         law.

Interesting that we, as Christians, have liberty (KJV) or freedom
(Gk. eleutheria) to be free (Gk. eleeutheroo). Both of these words come
from the same Greek word "eleutheros".   This freedom happens at salvation.
You don't need to get FREE after you are saved, you need to learn how NOT
to put yourself under bondage of the law.

Why would such a statement even need to be said?
It was said to the Galatian Christians as they were having problems by
thinking of putting themselves under the law AFTER becoming Christians.

They got saved by Grace alone, through Faith alone, and NOW they're trying
to please God by keeping "the law" of the Old Testament.

Fellow Christian, this freedom is already yours. Please, do not allow
legalism to come or stay.

When we put ourselves under the law, we are acting as a child who has no
freedom of action. A child must follow a set of rules as prescribed by his
parents or guardian. Why? Because he is not old enough to act alone.
When we get saved we are no longer under the guardianship of the law.
When we put ourselves under the law, we are like adults putting ourselves
under rules that were made for children. Spiritually, as Christians, we
are to be living in dependence upon the indwelling Holy Spirit. We should
obey the LORD and His word; not because the law forbids us to do wrong and
commands us to do right, but because we're led by the Holy Spirit; it pleases
the Lord Jesus; and because of our love for the LORD.   (Note for youth: You
are still under your parents in the natural, but the Holy Spirit wants to
direct your spiritual life, if you'll ALLOW Him.)

What Christ did cannot be coupled with performance to earn salvation. All
righteousness came through Jesus Christ alone. Any addition implies that
Christ's sacrifice is inadequate, insufficient, incomplete and unfinished.

Someone who has been made free in Christ can still live in bondage; but it is
because they are allowing themselves to be deceived and they and/or others
are putting them into bondage.

When we try to follow the law to feel that we are acceptably walking with
God, we are attempting to earn at least "part" of our salvation ourselves.
When we do so, we are declaring that Jesus is no longer our righteousness
alone, but Jesus and law (which is wrong). The law and grace for salvation
are incompatible!!! We're saved by Grace ALONE, through FAITH alone! Not
by any laws or of our own doing.

We are FREE! Don't buy into the lie that you must earn God's favor. Don't
come under bondage to legalism, Jesus made you to be FREE.

I would encourage all of you to take the time to read Galatians as it is only
six chapters long and will prove to be an epistle that will bring freedom to
your life.

Prayer:
Thank you LORD for your precious Word that says I'm free. I will not allow
myself to come under the bondage of legalism in any form. Thank you for
complete freedom in my Christian walk.
In Jesus' Name! Amen!

See my version of the Statue of Liberty - Holding up the cross and holding
the Word of God! Go to: www.geocities.com/biblefood/liberty.html

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