Galatians 5:1 “It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.” (NASB)
Paul’s letter to the Galatians reminds them that they have been set free from the Law and they are to live in the freedom that Christ calls them. He says, “It was for freedom that Christ set us free”.
When I was young I enjoyed watching the Andy Griffith show on television. One of the characters was the town drunk, Otis. Otis had a peculiar habit. He would just walk into the Sheriff’s office and put himself into a cell.
I think it is our tendency from time to time to forget Paul’s words and act like Otis, putting ourselves in jail; into bondage. But that is not what we’re supposed to do. John’s gospel quotes Jesus, “So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36. This came from his previous comments to believing Jews who were tempted to continue in the Law. “So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, ‘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 8:31-32
Scripture goes further to tell us how God deals with our sin, "FOR I WILL BE MERCIFUL TO THEIR INIQUITIES, AND I WILL REMEMBER THEIR SINS NO MORE." Hebrews 8:12 In context this Hebrews quote hearkens back to Isaiah and specifically refers to past sins; the sins of youth. In our language it would be those big regrets we all have in our lives.
God chooses to remember our sins no more. The phrasing is interesting. He does not forget which would be a passive drifting away of the thought. Instead the Lord actively chooses to remember them no more.
Our challenge is to treat our past regrets the way our Lord does remembering them no more. Getting over the past regrets in our lives will bring us a long way toward enjoying the freedom into which Christ has called us. The cell door is unlocked Otis, step out! AMEN!
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