FRIDAY March 12, 2021
Stand Fast in Liberty
Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.
Galatians 5:1
Paul the Apostle spoke about the Galatians’ freedom in Christ. They initially believed in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and by faith in Him for their salvation. They had repented of their sins and received the grace, love and mercy of God. The cleansing power of the blood of Jesus Christ had cleansed them from sin (1 John 1:7, 9).
Now the Galatians had wavered from their liberty in Christ; they were no longer enjoying the grace of God. Instead, the believers in Galatia had embraced the false doctrine of Judaizers. They were led away into legalism––trying to keep the Law through circumcision. The Galatians followed the Judaizers’ belief that righteousness could be attained through works. They tried to live by the Law of God––a false liberty.
How does a person establish a righteous standing before God? This is a good question. I am amazed that many religions believe in a works-based righteousness. Yet no one can become righteous by works. Our righteousness is as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). Righteousness before God can only happen as a person believes by faith in Jesus Christ––period.
Catholics, Muslims, Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses and those attending the Unity Church really do not believe in the grace of God; they believe in righteousness gained through works. Any denomination that does not really trust by faith in Jesus Christ for salvation will be found to be living by a standard of legalism––a false liberty in their own personal lives.
The problem with people who live a life of legalism and try to work for their salvation is that they will never experience a true liberty in Jesus Christ. Instead, they find fault with others and condemn them. Know that Christians are not perfect; they slip, fall and sin daily, but as they continue to walk by faith, sincerely confessing their sins to Jesus, He is faithful to forgive them and cleanse them from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).
Christian Liberty is freedom from sin, not freedom to sin.
~A.W. Tozer~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!