The thing is, without grasping the concept of slavery, it’s almost impossible to appreciate what freedom really means.
Living in the modern world we often view slavery as a thing of the past. It’s something that others experienced long, long, long ago. A blemish in our history that we’d rather forget.
But what if we chose to remember?
Back in the 1800’s many of my ancestors lived as slaves.
Literally.
My forefathers’ bodies, their time, their children, their very names belonged to their masters. Here in the BVI, it wasn’t until 1834 that over 5000 slaves were given the right to walk free.
Instead of bemoaning that dark period, we choose to celebrate our “emancipation from slavery”.
Since then we’ve held an annual festival to remind us of the freedom that we can now enjoy. Parades, pageants, food fairs, and cultural showcases all mark this date in history in grand style.
Spiritually speaking it should be the same with us.
Even without a slave history of your own, you too have cause to celebrate. When you’ve been set free from sin you have every reason to have a spectacular parade all your own!
Tweet ThisHere are 3 reasons to celebrate your freedom in Christ.
- Freedom in Christ means complete freedom
When Jesus died to set you free it was to set you free completely. Free from guilt, free from shame, and free from your past. The noose that once squeezed tightly around your neck is no more.
When you choose to accept Jesus as your savior your salvation is complete. Sin no longer has control over you, no matter what Satan tries to tell you.
When Christ sets you free, you’re free indeed! (John 8:36)
- Freedom in Christ enables us to stand firm
Once we’re free it might be tempting to relax and let down our guard. Because Jesus knows this he’s given us a heads-up. In Matthew 24:12-13 He tells us that wickedness will only increase. This can cause us to lose our love for God if we’re not careful.
Jesus warns us not to get distracted, because it’s those who stand firm to the end that will be saved. Not only has He gone ahead of us and shown us the way, He also walks beside us to help us stand firm to the end. (Matthew 28:20)
- Freedom in Christ means freedom for as long as we want it
Unlike the freedom that was granted to my forefathers, Christ offers a freedom that can never be taken away. There is no political change, no economic downturn, no change in circumstances that can put us back in slavery.
In the 182 years since slavery ended no one has chosen to be enslaved again. It would be very odd if someone stepped forward during one of our emancipation celebrations and asked to be shackled and tied. We value our freedom and don’t ever want to lose it.
So it should be with us as Christians. We should never want to go back to being slaves to sin.
The good news is, once we remain in Christ, He will remain in us (John 15:4). Sin will no longer be our master.
Now, that’s definitely reason to celebrate!
What about you?
Do you celebrate your freedom in Christ? Or have you been taking your freedom for granted? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!
Wishing you blessings,
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The photos in this post have been provided by my talented husband, Sylvester Smith.
It is so good to know that we truly are “free in Christ.” No longer slaves to sin. We are free to worship and serve our mighty God! And I love how you celebrate your historical emancipation! Blessings! I’d love it if you would link up on Mondays @ Soul Survival.
Thank you so much for those kind words, Donna. It’s easy to remember freedom in Christ with a celebration like this one — at the time of celebration. The challenge, of course, is carrying it through the rest of the year. I forget quickly and I really need God’s grace to call me back to the Cross.
I’ve been missing Soul Survival with my Tuesday posts but I’d love to stop by again soon. Thanks for the reminder.
I love that you all have this celebration of emancipation instead of bemoaning the dark days of the past! Such a positive way to view things. We could all learn a few things from this: stop bemoaning and start celebrating! Yes!
It reminds me of the song “Celebrate Jesus”.
Indeed, Ruth. We bemoan other things but this is one we choose to celebrate. 🙂
By the way, I don’t know that song, but I’m going to look it up right now.
Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your sparkle with us.
Wow what a powerful message. Marva you never cease to amaze me. Thank you for sharing this at the Happy Now Link-Up.
Oh, Jen you bless me with your words. I’m always happy to be a part of your Happy Now linkup. Focusing on the happy moments and deep joy will do our lives much good.
Hugs and blessings!
Aren’t you thankful times have changed–historically and spiritually. You are a blessing, Marva!
I sure am, Ginger. I’m certainly grateful for my physical and spiritual freedom. You bless me too, my friend.
