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Our Religious Freedom Restoration – in Christ
We’ve heard much in the news recently about several states passing bills with names
such as The Religious Freedom Restoration Act. Those of us who follow Christ can
certainly appreciate any legislative body that desires to codify further the religious
freedom stated in the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution:
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or
prohibiting the free exercise thereof...
Such freedom remains exceptional in the annals of world history.
More important than the religious freedom granted by the Constitution or by state laws,
however, has always been the freedom we have in Christ. Regardless of the nation or
culture in which we live, we have freedom that extends far beyond the exercise of our
personal religion. We live both free from sin and free to love and serve others through
the One who liberated us by His death and resurrection.
Jesus declares:
“If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and
you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free” (John 8:31b-32)
. A few verses
later He makes it clear this describes freedom from sin. That freedom alone changes
everything for us.
Our freedom in Christ, though, also has implications for the way we relate to others,
even when they try to cause us harm. Peter writes,
For such is the will of God that by
doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men. Act as free men, and do not
use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God (1 Peter 2:15-16).
A bondslave of God has his Master’s interests at heart, and we know that Jesus said of
Himself,
“...the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a
ransom for many” (Matthew 20:27).
So, we should use our freedom to love and serve others, even those who may show
contempt toward us and our beliefs. As Paul reminds us,
For you were called to freedom,
brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through
love serve one another. For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “YOU
SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.” (Gal. 5:13-14).
For Americans, protecting our religious freedom remains precious. For all believers,
though, far more precious in the sight of God continues to be a freedom in Christ that
serves others and shows them how they can be set free from sin.
So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed (John 8:36).
Yours for His glory,
William H. Jones
President
THE FINAL WORD
So if the Son
makes you
free, you
will be free
indeed.
–
John 8:36
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THE FINAL WORD
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