Stand firm therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and don’t be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. Galatians 5:1 WEB

In this verse of his letter to the Galatians, Paul encourages his readers to to stand firm in Christ. The liberty that the Lord gives releases us from the slavery of sin. As Jesus teaches in John 8:34-36, “Most certainly I tell you, everyone who commits sin is the bondservant of sin. A bondservant doesn’t live in the house forever. A son remains forever. If therefore the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. WEB”

Freedom from guilt and the compulsion to sin comes when we submit to the word and will of God. As Jesus says in John 8:31-32, “If you remain in my word, then you are truly my disciples. You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free. WEB” This is a reference to Psalm 119:45 which says, “I will walk in liberty, for I have sought your precepts. WEB” True freedom from the oppression of sin comes from obedience to the word of God. 

A Gift From God

Additionally, Christ made us free from the rituals required under Jewish law. As the final sacrifice for the sin of mankind, we no longer sacrifice animals and perform endless rituals to pay the price for falling short of the glory of God. Paul’s message counters the assertion that salvation comes from our own religious actions. On the contrary, our salvation is a gift from God received by faith in the sacrifice of his sinless Son, Jesus Christ.  

Finally, Paul teaches the faithful to avoid the yoke of bondage. With these words, Paul encourages the church to avoid returning to their former sinful lifestyles. Once Christ sets us free, it is foolish to return to our sin. As Solomon writes in Proverbs 26:11, “As a dog that returns to his vomit, so is a fool who repeats his folly. WEB” Rather than return to the sickness of sin, Paul teaches us to stand firm in our faith, free from sin.

Yesterday’s Devotional: A Foreigner