Freedom pt. 2

So we have established that biblical freedom has nothing to do with physical freedom, so what does biblical freedom mean? 2 Corinthians 3:14 says:

"But the people's minds were hardened, and even to this day whenever the old covenant is being read, a veil covers their minds so they cannot understand the truth. And this veil can be removed only by believing in Christ."

Obviously not many people today follow the old law as if it is THE WAY to heaven anymore, but let me ask you this, don't many people do this with religion today? "If only I go to church every sunday and pray every day then surely I'll go to heaven!" I could be wrong, but I think it's the same spirit. I think that satan is using the same old trick with a different set of laws designed to take the focus off of the awesome love of Christ. Now I know that is not a new concept at all so how 'bout this one? Actually, real quick before I get to my next point let me explain what I believe. I believe that once you are saved ALL of your sins are forgiven, past, present and future (I believe alot more on this topic, but that is the part needed to explain my next thoughts.) In 2 Corinthians 10:23 it says:

"You say, "I am allowed to do anything"-but not everything is helpful. You say, "I am allowed to do anything"-but not everything is beneficial."

I think that part of what Paul is refering to here is that we are free from the power that our sins would have held over us, the power to get us a ticket to hell. But he is also saying that even though we are free to do as we please, sinning is a fantastically bad idea even if it wont send us to hell anymore.

Allow me to show you something interesting. The bible says:

"Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God." (1 John 3:9)

So if, as a saved person, you cannot sin, then why do you? Well, before I answer let me ask another. Why are we told to write Gods word on our hearts if we cannot sin? It's because we made up of three parts: body, soul, and spirit. In Genisis 2:7 it says:

"And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul."

Here the dust of the ground forms man's body, the breath is man's spirit, and then you have the living soul. When Adam and Eve sinned their spirits died, and now the only way for someones spirit to come alive is by accepting Christ.

"But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions–it is by grace you have been saved." (Ephesians 2:4-5)

In this verse Paul is refering to mans spirit. So we'e seen a living spirit cannot sin, and the only way to get life into your spirit is through the saving grace of Jesus Christ. We have also established that we still sin. Well lets look at the other parts of man. We can assume that since you soul is your mind, will, and emotions, it is in control of you physical body. So lets look at the soul now. Psalm 19 verse 7 says:

"The law of the LORD [is] perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD [is] sure, making wise the simple."

From this we can glean that the soul needs "converting", which makes perfect sense because for all of the years that your spirit was dead your soul was in control, sinning. The next question that begs asking is, how does one convert their soul? The bible gives a pretty good hint in James 1:21-22

"Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."

The bible also says:

"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double‑edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12)

The word of God is the bible. So we can "convert" our souls by studying, and modeling what we read in the bible. This scrubbing of the soul is what I believe is spoken of when Jesus said:

"... If any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it." (Luke 9:23-24)

By studying, understanding, and living out Jesus' teachings on a daily basis you are putting your old self (your soul) to death with a double edged sword. Cool huh? Through this daily killing of the soul, we can cast of the enslavement of sin and live in the full purpose and freedom of the fathers will for us.

I hope this has all made as much sense to you as it has to me. I don't particularly consider myself to be a great writer :-D Nows the hard part, I shall attempt to practice what I have preached. God bless.