God sets people free. The Freedom he gives is from sin, from its guilt, from its ultimate consequence of eternal punishment. God is not interested in changing a person’s physical condition or social situation. What happens here on earth is for but a short time. His concern is to reconcile us to himself. This is what Christ accomplished on the cross.

“Christ also Suffered once for sins. The one who did what is right suffered for those who don’t do right. He suffered to bring you to God. His body was put to death. But the Holy Spirit brought him back to life” 1 Peter 3.18 NIRV.

So we are given freedom in order to grow closer to God. We are freed in order to serve him and others. We should not abuse our freedom. When God gives us freedom, it does not mean we can do what we want. “Live as free people. But don’t use your freedom to cover up evil. Live as people who are God’s slaves” 1 Peter 2.16.

Paul explained what our freedom is for: “I am free and don’t belong to anyone. But I have made myself a slave to everyone. I do it to win as many as I can to Christ” 1 Corinthians 9.19.

We should preserve our freedom. We must resist attempts to enslave us again, whether by religious rules or immoral behavior. “Christ has set us free to enjoy our freedom. So remain strong in the faith. Don’t let the chains of slavery hold you again” Galatians 5.1.

Let us remember always to act as free people. Let us live knowing that we will be judged in the last day for how we use our freedom. “Speak and act like people who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom” James 2.12.

To learn how to receive this freedom from God, see this short explanation.