Galatians 2:4. Yet because of false brothers secretly brought in—who slipped in to spy out our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might bring us into slavery
Make no mistake, the freedom of the Christian is found only in Christ. We call this the doctrine of our union with Christ—a doctrine that the Apostle Paul championed throughout his life and ministry. As we’ve said, this early Christian epistle is one of the first times that our union with Christ is presented to the church. It is our new reality, made possible by the indwelling Holy Spirit in us as the Spirit of Christ—Christ’s own life.
To be in Christ is, first of all, to be represented by Him. Just as we were “in Adam” in the garden when he sinned, with his sin counting against us, so too we are now in Christ. As our representative head, Jesus’ life and righteousness count for us (this is called imputation). Everything that Jesus did and received credit for from the Father, we have now been given credit for as well. Can you see how this gives you freedom?
Beyond representation and imputation, our union with Christ allows us to participate with Christ. We are not only in Christ passively, but Christ lives in us actively. Jesus lives in and through us as we live by faith (see 2:20). Again, can you see how this gives us freedom?
Remember, our freedom in Christ is not freedom for freedom’s sake. And it is never a license to live however we want. It is freedom for love’s sake—the love of Christ in us. It is precisely this freedom that allows us to love from a pure heart. For example, our union with Christ frees us from a performance-based religion. Because we are fully accepted in Christ, our hearts are freed up to stop keeping score with God and with others. Now we can love God with all of our heart, soul, and strength, and love our neighbor as ourselves—not love our neighbor while still self-promoting and “looking out for number one.”
In Christ, our life can be lived with security and confidence. We can risk loving, knowing that we have nothing to fear. If Jesus is okay, then so am I. And trust me, Jesus is okay.
You: Can you identify any areas of your life where you are not living in the freedom of Christ?
You in Christ: In Christ, we have His imputed righteousness. How does this free us to participate in His righteousness on a daily basis?
Christ in you: Where is Christ actively working to set you free today?
Pray: Father, You have set me free from the slavery of my own self-righteousness. I want to live free in Christ. Keep showing me how. Amen.
To Live is Christ 