Freedom In Christ - What Is It? How Can I Experience True Freedom in Christ?

Freedom In Christ - What Is It? How Can I Experience True Freedom In Christ?

Freedom is a basic human desire, so we would expect to read about it in the Bible. While the Bible speaks often of freedom, its focus is most frequently related to the spiritual freedom a person can experience in Christ.

First, freedom in Christ is seen in contrast to the bondage of sin. Romans 6:20-23 says, "For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. But what fruit were you getting at that time from the things which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slave of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." In other words, sin enslaves people for spiritual death and eternity apart from God. Knowing Christ provides freedom from the control of sin and eternal life with Him.

Second, freedom in Christ is seen as the only true form of freedom, because it provides lasting freedom beyond this life. John 8:36 notes, "If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." We now know the truth that sets us free as believers. (John 8:32).

Third, a person who has experienced true freedom in Christ is called to live as His servant. The apostle Paul was an example of this, as many of his letters begin with the introduction of himself as a "servant of Christ Jesus" (Romans 1:1). We are set free to serve Christ. This seems like a paradox to the non-believer, yet the freedom found in Christ gives the believer a desire to live for Christ as a servant. This attitude reflects the attitude displayed by Jesus Himself during His time on earth (John 13:1-20; Philippians 1:5-11).

Fourth, those who find freedom in Christ also become His children. John 1:12 teaches, "But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God." As Galatians 4 also notes, we are now children and heirs of the inheritance of eternal life with Christ for eternity.

Yet this freedom does not mean sin is completely removed. Paul spoke of his ongoing struggle with sin (Romans 7:15-20, yet also noted that sin no longer controlled him (Romans 6:1-2). He was now a person who sought to live a transformed life because of his new life in Christ (Romans 12:1-2). This included putting off old habits and developing new patterns that honored God (Ephesians 4:22-32).

In short, we experience true freedom in Christ by knowing Him, walking in His ways, and engaging with the changes He makes in and through our lives as we focus on service to Him and to others. This freedom transcends the human freedoms desired in this world, providing peace in this life and freedom with Christ forevermore.

~Compelling Truth~

God vs. satan? If He Is Really All-powerful, Why Doen't God Just Kill satan?

God vs. satan? If He is Really All-powerful, Why Doesn't God Just Kill satan?

If God is all-powerful, why hasn't He killed satan? This question deserves careful attention, since removing satan before he tempted Eve in the Garden of Eden may have kept sin from entering the world.

First, we must acknowledge God is all-powerful and

Second, the possibility of sin must exist to allow humanity to have free will. Free will is required for the existence of genuine choices, including the choice to love God. Even if satan had not existed, we would still have had free will and the opportunity to commit sin. As it turns out, sin entered though Adam and Eve, aided by the actions of satan. But this doesn't mean sin could never have entered some other way.

Third, satan's existence also serves as part of God's redemptive plan through Jesus Christ. When Jesus came to earth, He was tempted by satan (Matthew 4:1-11). satan worked in the life of Judas Iscariot so he would betray Jesus, leading to His sacrificial death on the Cross. Even though satan's intentions are evil, God is able to use them in order to further His will.

This is a great example of Romans 8:28, which teaches, "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose." In addition, other works of God have shown this to be true as well. When Joseph's brothers sought forgiveness for selling him into slavery, Joseph replied, "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today" (Genesis 50:20. Jonah was swallowed by a great fish, yet God used this event to help save a city from judgment.

Fourth, God has already revealed His plan to ultimately defeat satan. Revelation 20:10 states, "the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever." satan will be removed from God's people, and  punished forever.

This is a key point, often missed when looking at the "God vs. satan" conflict. In a sense, satan is already defeated. Deer that are shot by hunters often run hundreds of yards before they die, even though the bullet wound is fatal. Like an animal that's been shot, but hasn't actually died yet, evil has been fatally injured by God. We're just waiting for everything to settle into place. When that happens, all wrongs will be made right, and all evil will be punished.

We rightfully wish satan no longer worked his evil in this world. However, God has a plan that will ultimately end satan's work. For now, we can view satan's operations in this world as an opportunity to depend on the power of God's Spirit to resist temptation, fight injustice and evil, and to stand strong in sharing Christ's love with those who have yet to believe.

