Let’s look at how we satisfy the soul’s need for FREEDOM. Our fallen nature tells us that freedom means we can choose to do what we want. Our fallen nature seeks to increase our options in life by making good trades. Specifically, we trade our work, our time, our money, whatever, in order to increase the power and wealth that gives us options—options that allow us to do what we want when we want to do it. So, if you ask a non-Christian what freedom is and how you get it, that is the answer you will probably get, assuming that they are thinking people. Note: this definition of freedom assumes we know what is best for us (this is one of Satan’s propositions that Adam and Eve bought into in the Garden), and that it is our right, using our physical world resources, to be effective in getting that freedom. The emphasis again here is entirely on us. This definition of freedom is built on the functional premise that we are independent—that we are our own God.

God’s perspective on this fallen-nature answer to the question about how we get our freedom, is that it leads to bondage. Jesus says in John 8:34 that this makes us slaves to sin. Slavery is the OPPOSITE of freedom.

Okay. What does God’s answer look like? God gives us the desire and the power to live and act in accordance with His will. Freedom is actually being free to do what God says is best for us. And who knows better what is best for us than a God who is good? THIS freedom does not result in being bound by sin or other desires. Being free to do what God calls you to do. That is REAL freedom.

Rom 8:2 says that “through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” (NIV)