One of the mist prevalent questions among younger believers, or even individuals studying out to see if the "Christian Life" is for them is, "Is it okay for a Christian to___________(you fill in the blank with whatever you want)?" Isn't it strange that even in the midst of our new Identity, we in our flesh desire to see how many things we can still do like our old man (carnal flesh; lost state), while still living in the spirtual position of the new man. I try to steer clear of these type of questions, mostly because they are a spiritually ignorant question coming from a babe in the faith. It's not really about what we can or cannot do, but more importantly, why we do what we do. It is a true statement that we have liberty in Christ Jesus.
2 Corinthians 3:17
Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
As saved individuals, we have the liberty to many things that the Mosaic Law would not permit. Our food selections are open for our choosing, where we live, who we associate with, how we wear our hair, how we dress.... Even certain holidays if we choose. We are not tied to a certain day in which we must worship. We can sing spiritual songs and hymns with or without musical instruments and even own and eat pigs.
We have so much freedom in comparison to those who were tied, by covenant, to the law of Moses. So how should we exercise these freedoms? I will mention that sin is sin. Let us not confuse freedoms with blatant disregard of listed sins we find all through out the grace dispensation's epistles; there are many parts of the law (The Thou Shalt Not ' s of the 10 Commandments; minus the sabbath day) that we definitely need to abstain from practicing in our flesh and even hearts. So, what is a good way to, not only limit, but bring "our bodies into submission(1 Cor. 9:27)?"
We find a good outline in Galatians 5:
Galatians 5:13
For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
Our Christian liberties should be used as a diving board to cannon ball ourselves into the pool of service to one another. In 1 Corinthians 6:20, we find Paul saying, "For ye have been bought with a price," meaning the life we live is not to be done in a way as if we are the owners of ourselves, but rather we are stewards of this body and life. We are, quite literally, living in this world on borrowed/gifted time. As James says, we, during the time here are but a vapor. So let's make this clear.
1.) Life is short
2.) We do not own our lives
3.)We are to use our liberty to serve other brethren
This 3 statements alone should dramatically rock the Christian stigma of, "Is it okay for Christians to ______?"
But along with service, comes another key ingredient to this "short/borrowed/serving Christian life." The weaker brethren that is... That may seem insulting to think of some Christians as "weaker," but putting the fleshy pride aside, just think about it. We all were or are weak in our knowledge of right doctrine and sanctification. Hopefully, we can all say that we were weaker in the faith last month then we are now, because that means we have been growing. Our liberty in Christ should never serve as a "stumblingblock" to weaker brothers or sister. So yes, that means sometimes we are going to have to realize we possess liberty that is not always beneficial.
1 Corinthians 8:9
But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.
Taking the liberty mindset one step further, our freedom can be neglected and misplaced, causing us to forget who we are in Christ. We must understand that we positionally stand righteous before God, totally because of what Christ has accomplished by his death and resurrection. When we trust the Gospel of God's Grace, we are supernaturally/spiritually place into the Body of Christ(1 Cor. 12 : 13). But this,so called baptism (no water included), does much more than changes our spiritual position, but also our spiritual identity. Bringing up again the life that we live is not our own (Galatians 2:20), I would also make the point that we live as a "dead" individual.
Romans 6:1-4
What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
That old man is dead... Real liberty is being able to walk in "newness of life." Equally important with the liberty to not sin, is the necessity to not move back to a law mindset. Here are some law mindsets:
1.) Water Baptism
2.) Praying for a flesh desire, rather than with dispensational understanding. (Healing vs. Peace)
3.) Praying for Forgiveness, rather than glorying I'm the forgiveness we have.
4.) Praying according to covenants(if my people, which are called by my name.....)
Notice in the next verse how Paul says, "Stand FAST." Consistent and Prepared; Diligent. Don't be "entangled" with things of no profit, according to what God is dispensationally doing today.
Galatians 5:1
Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
Christ's redemption, atonement and justification of us is AMAZING! The liberty we have is such a blessing. As a matter of fact, it is one of those "unsearchable riches" that Paul mentions I'm Ephesians 3. Enjoy your liberty today, but don't abuse it. Serve fellow brethren with it. Most of all, we should strive to spread the gospel even more because of our freedom.
Today, I hope you enjoy all of the spiritual blessings you have in Christ Jesus(Eph. 1 : 3).
I also hope you have trusted Christ's finished work or the cross and ressurection for your salvation.
Alan
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