God will determine the timing of satan's judgment as He wills; we are called to follow God's plans while resisting the evil efforts of the devil.

~Compelling Truth~ 

How Important Is Spiritual Growth In Christian Life?

How Important Is Spiritual Growth In Christian Life?

Spiritual growth is the process of becoming more mature in one's relationship with Jesus Christ. Someone who is growing spiritually will become more and more like Christ. The spiritually mature will be able to "distinguish good from evil" (Hebrews 5:14). Spiritual growth begins the moment a person comes to faith in Christ and should continue until a person enters Christ's presence after this life.

Spiritual growth is expected of the believer. The author of Hebrews reprimands his readers for "no longer trying to understand" (5:11) and "being still an infant" (5:13). The criticism leads to exhortation: "Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity" (6:1). The apostle Peter says, "Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." As we rely on His powere and follow His teachings, we can develop greater maturity.

Peter provides a peek at the process: "make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 1:5-8).

Involvement in a local church and the exercise of our spiritual gifts are invaluable to the development of maturity (Ephesians 4:11-16). Rather than be swayed by every errant doctrine that comes along, we can speak "the truth in love," with the result that "we will in all things grow up into Him who is the Head, that is, Christ" (Ephesians 4:15).

To evaluate spiritual growth, we can measure our improvement in the "fruit of the Spirit." The Spirit desires to produce these qualities in us: "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control" (Galatians 5:22-23). Are we increasing in love? In joy? In patience? If so, we are growing spiritually.

We should be aware that growth often comes through trials. Just as physical strength is built through exertion and straining against resistance, spiritual strength is developed in the hard times of life. "No pain, no gain," as they say. James gives encouragement: "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing" (James 1:2-4).

Because growth comes through trials, Scripture also teaches we are not to grow weary in the process. Much spiritual development is the result of persistence. "As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good" (2 Thessalonians 3:13). "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up" (Galatians 6:9).

It is God's will that we grow to be more like Jesus. We also have the promise that the Lord Himself will oversee our growth and bring us to maturity. "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" (Philippians 1:6).

"Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you" (2 Corinthians 13:11).

~Compelling Truth~

How Can I Trust That God Really Is In Control? Is God in Control?

How Can I Trust That God Really Is In Control? Is God In Control?

The first question we need to ask ourselves is, "Is God really in control?" In order to trust Him, we need to know whether or not that trust is warranted. The Bible is clear that God's will happens exactly as He purposes: "The Lord of hosts has sworn: 'As I have planned, so shall it be, and as I have purposed, so shall it stand." (Isaiah 14:24). This should give us strength and confidence, knowing that He is omnipotent, and that when He promises a thing, He also has the power to make it happen. God is sovereign over creation - He is the King of kings and Lord of lords (1 Timothy 6:15). What He says is going to happen, happens. Through the prophet Isaiah, God says; "I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all My purposes' " (Isaiah 46:9-10).

What about free will? If God is in complete control, but man's choices are free and outside His control, how can He really be in control? The philosophy of open theism says that God is constantly reacting and changing to the decisions and choices of man - and that He doesn't know what will happen in the future any more than we do. This cannot be true, because of Christ, the Messiah. If God was reacting to the decisions of men, prophecy would not make sense. Why would God say "I'm going to do this" if He wasn't sure it would happen? That would make God Himself a false prophet! He knew what would happen, which is how He could promise it. And the only way He could know what would happen is if He was in complete control! If the outcome of the future depends on the free will of man, we, not He, would be God! And that idea is eerily familiar; it is satan's lie - you shall be like God (Genesis 3:5). God allows us choice and freedom only within the boundaries of His sovereignty. "All the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and He does according to His will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay His hand or say to Him, 'What have You done?' " (Daniel 4:35).

Once we understand that God is in control, we must look to His goodness. That is where true trust comes from. Just knowing that God is all-powerful is not enough. We need to know that when difficult or inexplicable things occur, He is good and these things have purpose, even if we can't see that purpose. The key lies in trusting His goodness, His love, His mercy, His compassion, His faithfulness, and His holiness.

