Freedom in Christ is the true freedom, as the Lord Jesus emphasized: “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed” (John 8:36) It is not a political or material freedom, but rather, it’s the freedom of the spirit from the dominance of desires and wickedness, as the Lord said: “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin.” (John 8:34).
Freedom is not merely a word or an outwardly state, but it is an inner state. It is enjoyed by he who rises with Christ, overcomes sin, and rises from the darkness of the grave to live in the light. It is enjoyed by he who rises from the grave of rotting desires and become liberated from evil eyes, greed, hatred, and the servitude of one’s arrogance, and thus tastes true freedom.
The Resurrection of Christ came to free us, “and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 2:6). And this is the freedom we gain in baptism when we are buried and risen with Him (Colossians 2), this is the glorious freedom of the children of God (Romans 8), which St. Paul the Apostle asks us be steadfast in by: “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.” (Galatians5:1), “do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” (Gal 5:13). Therefore, it is inappropriate for the children of the resurrection to go back to the graves and the servitude once more.
Additionally, the Lord Jesus clarifies to us an important fact, which is that the knowledge of the truth liberates man, “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 32:8), for he who the word of the truth dwells within him, and keeps his freedom within the Biblical truth, is liberated from the bondage of social complements, emotional attachments, and personal desires. The knowledge of the truth is to be in touch with Christ and to experience His continuous presence in one’s life. Also it is the dwelling of the word of Christ richly in one’s heart (Colossians 3:16), and when our hearts is enlightened by the light of the commandment, it becomes liberated from all works of darkness, whether in thoughts, words, actions, or inclinations. The knowledge of the truth comes from being connected with Christ who is the Way, the Truth, and life. Also it is being steadfast in Him through treasuring His words and being nourished by Him every day, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:31-32).