Wow, this is beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
You’re very welcome, Demelza. I’m glad our paths crossed and I appreciate you stopping by and leaving a comment. Looking forward to connecting with you more! Hugs!
Just so beautiful!! I loved this: “When Jesus died to set you free it was to set you free completely. Free from guilt, free from shame, and free from your past. The noose that once squeezed tightly around your neck is no more.” Thank you for deconstructing these truths for us. A lovely, important post.
Thank you for visiting and for your encouraging words, Blythe. My hope is that we will individually embrace these truths and share them with others. Let’s spread the shine together!
Blessings!
What a joy-filled post! You really made the marvelous truth of our freedom in Christ come alive. What a glorious heritage we share as born again believers who no longer need to struggle under the dominion of the enemy! Amen!
Yes, Wendy that’s exactly what makes us sisters in Christ and heirs of God’s rich promises. I’m pleased this post spoke to you just as your post on beauty spoke to me today. Please know that I’m praying for you, my friend!
This is such a great reminder to really celebrate the freedom we have in Christ. I will carry the beautiful images with me, that you’ve shared here when I think about celebrating that freedom I now enjoy.
I’m glad they can inspire you, Dawn. Let’s keep reminding each other of the beautiful gift of freedom that we have lest we slip back into slavery!
Hugs!
Amen, Marva, Amen! What a great post!
And, I love all of the colorful pictures of celebration!
I’m so thankful for the freedom we have in Christ~
Blessings,
Melanie
Thank you so much, Melanie. My hubby gets the credit for the pictures and God gets the credit for the gift of freedom. 🙂 And what a beautiful gift it is!
Hugs and blessings to you!
I love, love, LOVE this!!! And I can’t wait to share it with as many people as I can. Thank you for this clear insight into the truth! As always. 💗
Thank you so much, Stefani! I hope my perspective helps others to appreciate the true and lasting freedom we have in Christ.
Sending you hugs, my friend!
Marva, I love this post! What a wonderful visual for the importance of celebrating our freedom every day. And you’re right, remembering where we’ve been, helps us appreciate what we’ve been given. Thank you so much for sharing this! Your photos are beautiful!!
Thanks for those kind words, Deb. I’ll be sure to pass on your compliments to my hubby who took the pictures. He’ll appreciate hearing that.
I hope the topic of freedom in Christ never gets old. Let’s continue to shout it from the hilltops!
Blessings, my friend!
There is power in remembering. Yes, indeed Marva. And freedom in Christ? It’s well worth remembering. Thank you for sharing your encouragement today as well how the BVI remembers freedom from slavery. Enjoyed the visit via #raralinkup.
Hi Kristi, I’m glad we connected today on #raralinkup — I absolutely loved Terah’s post that you shared. I pray we all keep our true freedom in perspective and continue to share this Good News with others. Hugs and blessings!
I recently read The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom. She does an amazing job of describing the life of a slave. It helped me understand the suffering a little better. Your post puts a new spin on it. It connects slavery to my freedom in Christ. I appreciate that so much! Especially today as I am in that struggle Paul talks about in Romans 7. The struggle between flesh and spirit, law and sin. It is hard. But I rest in grace. I know that I am FREE!
I’m praying for you in that struggle, Kelly. We all need to be lifted up in prayer now and again and my hope is that you will remember that Christ has already won the battle. He will certainly empower you to do the same.
Thanks for mentioning The Kitchen House, it sounds like a really good read. I know we sometimes want to shy away from these uncomfortable topics but remembering even a painful past gives us a lot to be grateful for.
Hugs!
Oh, I love this, Marva! Thanks for choosing to highlight our freedom. Your post encouraged me to stop and ponder my freedom in Christ and to search and study the scriptures closely. It is life-transforming really when we truly grasp our full freedom in Christ. I am so thankful that I am free from the wages of sin -eternal death, the power of sin in my life and the strangle hold of the law as a means to earn my salvation. So thankful for Christ and all that He did for me. Wonderful post and beautiful pictures!
Thanks, Carlie. I’m so glad we get to share in this history as well as God’s transforming power to free us. I love how you’ve reminded us of our freedom from sin and the burden of the law. We really do have a lot to be thankful for!
I’m so grateful for you, my sister!