We come to trust God's character the same way we come to trust a person's character; by exposure. Paul exhorted the Romans to "not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect" (Romans 12:2). When we conform our minds to the Scripture, we become sure of God. This is not just a process of assimilating information about God, but it is a communion with His His Spirit. Jesus said that the Spirit guides us into all truth (John 16:13) and that the word of God is truth (John 7:17). The more that we expose ourselves to the Word, allowing that truth to be interpreted to our hearts by the Spirit of Christ, the more we will trust Him (Luke 24:27; Romans 8:9).

~Compelling Truth~

Why Would God Allow Deception?

Why Would God Allow Deception?

Deception is the act of misleading someone through intentionally false statements or actions. It is the devil, not God, who is the originator of deception.

In John 8:44, Jesus says the following of the devil, "He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a lier and the father of lies." Not only does the devil deceive, he is the father of deception.

The first deception recorded in Scripture proceeds from the devil's forked tongue when he tells Eve that eating from the tree that God forbade will not result in death (Genesis 3:4). This act fits the definition of deception perfectly as the devil is making intentionally false statements in order to mislead Eve into disobeying God's commandment. However, the fact that Eve was deceived does not exempt her or Adam, who took the fruit also, from responsibility for their disobedience as they sinned against the truth that God had already revealed to them (Genesis 2:16-17). They chose to doubt and disobey God's truth and exchanged it for the devil's lie. Their sin had the exact effect which God promised as they experienced fear, shame, guilt, and ultimately physical death (1 Corinthians 15:21). Instead of becoming like God, they became spiritually dead. They began to shift the blame for their knowing and willful disobedience, attempting to deceive God. Adam blamed Eve and indirectly blamed God Himself for giving Eve to him; Eve blamed the devil (Genesis 3:12-13).

The sin of Adam and Eve was passed on to us, and we are therefore born with a sin nature (Romans 5:12). This is clearly seen both in Scripture and in life. If you observe early childhood development, you will see that no one has to teach a child to lie. It is natural to them. As we grow up our lies become more hidden and sophisticated, but we still lie. We may soften the blow by calling them "white lies," but who among us always speaks the complete truth one hundred percent of the time? Only God speaks perfect truth every time He speaks. God cannot lie (Numbers 23:19). God is the complete opposite of the devil. God speaks the truth because when He speaks, He speaks out of His character. God is truth and He is the father of truth.

Fortunately for us, God is not only truth, He is also love. Because God is love, He sent His only Son into the world to speak the truth and to die for sinners like us (Romans 5:8). In fact, Jesus claimed that He Himself is the way, the TRUTH, and the life, and that no one can come to the Father but through Him (John 14:6). It is only by believing the truth that Jesus is the Son of God who lived a perfect life, sacrificed Himself for our sins, and rose again from the dead, that we can be saved from the eternal death which we deserve based on our sinfulness (Romans 6:23).

Sin itself is described in Scripture as deceitful (Hebrews 3:13; Mark 4:19). Why? Because it promises what it cannot deliver. Sin promises life, but ends in death; promises joy, but ends in despair; promises pleasure, but ends in punishment. Often we choose to be deceived by sin, wanting to trust its false promises and acting out of our fleshly nature rather than trusting and standing in the truth of God. God (who cannot lie) promises eternal life to all who receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour (John 3:15). God promises love and joy and peace to those who walk in and are filled by the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Those who forsake the fleeting pleasures of sin and place their faith in Christ can look forward to a heavenly city where they will reside with He who is true.

There are a few points to ponder. God created the angels (which the devil was at one time) and human beings with free will. It is the devil and human beings who are the direct cause of sin. At the same time, God is sovereign over all creation and He has put a chain on evil. It may only go so far and will only last so long (Job 2:6; 2 Peter 2:4). He has a plan and is working that plan out perfectly. Part of God's plan is to display who He is. The existence of sin (including deception) allows for the manifestation of His attributes, which brings Him glory. This can be seen most clearly in Romans 9:22-23, "What if God, desiring to show His wrath and to make known His power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, in order to make known the riches of His glory for vessels of mercy, which He has prepared beforehand for glory." The existence of sin allows for the display of God's justice in punishing sin and for the display of His mercy in forgiving sin. God's justice and mercy meet at the Cross of Jesus Christ. Jesus pain the just penalty for sin on our behalf in order that we might experience God's mercy and grace. There will be justice for those who refuse to believe in Jesus' substitutionary atoning death, and there is mercy for those who believe. (John 3:18).

