus of Revelation: that those who bet on Jesus have chosen the right horse and will win the race.
The source of our victory is Jesus, the great lover of our souls. We are more than conquerors through the Lord Jesus (Rom. 8:37). Even as nice and as widely-memorized as this verse is, living it out is something entirely different. When we assert that we have been given victory in Jesus, two things should happen: (1) we accept that the battle(s) we fight have already been won for us, and (2) we will claim that victory and live lives of victory.
Living a life that is set on an attitude of obedience to the victory that Jesus provides is not easy, to be sure. Lives of victory will be pursuing holiness and will seek earnestly to be obedient to the Lord. The beauty of claiming Jesus' victory in a personal way means that we will strive to live crucified lives that put our deepest sin natures to death so that we will live lives wholly realized in the Lord. Let us press on to claim our victory in Jesus!
Christians use the term "victory in Jesus" as a call to arms and to comfort. When we think of victory, we are asserting that we are in some sort of competition, a deadly battle for the state of mankind's souls. Additionally, when we assert that our victory is in Jesus, we are defining the terms of victory as a measure of obedience aligning with the Lord.
The major victory that believers have in Jesus is the victory over death, which is a result of sin. Paul, in 1 Corinthians, indicates clearly that believers have been given victory over the sting and defeat of death and sin (1 Cor. 15:54-57). It is a remarkable thing for Christians to claim victory and strive to live perfect, sinless lives. Because we have this victory, we are no longer encumbered and enslaved to sin but are now slaves to righteousness, able to live life to its fullest because of the work of Christ.
Additionally, believers in Jesus are to take heart in that we have overcome the world and its snares. John, in his Gospel as well as his epistle, indicates that believers can feel secure because in siding with Jesus, they are siding with the ultimate victor (John 16:33; 1 John 4:4; 1 John 5:4-5). In many ways, this is also the focus of Revelation: that those who bet on Jesus have chosen the right horse and will win the race.
The source of our victory is Jesus, the great lover of our souls. We are more than conquerors through the Lord Jesus (Rom. 8:37). Even as nice and as widely-memorized as this verse is, living it out is something entirely different. When we assert that we have been given victory in Jesus, two things should happen: (1) we accept that the battle(s) we fight have already been won for us, and (2) we will claim that victory and live lives of victory.
Living a life that is set on an attitude of obedience to the victory that Jesus provides is not easy, to be sure. Lives of victory will be pursuing holiness and will seek earnestly to be obedient to the Lord. The beauty of claiming Jesus' victory in a personal way means that we will strive to live crucified lives that put our deepest sin natures to death so that we will live lives wholly realized in the Lord. Let us press on to claim our victory in Jesus!
Sunday, January 15, 2012
God's Forgiveness
Forgiveness is one of the most essential components of the Christian life. Unfortunately, forgiveness is often overused in Christian circles while being undervalued and underemphasized with unbelievers. However, the forgiveness of God, given through the work of Jesus, is not only of great importance, it is life-changing. The realization that we need forgiveness is often what prompts belief in the first place, while the continuation of forgiveness is what keeps us growing in sanctification.
Essentially, forgiveness is mercy when judgement is due, amnesty when punishment is owed, and pardoning a just sentencing. The act of forgiveness, in the highest sense, is God's relenting from His right and just judgment of sinners because of the perfect atoning sacrificial work of His Son, Jesus. This is forgiveness.
Man's acts of righteousness are worthless (Isa. 64:6). No one, not one, is without sin's stain (Rom. 3:10). God is more than holy and righteous to judge mankind for their sin. And although God would be just and right to punish us for our sin, He, by His Son's atoning death on the cross, has cleansed us of our sin and justified us wholly by His holy work: forgiveness (Rom. 3:22-24).
To be sure, forgiveness is not without its requirements. To use economic language, we must accept the forgiveness of God for it to be applied to our accounts. If we do not accept His forgiveness, our debt remains, and the reckoning for that debt is sure. Accepting the forgiveness of God is the sine qua non of faith. It is the fundamental component of sincere faith.
However, the story of forgiveness does not end when we accept forgiveness. Forgiveness is to pass through us. We need to forgive ourselves, as well as forgive others. In this way, forgiveness is made complete through us. Although God's forgiveness is not lacking in anything, we still need to express the forgiveness not only to ourselves but to the people around us. Forgiveness takes an attitude of grace, mercy, and love. But when we live lives of forgiveness, we will be continually blessed by the infusion of His nature that forgiveness engages.
