From the DAWGHouse…
What is Biblical Freedom?
Freedom is a word that resonates deeply in our hearts. Across history, people have fought and sacrificed for it, nations have been founded on its principles, and individuals have longed for it in their personal lives. Yet, when we consider freedom from a biblical perspective, we discover something far richer and more transformative than any earthly concept of liberty. Biblical freedom goes beyond the absence of oppression or external constraints; it is the profound freedom to live as God intended, unshackled by sin and restored to a relationship with Him.
At its core, biblical freedom begins with Jesus Christ.
In John 8:36, Jesus declares, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” As Pastor Pete shared at Forge, this freedom is not achieved through human effort or political systems but through the work of Christ on the cross. By His sacrifice, He paid the penalty for our sins and broke the power of sin over our lives. As Paul writes in Galatians 5:1, “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”
This is the defining truth of biblical freedom: it is freedom from the bondage of sin.
Before Christ’s redemptive work, humanity was enslaved to sin, unable to choose righteousness or live according to God’s will. Through Christ, believers are no longer under the dominion of sin but are empowered by the Holy Spirit to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:14).
Biblical freedom is not a license to do whatever we please….
It is not about self-indulgence or living without restraint. Instead, it is the freedom to live according to God’s design and purpose. In Galatians 5:13, Paul exhorts believers, “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” This freedom transforms our relationships with God and others. We are freed from selfishness to love sacrificially, from fear to trust boldly, and from striving to rest in God’s grace. Our lives are no longer driven by the futile pursuit of self-satisfaction but by a deep desire to glorify God.
Another significant aspect of biblical freedom is liberation from fear and condemnation. Romans 8:1 reminds us, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Through Christ, we are freed from the fear of judgment and eternal separation from God. This freedom gives believers peace and assurance, knowing that their standing before God is secure.
In addition, biblical freedom delivers us from the fear of man. When we understand that our identity and worth are rooted in Christ, we are no longer enslaved by the need for human approval or the fear of rejection. This freedom enables us to live boldly and authentically for God, even in the face of opposition.
While biblical freedom is a gift, it also comes with responsibility. As believers, we are called to steward our freedom wisely. Peter writes, “Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God” (1 Peter 2:16). True freedom is not about asserting our rights but about surrendering our lives to God and serving others in love.
Living in biblical freedom requires abiding in Christ. Jesus said, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32). It means walking daily in the power of the Holy Spirit, trusting God’s promises, and aligning our lives with His will. It is an active, ongoing journey of faith and obedience, marked by joy, peace, and a profound sense of purpose. For all who believe, this is the glorious reality of biblical freedom: to be fully known, fully loved, and fully free to live for the One who set us free.
To the King, who sets us FREE!
Joe Bouch
