2 Corinthians 3:17 says "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit is, there is freedom." In the American version the word freedom is replaced with liberty.
But what is this freedom that Paul speaks to the church at Corinth?
When I finished school and got my license for the first time, I felt amazingly free. Now for the first time I could travel wherever I wished and do whatever the law permitted as an 18 yr old. Yet this was short lived as my father quickly reminded me I my responsibility, that is to work, pay taxes and for my own way.
Sometimes as Christians we can feel this is the liberty that Jesus gives us in the Spirit. That is to do and live however we like without any responsibility. And whilst I don't wish to load anyone down with law, as Jesus completed and fulfilled all the requirements of the law. Freedom in Christ still comes with responsibility. Over and over we hear the words of Christ, go and sin no more, and the apostles, "Be holy, as I am holy says the Lord. "
Freedom brings with it the opportunity not just to be set free of sin, but also to be made holy by the process of sanctification. This is not a word we like to use today as the grace message seems to overwrite all responsibility to live holy lives.
Does this process in sanctification mean we will never make mistakes. Obviously not if we have the apostles as an example. But simply because we fail at times to be holy does not mean we should give up on holiness.
After a study I did some years ago about great revivals, I came to the conclusion that a movement of the Holy Spirit in this area of holiness preceded every great outburst of revival.
Therefore I pray that we who are alive in Christ in these lasts days will not only continue the good work that Jesus began in us, but allow his holy spirit to continue his sanctifying work in us to completion.
God bless you on your journey.
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