Generally, people tend to define freedom as “being free to do whatever I want”.   This sounds quite plausible on its face.

However, even God is not completely free under this definition.  For example, it is impossible for God to lie (Hebrews 6:18), so this is an invalid definition.

The accurate definition of freedom is “being free to act based on my nature”.  Under this definition we realize that

  • Humans have a nature that is bent toward sin (Ephesians 2:3-5, Hosea 11:7, James 1:14–15).  Left alone, we will follow this nature, and are bound by the very law we seek freedom from (God’s moral law).
  • God has a nature that is righteous.  Under the accurate definition of freedom, God is completely free.

Which of the two natures above (sin vs. righteousness) is preferable?

Humans that desire to be righteous require a change of nature.  This change is possible only through Jesus Christ who is the “image of the invisible God” (Hebrews 1:1-2).  He lived the sinless life necessary for God to reconcile humans to Himself (2 Corinthians 5:19).  Jesus was and is the necessary link for this to be possible.  Romans 8:2 says, “For the law of the Spirit of life has set youfree in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.”

Μόνο ο Χριστός:  In Christ Alone

When the Holy Spirit enters the believer, the believer is transformed into the image of God in Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18).  The believer finds genuine freedom:  being who God made them to be based on their new nature in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:2).  No longer under a brutal slave master, believers find their rest in Christ, whose yoke is easy, and who’s burden is light.