Essentially, forgiveness is mercy when judgement is due, amnesty when punishment is owed, and pardoning a just sentencing. The act of forgiveness, in the highest sense, is God's relenting from His right and just judgment of sinners because of the perfect atoning sacrificial work of His Son, Jesus. This is forgiveness.
Man's acts of righteousness are worthless (Isa. 64:6). No one, not one, is without sin's stain (Rom. 3:10). God is more than holy and righteous to judge mankind for their sin. And although God would be just and right to punish us for our sin, He, by His Son's atoning death on the cross, has cleansed us of our sin and justified us wholly by His holy work: forgiveness (Rom. 3:22-24).
To be sure, forgiveness is not without its requirements. To use economic language, we must accept the forgiveness of God for it to be applied to our accounts. If we do not accept His forgiveness, our debt remains, and the reckoning for that debt is sure. Accepting the forgiveness of God is the sine qua non of faith. It is the fundamental component of sincere faith.
However, the story of forgiveness does not end when we accept forgiveness. Forgiveness is to pass through us. We need to forgive ourselves, as well as forgive others. In this way, forgiveness is made complete through us. Although God's forgiveness is not lacking in anything, we still need to express the forgiveness not only to ourselves but to the people around us. Forgiveness takes an attitude of grace, mercy, and love. But when we live lives of forgiveness, we will be continually blessed by the infusion of His nature that forgiveness engages.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Forgiving the Self
Life is hard.
It is full of painful pits, twisting hairpins, unseeable snares,
swirling storms, and countless other obstacles that impede our ability to walk
the straight and narrow. Because of the distinct and plentiful complications of life, sometimes, more often than
we’d like to admit, we make poor decisions. Tragically, the repercussions of poor decisions can be
painful, if not outright destructive.
Thankfully, because of sincere confession and belief in Christ, God forgives
all of our poor decisions (Psa. 103:12; 1
John 1:9). Handling missteps and
snowballs of sin is not God’s business.
He is in the business of salvation and forgiveness. However, we still have to deal with our
past choices, especially the ones that have lingering scars of
remembrance. It is how we face
those decisions, the good and bad,
that can reveal something about our reliance on the Lord.
The past, our pasts, usually come to us in emotional
vignettes: we remember specific episodes, how we felt, how we made others feel,
etc. These emotional memories,
though not always pervasive, linger with us after God has forgiven us. Simply put, God has forgiven us and, as
we live in Him by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, we live in His
forgiveness.
This means that when we feel streams of regret and shame for
past sin that has been forgiven, we are bringing up sin that God has already
washed clean. In a sense,
replaying sin of the past is disbelief that we are truly forgiven because we,
in our flesh, are not able to fully believe the depth of God’s forgiveness.
It is important to note that judgment, in the form of guilt,
is always intended to draw us to repentance and sanctification. When we feel a divine guilt that
propels us to seek Him and to repair relationships, this is a beautiful
thing. However, if feelings of
regret torment us and hinder our ability to draw closer to Him, we are not
living in His grace but wallowing in our own fleshly weakness. Instead, we must claim our forgiven
identity.
Claiming an identity in Christ involves eschewing any and
every sin that hinders our sanctification and prevents the Holy Spirit from
entering every nook of our lives when every cranny already belongs to Him. Regret is one of Satan’s ploys and most powerful tactics. Remember, Satan is the
great accuser who tempts people to sin and then perpetually accuses them of
that sin (Rev. 12:10).
Whenever our pasts, the sin and bad decisions, accuses us with regret and guilt, it is not of God but is the enemy. The only way to overcome his accusations
is to, in the power of Jesus’ name, cast him out. Remember, our identity is made new in Christ, so any regret
of who we once were is not godly but is a hindrance to God’s holy work of
sanctification in our lives.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of
witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely,
and let us run with endurance the race that is marked out for us, looking to
Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, endured the cross, despising the
shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God (Heb.
12:1-2).” The casting aside of
weight and sin does not only refer to the sins of now but also to our past
sins. Let us cast them aside and
press forward in steadfastness and perseverance, keeping our gaze fixed on Christ and not allow ourselves to be distracted by ourselves.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Responsible Freedom
In Christ, Christians have been freed from the burden of the law. This means that believers have liberty. We are no longer slaves to sin but have been freed to righteousness. In this, Christians have a new found freedom to live. However, this freedom comes with a certain and definite responsibility. We are to be responsible so that we do not misuse our freedom to the detriment of others.
