In a Nutshell:

Because Jesus declared “It is finished,” we are freed from the burden of trying to earn God’s love, work off our guilt, or clean ourselves up before being accepted by Him. We are invited to live in the freedom He purchased.

Anchor Verse:

Galatians 5:1 (NIV) “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”

Unpacking the Word:

Throughout this week, we’ve delved into the profound meaning of Jesus’ declaration, “It is finished.” We’ve explored how it signified the complete payment for our sins, validated by the resurrection, applied through the Holy Spirit, and continually represented by Christ’s intercession. Today, we focus on the direct impact of this finished work on our daily lives: freedom.

As Colin powerfully stated, because Jesus said, “It is finished,” we don’t have to keep trying to earn what He already paid for. This is a liberating truth that often struggles to take root in our hearts. We are so accustomed to a performance-based world, where worth is often tied to achievement, that we can unconsciously carry this mindset into our relationship with God.

We might find ourselves striving for perfection, fearing God’s disapproval when we fall short, or feeling the need to constantly prove our worthiness. But the message of the cross is clear: Jesus has done it all. He has paid the penalty, satisfied God’s justice, and opened the way to the Father’s presence. Our acceptance is not based on our efforts but on His finished work.

Galatians 5:1 declares, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” This verse underscores the purpose of Christ’s sacrifice: to liberate us from the bondage of sin and the legalistic attempts to earn God’s favor. When we try to add to Christ’s finished work through our own efforts, we are essentially denying its completeness and placing ourselves back under a yoke of slavery.

Living in this purchased freedom means releasing the need to perform for God’s love. It means accepting His forgiveness as a free gift, not something we have to work for. It means walking in the confidence that we are accepted and loved unconditionally because of what Jesus has done, not because of what we do. This freedom is not a license to sin, but an invitation to live in gratitude and obedience out of love for the One who has set us free.

Pause and Reflect:

What “yokes of slavery” – such as guilt, fear of failure, or the need for approval – might you still be carrying? How would your life change if you truly believed that God’s love and acceptance for you are not based on your performance? What practical steps can you take today to embrace the freedom that Christ has purchased for you?

Faith in Action:

Identify one area where you feel the pressure to earn God’s approval. Consciously release that pressure today, reminding yourself that you are loved and accepted because of Jesus. Perhaps write down Galatians 5:1 and meditate on its meaning throughout the day.

A Moment With God:

Father, thank You for the incredible gift of freedom that comes through Jesus’ finished work. Help me to truly live in this freedom, releasing any burdens of performance and resting in Your unconditional love.

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