I appeal to you now, do not be deceived, believe in Jesus Christ today, and begin to live in the light and in the truth (2 Corinthians 5:20-21; John 8:12; Ephesians 1:13).

Compelling Truth~

Does Humanity Truly Have Free Will?

Does Humanity Truly Have Free Will?

This answer depends on the definition of the word "free." Human beings unquestionably have a will, as we make decisions all the time. When the word "free" is added, however, it carries the idea of making a decision/taking an action with no outside influence or control. The Bible presents God as absolutely sovereign, in complete control of everything. Nothing can happen if God does not allow it. So, no, the human will is not technically free.

Even outside the sovereignty of God, there are other factors that restrict the will of humanity. The Bible teaches that we are all infected with sin, we all possess a sinful nature (Romans 3:23; 5:12). Sin prevents us from making truly free decisions. Sin plagues us to the very depth of our beings. Further, our wills are restricted by our own limitations. There are simply many things we are not capable of doing. We cannot choose to flap our arms and fly, for example. So, there are clearly multiple factors which prevent our wills from being completely free.

However, the lack of a truly free will does not lessen our responsibility for our own actions. We have the responsibility to choose rightly and wisely. In regards to our relationship with God and the salvation He offers, the Bible calls us to believe and change our minds (Matt. 3:2; Acts 3:19; 1 John 3:23). Every invitation to believe is a call to choose. An invitation to believe assumes the ability to choose to believers. We are without excuse (Romans 1:20-21) if we choose not to believe. We face consequences if we choose to take wrong actions (Galatians 6:7).

Do human beings have a will? Yes. Are human beings truly and fully responsible for their actions? Yes. Do human beings have the ability to make decisions completely free from all outside influences? No. How can we be fully responsible but not truly free? That is the mystery of existing in a universe with an absolutely sovereign God.

~Compelling Truth~

Applying the Bible - How Can I Do It In My Life?

Applying the Bible - How Can I Do It In My Life?

Properly applying the teachings of the Bible to your life is one of the most important things you can do as a Christian. James 1:22-25 explains why: "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like the man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing."

But how do we apply the Bible to our lives? First, we must know it. This can involve listening to it, reading it, meditating on Scripture, memorizing God's Word, attending Bible study groups, and listening to Bible-focused preaching. It's hard to apply something you do not know, so it is important to actually read and study Scripture for yourself.

Next, to apply it properly involves connecting biblical principles to your life issues. A helpful process is to first identify the issue. Second, identify connecting biblical principles. Third, pray and seek wisdom for how to connect the biblical principles to your life issue.

For example, perhaps you are in a situation in which you are trying to decide how to respond to a personal problem with controlling your anger. The issue is learning to control anger. The connecting biblical principle could include many passages. However, two important ones include James 1:19 and Ephesians 4:22-24. James 1:19 teaches, "Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger." One way to become angry less often or less easily is to listen better and wait to speak in response. This may not solve every issue, but will help to avoid many situations in which an angry outburst could increase problems.

Ephesians 4:22-24 adds another concept: "put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness." Changing a negative habit is not only about stopping, but also about replacing the negative habit with a positive one. How could this relate to controlling your anger? Perhaps it is pausing ten seconds before responding. Another new habit could be to instead stop to pray for the person or about the situation that is making you angry.l These and other positive replacements can help reduce situations where angry outbursts take place.

Apply the Bible is an ongoing challenge every Christian must face. However, it is essential for all Christians to constantly grow in understanding of biblical principles that apply to life issues. This knowledge will help provide the information needed to respond to challenges and temptations you will face. Even Jesus used this method. When tempted three times in the desert, He responded each time by referring to Scripture that provided the needed answer. The ongoing process of study and application can serve as the key to improved spiritual growth, changing your life and the lives of others.

~Compelling Truth~