Pastor's Pen: How do we get true spiritual freedom?

Freedom is very important to us in this part of the world. We value freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom to assemble, to mention but a few. This freedom is a wonderful thing!

Freedom does come with restrictions. It would be foolish and dangerous to walk down the middle of the road, or near a cliffs edge, or for that matter along a railway line. These are out of bounds for safety reasons.

I love chocolate, sponge cakes, and most desserts and while I am free to eat as much of these as I like, my diet restricts me. I need to watch my cholesterol and sugar levels.

There is another freedom we can all enjoy, spiritual freedom. It is even better, because you can experience it no matter what sort of political structure or social structure you live under. And true spiritual freedom lasts forever.

But what is it? John Piper describes true freedom: “You are fully free when you have the desire, the ability, and the opportunity to do what will leave you with no regrets forever.”

So, how do we get that kind of spiritual freedom? In the Bible we read in John 8v36, Jesus said: “If the Son therefore shall make you free, you shall be free indeed.” Real freedom comes from knowing Jesus Christ. Knowing Him is knowing the truth. He said earlier in John 8v32: “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

The indwelling Jesus in our lives by the Spirit of God sets us free from those desires which offend God, are harmful to us, and that exact a price in eternity. Jesus gives us the power to choose the right and reject the wrong. To choose a life that is right and pleasing to God, and to reject the things that offend Him.

If you want this freedom, then may I invite you to accept Jesus Christ as your Saviour and Lord? Receive Him into your life and He will enable you to live for Him.

John 1v12 says: “But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God.”

By Rev Trevor Gillanders