Many people see living for Jesus as a life of restriction where they are not allowed to indulge in many things of the flesh. However, this is not the entire point. Firstly freedom in Jesus Christ means being free from the old covenant where priests needed to make sacrifices with the blood goats and calves in the Holy of Holies because according to Romans 6: 23 (NIV) “For the wages of sin is death…|” and so sacrifices had to be made to ensure that the wages of sin had been paid for. So instead, Jesus Christ made Himself the ultimate sacrifice for our sins and obtained eternal redemption on our behalf as mentioned in Hebrews 9: 11 – 12 (NIV):

“But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation. He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining[b] eternal redemption.”

Note that Satan also has plans for mankind as mentioned in 1 Peter 5: 8-9 (NIV) “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.”

Also note John 10:10 (NIV) which says “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

So while God has already planned out an amazing destiny for each and every human being, the devil has his own plans for mankind. A plan for man’s destruction in eternity. So, it us up to us to choose to have freedom Jesus Christ so that the plans that God has for our lives will become established.

So how do we obtain freedom in Jesus Christ? Firstly, we must be born again as mentioned in John 3: 3 and 5 – 6:

Verse 3: “Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”

Verse 5 – 6:

Being born again means to accept Jesus Christ as one’s personal lord and saviour and to live according to His instructions in the bible.

Secondly, we must live according to God’s word as we have a relationship with Him. Paul gives the single instruction which encompasses all the commandments of God mentioned in the bible. He says in Galatians 5: 13 – 14 (NIV)  “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbour as yourself.”

God has instructed us to use our freedom in Jesus Christ to love our neighbours as ourselves. For the entire law is fulfilled in this one command.