The Bible Files.

"Investigating Biblical Truths"

I’ve heard a variety of perspectives from people who reject the Christian faith. One thing I’ve heard fairly often is, “I just want to be free to do my own thing.” There are people who view Christianity as a list of “rules” and things you can’t do. 

From a quick google search, the definition of freedom is, “the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint.” The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 3:17, “For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” But what does that mean? 

The Holy Spirit and Jesus’ covenant with the believer gives freedom from sin, guilt, shame, fear, and constraint. The same people who say, “I just want to be free to do my own thing,” are often the same people who are controlled by addiction, anger, lust, pride, greed, etc. They think they are just “doing what they want,” but they are actually driven by sinful nature. Maybe they can’t stop drinking, no matter how many times they say they won’t ever get drunk again. Maybe they think they are “free” to make their own choices, but they “can’t help” what they do when they get angry. They think they are “living their best life,” but they are propelled by lust, making decisions based solely on sex. They want to be a “good person,” but will prioritize money over people out of greed. They have a false sense of freedom and no self control. These aren’t actions of free will, but of a life controlled by sin. 

True freedom is only found in Jesus Christ. The Fruits of the Holy Spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). The boundaries given in Christianity are actually the confines in which true freedom can take root in your life. The Holy Spirit takes hatred and gives love, takes frustration and gives patience, takes meanness and gives kindness, takes wickedness and gives goodness, takes distrust and gives faithfulness, takes cruelty and gives gentleness, takes disorder and gives self control. 

Biblical freedom exists within God’s loving boundaries and law, not as doing anything one pleases. “You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. And even though “I am allowed to do anything,” I must not become a slave to anything.” – 1 Corinthians 6:12 

True freedom isn’t earned, but it is a gift from God through faith in Jesus, not religious rites or works. Jesus said, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). Jesus is the Truth! He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” – John 14:6. Knowing Jesus means being a servant of righteousness rather than a slave of sin. Jesus loves you; not just enough to allow you to do “whatever you want,” but to set you free from the sinful nature that drives your actions so that you can be transformed in Christ. 

Maybe you’re tired of feeling like you have no control over your life. If so, this one’s for you. Jesus told us that to be his disciples, we have to take up our cross daily and follow him (Matthew 16:24). We are required to lay down our wants, desires, and identities to pursue Christ. Whatever he gives back is greater than anything he takes. This is the Holy Spirit nudging you to lay it down (your sins, fears, shame, anxieties, struggles), accept Jesus’ finished work, and surrender to God. Let your mind be transformed by his word so that you can experience true freedom. Grace and peace ✌🏼