Adapted by Gantv.com, from The100foldjourney with Doug Corbett. Watch: HERE
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be
burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” — Galatians 5:1
With these articles I’ve been exploring the freedom we have in Christ, based on Galatians 5:1,
which says, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let
yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery” This verse reminds us that our faith isn’t
about following strict rules and rituals but about embracing a deep, freeing relationship with
God. We are unpacking what it means to live without the chains of religious legalism,
rediscovering our true identity in Christ along the way.
The last article I wrote was about the differences between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant.
The New Covenant encourages us to embrace our true identity and to see ourselves as God does—holy,
blameless, and righteous. This covenant is not about striving but about receiving. Our response?
Gratitude and awe.
Let’s dig into the verse in Galatians what is this yoke of slavery? It’s the weight of
religion—rules, condemnation, and striving to earn what God has already freely given. Too
often, religion focuses on behavior while neglecting the most critical truth: our identity in Christ.
It’s time to break free.
From Law to Grace
For many, the journey to freedom begins with understanding the shift from the Old Covenant to
the New Covenant. The Old Covenant was based on law—the Ten Commandments inscribed in
stone. These commandments were given to reveal our inability to achieve righteousness on our
own, pointing us toward our need for Christ. As Galatians 3 explains, “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.”
This means the Ten Commandments are not our goal. They are a shadow of what Christ
accomplished. His death on the cross marked the dividing line of human history, ushering in the
New Covenant of grace. In this covenant, we are no longer defined by what we do but by what
Christ has done.
Breaking the Veil of Condemnation
One of the most powerful images of freedom is found in 2 Corinthians 3, where Paul describes
the law as a veil that blinds minds and hearts. Just as Moses wore a veil to hide the fading glory
of the Old Covenant, religion often places a veil over our eyes, preventing us from seeing
clearly.
But in Christ, the veil is lifted. We are transformed as we behold Him, moving from glory to
glory. When you truly grasp this, you stop seeing life as a list of “dos” and “don’ts.” You begin
to see yourself as God sees you: complete, beloved, and righteous.
From Do to Done
Religion tells us, “Not now, not yet.” It whispers that we must work harder, do more, and prove
our worth. But grace declares, “It is finished.” The cross wasn’t just the end of the Old Covenant;
it was the beginning of a new way of living.
When you look in the mirror, what do you see? If it’s someone who is never good enough,
you’re still looking through the veil of religion. But when you understand that the work is done,
you’ll see yourself as Christ sees you—free, whole, and lacking nothing.
Living from Love, Not Obligation
Under the New Covenant, God’s law is no longer written on tablets of stone but on our hearts.
This is the law of love: “A new commandment I give you: Love one another as I have loved you”
(John 13:34). Love is not something we do to earn favor; it flows naturally from knowing we are
loved by God.
This changes everything. You no longer go to church, read your Bible, or pray out of obligation.
You do it because you want to, because you’re overflowing with the love that God has poured
into your heart. It’s no longer about trying to achieve holiness; it’s about living out the holiness
that is already yours.
Freedom Is Yours
When Christ died, the veil in the temple was torn from top to bottom, signifying that the barrier
between God and humanity was removed. This wasn’t just a physical act; it was a spiritual
reality. The veil of condemnation and striving was lifted, and His Spirit was released to dwell
within us.
This is your reality. You are no longer under the weight of the law, striving to earn what has
already been freely given. Romans 8 declares: “There is now no condemnation for those who are
in Christ Jesus.” You are free.
The Power of Love to Transform
When you embrace this freedom, you begin to see life differently. Love becomes your
motivation, not fear or obligation. As Ephesians 3:17-19 says, “May you, being rooted and
established in love, grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to
know this love that surpasses knowledge.”
This love fills you to overflowing, empowering you to share it with others. You can’t give what
you don’t have, but when you truly know you are loved, you can’t help but extend that love to
those around you.
Step Into Freedom
The Ten Commandments were never meant to be the final word. They were a tutor, a temporary guide to lead us to Christ. But now that Christ has come, we are no longer under their condemnation. The chains of religion have been broken, and the veil has been lifted.
Today is the day to step into the freedom that Christ has already given to you. You are loved. You are whole. You are free.
Stand firm in this truth and don’t let anyone place you back under the yoke of slavery. The work is done. The veil is lifted.
Freedom is yours—now and forever.
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