June 12 is the Independence Day of the Philippines. The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) has organized a month-long event with the national theme, “Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan. (Freedom. Future. History.)”
What about our freedom in Jesus Christ? What does it mean to be FREE in Jesus Christ?
To be FREE means to receive F – Forgiveness.
We all need forgiveness. We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. But God is a God of forgiveness. Jesus Christ died on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins. When we accept Jesus Christ, we are forgiven (Ephesians 1:7).
To be FREE means to have R – Redemption.
Redemption is the act of buying back something that has been lost or enslaved. In the Bible, redemption is used to describe God’s act of buying us back from sin and death (Romans 3:24). Jesus Christ paid the price for our sins on the cross, and He redeemed us from the power of sin and death (1 Peter 1:18-19).
To be FREE means to receive E – Eternal life.
Eternal life is the gift of life that God gives to those who believe in Jesus Christ. It is a life that will never end (John 3:16). When we put our faith in Jesus Christ, we are given the gift of eternal life (Romans 6:23). The moment that we accepted Jesus Christ, our eternity with Him has started.
To be FREE means to be E – Exemplary.
Since Jesus has given us freedom from sin, we have to live exemplary lives. 1 Peter 2:12 tells us to live a life that is worthy to be emulated — “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.”
Let us continue to show others what it means to be truly free in Jesus Christ!
Happy Independence Day everyone!
May God bless us all!
Sincerely,
Director, Office of Communications
Central Philippine University