Equally important to the truth that we, the redeemed, have been rescued from something is the truth that we have been liberated to something. Foundational to the idea of redemption is the thought of a change in relationship. Not only have we been rescued from the domain of darkness, but we have also been transferred into the kingdom of God’s Son. The fact that the believer is now reconciled to God changes everything about what that believer can do to rise above enslavement to his own desires and passions. Those who posit that Christianity is about what believers cannot do are flat wrong. Those who are in Christ are now designed and equipped to do what those who are alienated from God cannot do.
Paul affirms that “those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” (Gal. 5:24), therefore we are liberated to “walk in the Spirit” so that we will “not fulfill the lusts of the flesh” (Gal. 5:16). Walking in the Spirit is a very positive and proactive choice. It is possible because of our redemption and reconciliation, and it is how the believer walks in his new and personal relationship with the Creator/Redeemer. Rising above enslavement to passion and not fulfilling the lusts of the flesh is something far beyond mere self-restraint. Such sin management is self-righteousness by human effort. But in Christ, we are liberated to draw near to God, to abide in Christ, to walk in the Spirit, and to let the Word of Christ dwell in us in all its richness. These are practical steps of pursuing a relationship with the One who made you, redeemed you, and reconciled you to Himself. We were created for relationship with God; through this relationship with God, we will become like His Son. The believer must be labor intensive in this pursuit of relationship. Apart from a genuine, passionate, personal, growing walk with the Creator/Redeemer, no one can grow in righteousness and become like Jesus Christ, which is God’s purpose and design for the redeemed.
Practically speaking, the change in relationship that results from redemption opens the door to transformation of one’s desires. We see this reflected in Paul’s ambition to know Him and to please Him. Having entered into new and personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ, the believer can now know God in a growing, developing fashion. The more one knows God, the more he loves God; the more one loves God, the more he desires to please God. This desire to please God will override the selfish desires of the flesh that are now clearly recognized as an affront to the loving Creator. Why would anyone want to offend the One he loves? A growing desire to please God is the outworking of a growing love for Him because of His overwhelming love and grace.
Redemption in Christ means we are free to do what God has purposed for us. We are designed and equipped to become like Christ – to walk as He walked and to do as He did in perfect obedience to God out of perfect love for God. This glorifies God as our redemption was for His glory. What surpassing worth is the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord!
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