When we become disciples of Christ, we become image bearers of God, meaning that we are walking, talking testaments of the Lord. Becoming a beacon to the Lord, realizing that our decisions act as witnesses that attest to Him, is a lifelong process of realization and sanctification. Understanding that we are to live every moment to and for Him is what the Christian life is all about.
The freedom that Christians have in Jesus is to be used responsibly. For instance, if their is any action or behavior that hinders others from drawing closer to God, we need to change in order to help and not obstruct the spiritual growth of others (1 Cor. 10:23-33). We should never flaunt our freedom in serving our own desires but should always strive to be responsible with our freedom so that it is beneficial to others.
As Christians, our primary aim is to draw people to the Lord, to be salt and light. If we, in our freedom, become stumbling blocks for others, then we are not being obedient to what the Lord has for us. We should strive to live lives that are the most effective and beneficial in pointing people to God as possible. This means that we will practice personal discipline, decency, and temperance.
We are image bearers of God. Although God is God despite our actions, meaning that we can't, by our lives, make God look better. We can, by our actions, make God look bad. This should never be so. We should always endeavor to be pure and holy and, in so, become living testaments to Him, walking sacraments that point God. Praise be to God that He would use imperfect vessels such as us to be His image bearers on this earth!
When we become disciples of Christ, we become image bearers of God, meaning that we are walking, talking testaments of the Lord. Becoming a beacon to the Lord, realizing that our decisions act as witnesses that attest to Him, is a lifelong process of realization and sanctification. Understanding that we are to live every moment to and for Him is what the Christian life is all about.
The freedom that Christians have in Jesus is to be used responsibly. For instance, if their is any action or behavior that hinders others from drawing closer to God, we need to change in order to help and not obstruct the spiritual growth of others (1 Cor. 10:23-33). We should never flaunt our freedom in serving our own desires but should always strive to be responsible with our freedom so that it is beneficial to others.
As Christians, our primary aim is to draw people to the Lord, to be salt and light. If we, in our freedom, become stumbling blocks for others, then we are not being obedient to what the Lord has for us. We should strive to live lives that are the most effective and beneficial in pointing people to God as possible. This means that we will practice personal discipline, decency, and temperance.
We are image bearers of God. Although God is God despite our actions, meaning that we can't, by our lives, make God look better. We can, by our actions, make God look bad. This should never be so. We should always endeavor to be pure and holy and, in so, become living testaments to Him, walking sacraments that point God. Praise be to God that He would use imperfect vessels such as us to be His image bearers on this earth!
Monday, December 19, 2011
When in the Wilderness
For the Israelites, the 40 years spent in the wilderness represented more than a topographical designation. It was a place of sanctification and preparation. The Israelites had to stay wandering in the wilderness for forty years and, due to their disbelief and unfaithfulness, none of the first-generation exodus survivors were allowed to enter the Promised Land (Num. 13-14). The wilderness served distinct theological purposes.
Additionally, Jesus spent forty days in the wilderness following His baptism and prior to the start of His ministry (Matt. 4). During His time in the wilderness, Jesus was tempted. He also had to rely solely on the provision of God to sustain Him through the hardship. The wilderness served as a training ground, preparing Jesus for His divine work.
We also spend time in the wilderness, although our wilderness experiences are not so geographically delineated as were Jesus' or Israel's. Sometimes wilderness experiences do depend on actual, physical wildernesses, but, on the whole, the Christian's wilderness is one of the spirit. Our wilderness is the world, specifically the fleshly world. When we go out into the world of the flesh, we are entering a wilderness, a wilderness of desolation and of sin.
In these times, we need to be on guard to remain obedient through the hardships that will attack our hearts, our minds, and our souls. We should rely on God for direction and guidance, for provision and sustenance. The wilderness is a medium for sanctification. This is not to say that Christians should willingly leap at every wilderness opportunity without preparation. The wilderness can be dangerous and preparations need to be made for wilderness experiences.
For instance, the primary mode for making a camping excursion enjoyable is having the right gear: tent, sleeping bag, etc. Similarly, handling the wilderness means having the right gear. Since the wilderness for Christians is a spiritual land, this means having the Word of God printed on our hearts, His praises on our tongues, and our spirits fixed on the Lord.
