The gospel does not just save us from sin; it moves us from slavery to sonship and invites us to live from a new identity in Christ. If Christ has already set us free, why do so many of us still live as though we are bound?
We all want freedom.
But what is freedom, really?
True freedom is being released from our ultimate captor: death.
So how do we walk in freedom?
Through the resurrection of Jesus.
His death was sacrificial.
His burial was purposeful.
His resurrection proved His power as God.
And that same power now lives in us.
Scripture shows us that the Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead dwells within believers. This is not symbolic or poetic language. It is real, living power. Yet for many Christians, it remains unused, like potential energy waiting to be activated.
“The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.” (Romans 8:11)
This truth is the foundation of kingdom living. It begins with recognizing what has already been given to us.
We do not have to wait until death to walk in resurrection life. We have already been raised with Christ and seated with Him now. “For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:6)
To be dead to sin, we must be alive in Christ. To deny the flesh, we must walk in the Spirit. And to walk in the Spirit, we must belong fully to Christ.
This requires a shift in how we think. Transformation happens through the renewing of our minds by the Word.
“Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” (Romans 12:2)
What does this look like practically, in everyday life?
Slavery does not mean being forced against our will. It means our wills are bound to what we love most. Kingdom living, on the other hand, means belonging to the King. We were created to serve something. When we choose to serve God, we discover true freedom.
Our flesh tells us that being a slave to anything is bondage. Yet there is true freedom in belonging to Christ.
Honoring Him as my Redeemer, the One who purchased me, deepens my worship and my ability to love God with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength.
God does not leave us in the position of a slave. He advances our standing with Him, drawing us closer into relationship and inheritance. Scripture shows this progression clearly.
We move from:
- Servant to steward, entrusted with responsibility
- Servant to friend, invited into intimacy
- Servant to son or daughter, welcomed into the family
- Servant to heir of God, a joint heir with Christ
This progression reveals the heart of God. He does not redeem us simply to control us. He redeems us to draw us close, to entrust us with His work, and to share His inheritance with us.
We are either slaves to sin or slaves to God. When we choose God, He frees us from one master and binds us to Himself through a greater promise: eternal life.
Slavery does not mean being forced against our will. It means our wills are bound. We are drawn either to the rewards of sin or to the beauty of righteousness. In both cases, we do what we desire most.
The atonement of Jesus, His suffering in the garden and His death on the cross, was the price paid to purchase us. Scripture tells us plainly that we are not our own.
“You are bought with a price” and “You are not your own.” (1 Corinthians 6:19–20)
The gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.
Jesus did not preach primarily about going to Heaven someday. He preached about Heaven coming to earth. He taught us that this is God’s will.
We participate in this by preaching the gospel and making disciples. The gospel restores people to God, and the Spirit empowers the Church to go. Before He ascended, Jesus told His followers to go to the ends of the earth. He placed His Spirit within His people and entrusted them with the mission.
Human language struggles to fully express kingdom truth. Because of its negative connotations, the word “slave” can be difficult to understand.
We can only serve one master.
Our master is either sin and death or life and resurrection. Satan or Jesus.
We will belong to one.
True freedom is found in choosing Christ.
Before you move on, take a moment to ask yourself where God may be inviting you to live as an heir instead of a slave. Offer that place to Him, and take one small step of surrender today.
A Prayer for Freedom and Surrender
Jesus,
Thank You for the freedom You purchased for us. Thank You that You did not just save us from something, but invited us into new life with You.
Help us remember that the same power that raised You from the dead now lives in us. When we feel tired, overwhelmed, or stuck, remind us that we are not walking this life alone or in our own strength.
Teach us to surrender daily, not out of fear or obligation, but out of love and trust. Renew our minds through Your Word and help us choose You over the voices of the flesh, distraction, and fear.
Thank You for calling us not only servants, but friends, sons, daughters, and heirs. Help us live from that identity and walk in the freedom You have already given us.
We choose You today.
We receive Your life, Your freedom, and Your grace.
Amen.
Mommy Needs Jesus 
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