Jesus Christ has set us free

Posted on Dec. 4, 2024, 9:28 a.m. by Rev. Shobayo Kayode The Gospel Study Centre

“Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (For it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on the tree” (Gal.3:13) Our Lord Jesus Christ confirmed the fact when in His statement of victory says, “Therefore, if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed” (John.8:36) The death of Jesus on the cross and His resurrection from the grave have truly set believers in Christ free from the bondage of sin and law. We send ourselves back into bondage once we tend to be justified by the law. The scripture says “But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for “the just shall live by faith”. Yet the law is not of faith, but the man who does them shall live by them” (Gal.3:11-12) Apostle Paul while teaching the brethren in Galatia regarding the law of circumcision, affirmed the fact that effort to keep the law is an attempt to be justified by the law. He concluded that, in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love. (Gal.5:6) The only way of salvation is by grace through faith in Christ. (Eph.2:8) It is in Him our righteousness also lies, not by works of law. We must make a clear choice between law and grace. But we should know that those who opt for justification by works of law have fallen from grace. (Gal.5:4) They have sent themselves back into bondage of the law. Circumcision was so important commandment to the Israelites. (Gen.17:10-14) It was a covenant. The Ten Commandments (Ex.20:2-17) were laws given to them by God to guide them on how to relate with Him as their God and to relate with themselves as people. Our Lord Jesus Christ in His New Covenant, summarized the Ten Commandments to Two (Matt.22:37-39) when He says, “On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets” (Matt.22:40) He said further that He has come to fulfil the purpose for which the law was given and not to destroy it. (Matt.5:17) No wonder Apostle Paul describes the Law as shadow of things to come but the substance is of Christ. (Col.2:17) He also describes it as teacher, to lead us to Christ. “The law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor” (Gal.3:24-25) The law was only pointing to Jesus Christ who is the personification of the law, that in Him one can fulfil the law. The arrival of the perfect, sinless and righteous life that the law intends to achieve are all possible through faith in Jesus Christ. It is not surprising therefore that Jesus Christ remains the only one who was able to fulfil the law. “So, Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowd “I find no fault in this man” (Luke.23:4) Brethren, let us stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free and do not be entangled again with the yoke of bondage. (Gal.5:1) It should be understood also, that as good as the religious laws may appear to be, it is powerless to help overcome sin. We should through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. (Gal.5:5) However, our freedom is not an excuse to do what satisfy our sinful life. The Scripture says, “For you, brethren, have been called to liberty, only do not use your liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” (Gal.5:13) The freedom we are talking about is the freedom that comes from salvation in Christ. Freedom from the old covenant, freedom from condemnation, guilt, sin, death as well as freedom that gives access to the presence of God. Evangelism It is only in Christ one can receive freedom from sin, and be justified by faith. Rev. Shobayo Kayode The Gospel Study Centre