When these components are in place, the wilderness can be a challenging but rewardingly sanctifying experience. When we are not prepared for the wilderness, it can be dangerous. The wilderness will naturally push us to rely on ourselves for provision and to doubt the Lord, both being unfaithfully treacherous and sinful. In contrast, the wilderness requires that we rely solely on God and do not doubt. But thanks be to God for He is always faithful to use the wilderness for our good and steadfast to pull us through and closer to Himself!
Additionally, Jesus spent forty days in the wilderness following His baptism and prior to the start of His ministry (Matt. 4). During His time in the wilderness, Jesus was tempted. He also had to rely solely on the provision of God to sustain Him through the hardship. The wilderness served as a training ground, preparing Jesus for His divine work.
We also spend time in the wilderness, although our wilderness experiences are not so geographically delineated as were Jesus' or Israel's. Sometimes wilderness experiences do depend on actual, physical wildernesses, but, on the whole, the Christian's wilderness is one of the spirit. Our wilderness is the world, specifically the fleshly world. When we go out into the world of the flesh, we are entering a wilderness, a wilderness of desolation and of sin.
In these times, we need to be on guard to remain obedient through the hardships that will attack our hearts, our minds, and our souls. We should rely on God for direction and guidance, for provision and sustenance. The wilderness is a medium for sanctification. This is not to say that Christians should willingly leap at every wilderness opportunity without preparation. The wilderness can be dangerous and preparations need to be made for wilderness experiences.
For instance, the primary mode for making a camping excursion enjoyable is having the right gear: tent, sleeping bag, etc. Similarly, handling the wilderness means having the right gear. Since the wilderness for Christians is a spiritual land, this means having the Word of God printed on our hearts, His praises on our tongues, and our spirits fixed on the Lord.
When these components are in place, the wilderness can be a challenging but rewardingly sanctifying experience. When we are not prepared for the wilderness, it can be dangerous. The wilderness will naturally push us to rely on ourselves for provision and to doubt the Lord, both being unfaithfully treacherous and sinful. In contrast, the wilderness requires that we rely solely on God and do not doubt. But thanks be to God for He is always faithful to use the wilderness for our good and steadfast to pull us through and closer to Himself!
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Unshakable Sons & Daughters
This world tosses and turns like waves in a tempest. Much of life is unsure and instable because of sin and its effects in the world. There are hidden traps set to trip and ensnare believers and to keep them from goals, purposes, and obedience to the Lord. Sometime the snares are visible and clear, such as lust or greed or pride. Other traps are less so, like coveting, envy, or general distractions. The point is that, although this world is full of waves that can break us, our stability is sure; our stability is Christ.
When we are in Christ, we are set, made secure in Him. This means that as the tides of this life rise or recede we will be unmoved because our stability is the surest of footings: God. With God as our rock and stability, no matter what we may encounter, we will not falter, fade, or break away from our course.
Moreover, the Lord is our fortress. Because our strength is rooted, grounded in Him, nothing in the world can shake us. There are so many instances and occurrences that happen that can be wholly devastating: divorce, death, disease, etc. However, when the source of our strength, the very root of our stability is found in God alone, then nothing will be able to rattle us beyond His compassionate care.
There is so much to be said about stability and its importance for believers. Seizing and claiming the stability is essential in the Christian life. It affects everything from the joy, peace, and hope that believers are required to live within. For instance, earthly happiness depends on what happens. Therefore, what happens can have dramatic effects on people when people's happiness is not grounded in the Lord. Instead, Christians that are deeply rooted in the Word and in the Lord can be affected by what happens but their happiness and joy is not dependent on what happens; it depends solely and wholly on the Holy Lord.
God is our security. He is the fortress that we depend upon for our strength and for our stability. Because He is the rock and the source of our stability, we can be totally assured and secure. So, when this world throws curve balls we will be able to handle every pitch with ease. Praise be to the Lord Almighty that He is who He is and that we can utterly depend on Him!
When we are in Christ, we are set, made secure in Him. This means that as the tides of this life rise or recede we will be unmoved because our stability is the surest of footings: God. With God as our rock and stability, no matter what we may encounter, we will not falter, fade, or break away from our course.
Moreover, the Lord is our fortress. Because our strength is rooted, grounded in Him, nothing in the world can shake us. There are so many instances and occurrences that happen that can be wholly devastating: divorce, death, disease, etc. However, when the source of our strength, the very root of our stability is found in God alone, then nothing will be able to rattle us beyond His compassionate care.
