In today’s world, “freedom” is commonly defined as the flexibility to act, speak, or think nonetheless we wish. We’re taught that being free means having no restrictions—that true freedom is doing whatever feels right within the moment. But Scripture offers a radically different, and much deeper, understanding of freedom.
The Gift—and Danger—of Free Will
From the start, God gave us free will, because He is love and true love doesn’t compel (1 John 4:8). We see this within the Garden of Eden, where Adam and Eve got the liberty to obey or disobey God’s command (Genesis 2:16-17). They selected disobedience—and in doing so, humanity lost something way more precious than the suitable to decide on: we lost true freedom (Romans 5:12).
Why? Because we were created to live in dependence on God, not in insurrection against Him (Acts 17:28; John 15:5). Our design is to be vessels, stuffed with His love and Spirit (2 Corinthians 4:7). When we reject that design and select our own way, we don’t turn into free – we turn into enslaved. Sin steps in to fill the space meant for God, and it traps us in cycles of guilt, shame, and addiction (John 8:34; Ephesians 4:18-19).
Think of a fish that decides to go away the water in pursuit of “freedom.” It finally ends up flapping helplessly on dry land, unable to survive or fulfil its purpose. That’s not freedom, it’s death. The same is true of the human spirit other than God.
Sin guarantees freedom but results in bondage
Sin often appears attractive – it offers fast gratification and the illusion of control. But it’s deceptive. What looks like liberty is definitely bondage to our fleshly desires. We might imagine we will walk away each time we wish, but sin tightens its grip over time (Romans 6:20-21; Proverbs 14:12).
And the final result? Spiritual death. Eternal separation from God (Romans 6:23; Isaiah 59:2; James 1:14-15).
Freedom in Christ and the Spirit alone
The tragic truth is that we couldn’t break free on our own—not even by attempting to follow God’s laws (Romans 3:20). That’s why we want a Saviour. Jesus got here to set us free from sin and its consequences. Jesus said in John 8:32, “Then you’ll know the reality, and the reality will set you free” and John 8:36 declares “So if the Son sets you free, you will probably be free indeed.”
Jesus, God’s truth made flesh, died on the cross to pay the value for our sin (John 1:14; Romans 5:8). Through His resurrection, He opened the way in which for us to be truly free: free from the control of sin, free from condemnation and free from spiritual death. As Romans 8:1-2 says, “Therefore, there may be now no condemnation for individuals who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.”
We also need the Holy Spirit, who always reminds us of the reality in Christ and empowers us to walk in it (John 14:26; Galatians 5:16). Scripture states in 2 Corinthians 3:17, “Now, the Lord is Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there may be freedom.”
In other words, true freedom isn’t present in self-rule but in Spirit-led give up.
Freedom to like, to not sin
God’s will is straightforward: to like Him, to be loved by Him, and to spend eternity with Him (1 Timothy 2:3-4). That’s what we were made for. So, what should we do with this latest freedom?
“Stand firm, then, and don’t let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery,” (Galatians 5:1) and “don’t use your freedom as a cover-up for evil” (1 Peter 2:16) or “to indulge the flesh; reasonably serve each other humbly in love” (Galatians 5:13).
Conclusion
Let’s not be deceived by the world’s broken idea of freedom. Real freedom is present in the desire of the Father. It’s the sort that restores us, guides us, and leads us into life everlasting.
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