Galatians 5:1 (CSB)
For freedom, Christ set us free. Stand firm, then, and don’t submit again to a yoke of slavery.
When we are standing firm in Jesus Christ, we have been set free from the bondage of sin and the yoke of slavery. Having faith and trust in God, believing that Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins, and that God raised Jesus from the dead after 3 days and Jesus is now seated at the right hand of God in heaven; we have access to God through Jesus Christ. We can repent of our sins, ask for forgiveness and we are saved. We no longer have the bondage of sin (being trapped by bad actions and wrong choices), and yoke of slavery (trying to earn favour from God by rules, rituals and works instead of God’s love and grace). We start to live a righteous life that is pleasing to God. We are a new creation. We have received God’s grace through our faith in Him. We are now free from the penalty of sin. The penalty of sin is separation from God.
The Apostle Paul urged Christians to hold on firmly to God’s grace and to not return to a yoke of slavery (religious legalism). This is the belief that to earn God’s favour you have to conform to rituals and human traditions. God’s grace is not earned. God’s grace is a free gift received by having faith in God. Salvation is a gift from God, made possible by Jesus Christ dying on the cross for our sins and His resurrection. With our belief and trust in Jesus and the repentance and forgiveness of sins, Jesus Christ sets us free. Hold on tight to God’s precious gift of grace.
Dear God,
Thank you for Your mercy and Your precious gift of grace, and salvation we have received through Your Son Jesus Christ. We are now a new creation and we stand firm in Jesus Christ. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Onward Christian Soldiers 