There is so much to be said about stability and its importance for believers. Seizing and claiming the stability is essential in the Christian life. It affects everything from the joy, peace, and hope that believers are required to live within. For instance, earthly happiness depends on what happens. Therefore, what happens can have dramatic effects on people when people's happiness is not grounded in the Lord. Instead, Christians that are deeply rooted in the Word and in the Lord can be affected by what happens but their happiness and joy is not dependent on what happens; it depends solely and wholly on the Holy Lord.
God is our security. He is the fortress that we depend upon for our strength and for our stability. Because He is the rock and the source of our stability, we can be totally assured and secure. So, when this world throws curve balls we will be able to handle every pitch with ease. Praise be to the Lord Almighty that He is who He is and that we can utterly depend on Him!
Friday, December 16, 2011
Faithful Freedom
Freedom, the state of being free. Freedom is meaning-laden term when used theologically. It loosely means liberation and deliverance, but from what? to what? Needless to say, this is a complex issue steep with significance and full of theology that goes beyond the scope of this dialogue; however, understanding the foundation of Christian freedom is essential.
First of all, and most importantly, Christians are free from sin. The wages of sin, which is death, has been paid in full by the blood of Christ. Therefore, Christians have been freed from the bondage of sin. Freedom in Christ implies that we were not free apart from Christ. The truth is that we were in utter bondage to sin, enslaved to the flesh and its desires before we believed in Jesus (Rom. 6). Now, we are no longer slaves to the flesh but have put the flesh to death and its sinful desires and have been made alive in Christ, and become slaves to righteousness (Rom. 8; Col. 3).
Additionally, when we become believers and become free in Him, one of the consequences of sin that we are freed from is shame. This is profound but biblical. Believers have been freed from the shame and guilt of sin. Once we have been forgiven, we do not need to be forgiven again; we are free. It is important to point out that Satan wants us continually to feel shame and guilt for past sin.
Satan is the accuser (the book of Job; Rev. 12:7-12). He desires to condemn and accuse believers for their past sins. He deceives believers continually and accuses believers so that we are not truly set free from the bondage of sin. However, believers are set free and should stand firm in that freedom (Gal. 5:1).
Jesus says, "the truth will set you free...free indeed (John 8:31-32, 36)." We have been set free and are to live in that freedom, not to be pulled back into the bondage of sin. It is challenging but it is absolutely essential. We need to remember that we are free in Christ and should strive to live in that freedom that is only solidified by His grace. God desires us to be set free, totally free, from sin.
Freedom is a result of pursuing Him, not focusing on ourselves but looking only to Him as the source of our identity and our salvation. The tragic thing about introspection is that it often leads to despair. Instead, living lives of freedom means that we will be focused on the Lord as the reference for our freedom. We need to sieze and live in that freedom. But thanks be to God that He would grant us freedom from sin!
First of all, and most importantly, Christians are free from sin. The wages of sin, which is death, has been paid in full by the blood of Christ. Therefore, Christians have been freed from the bondage of sin. Freedom in Christ implies that we were not free apart from Christ. The truth is that we were in utter bondage to sin, enslaved to the flesh and its desires before we believed in Jesus (Rom. 6). Now, we are no longer slaves to the flesh but have put the flesh to death and its sinful desires and have been made alive in Christ, and become slaves to righteousness (Rom. 8; Col. 3).
Additionally, when we become believers and become free in Him, one of the consequences of sin that we are freed from is shame. This is profound but biblical. Believers have been freed from the shame and guilt of sin. Once we have been forgiven, we do not need to be forgiven again; we are free. It is important to point out that Satan wants us continually to feel shame and guilt for past sin.
Satan is the accuser (the book of Job; Rev. 12:7-12). He desires to condemn and accuse believers for their past sins. He deceives believers continually and accuses believers so that we are not truly set free from the bondage of sin. However, believers are set free and should stand firm in that freedom (Gal. 5:1).
Jesus says, "the truth will set you free...free indeed (John 8:31-32, 36)." We have been set free and are to live in that freedom, not to be pulled back into the bondage of sin. It is challenging but it is absolutely essential. We need to remember that we are free in Christ and should strive to live in that freedom that is only solidified by His grace. God desires us to be set free, totally free, from sin.
Freedom is a result of pursuing Him, not focusing on ourselves but looking only to Him as the source of our identity and our salvation. The tragic thing about introspection is that it often leads to despair. Instead, living lives of freedom means that we will be focused on the Lord as the reference for our freedom. We need to sieze and live in that freedom. But thanks be to God that He would grant us freedom from sin!
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