Freedom in Christ Is Not Carelessness

The assurance of salvation is one of the most comforting promises in Scripture. Jesus said in John 5:24: "Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life." This promise assures us that we are no longer under condemnation. However, it does not absolve us of responsibility. Freedom in Christ is not freedom to sin or to live recklessly; it is freedom to walk in obedience, knowing that we are no longer enslaved by sin or fear of judgment. A dangerous misconception among some believers is the idea that because judgment has been passed and we are saved by grace, our actions no longer matter. This mindset is not only unbiblical but also harmful. As Paul writes in Romans 6:1-2: "What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?" When we misuse grace as an excuse for carelessness, we deny the transformative power of salvation. Jesus did not save us so that we could continue in our old ways. He saved us so that we might become new creations, reflecting His character and bringing glory to God.

Accountability for Sin is Not Condemnation

One of the essential aspects of our Christian walk is recognizing that accountability for sin does not equate to condemnation. While sin separates us from God, God's response to sin is not one of condemnation but of correction, restoration, and forgiveness. In 1 John 1:9, we are assured: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." God does not condemn us when we fall short; rather, He calls us to repent and return to Him. Accountability helps us to align our actions with our identity in Christ, leading us back to the path of holiness. When we fall short, God does not cast us aside; He invites us to confess, to learn, and to grow. This is not condemnation but the loving discipline of a Father who desires our restoration. The difference between conviction and condemnation is vital. Conviction is the work of the Holy Spirit, pointing us to areas where we need to change and grow. Condemnation, on the other hand, is the enemy’s tactic to accuse, guilt-trip, and bind us to our past failures. Romans 8:1 reminds us: "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." So, while we are accountable for our actions, that accountability does not carry the weight of eternal condemnation. In Christ, we are forgiven, restored, and empowered to live lives that honor God.

Relativism: The Denial of Absolute Truth

Relativism is the belief that truth is subjective, shaped by individual preferences or circumstances. In today’s culture, phrases like “live your truth” and “follow your heart” have become popular catchphrases, but they stand in stark contrast to the teachings of Christ. Jesus clearly stated in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Truth is not personal opinion; it is rooted in Christ alone. When we embrace relativism, we compromise our faith, leaving us vulnerable to false teachings and moral confusion. The danger of relativism is that it justifies sin under the guise of personal choice, eroding the solid foundation of God’s absolute truth.

Utilitarianism: The Pursuit of Pleasure over Principle

Utilitarianism, the idea of maximizing pleasure or benefit for the greatest number of people, may seem appealing, but it leads to moral compromise. This philosophy values immediate satisfaction over eternal truth, pushing individuals to pursue personal happiness rather than God’s will. In Galatians 5:13, Paul warns, “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” True freedom in Christ is about serving others and obeying God, not pursuing self-centered pleasure. Utilitarianism shifts our focus away from God’s standards, leading to spiritual disconnection and stagnation.

We Must Avoid Being Christians without Christ

It is essential to recognize that being a Christian without being truly “in” Christ is a dangerous and hollow existence. Too many people claim the title of Christian, yet they live apart from Christ, separated from His transformative power. This is the reality of being "with" Christ but not "in" Him. The difference is profound—being “with” Christ suggests mere association, but being “in” Christ means being fully immersed in His life, will, and mission. Jesus calls us to more than just acknowledging His name or following Him from a distance. He calls us to be so united with Him that our lives reflect His very essence. As He said in John 15:5: "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." This passage clarifies that without Christ, we cannot fulfill our purpose as believers. We cannot simply wear the label of Christian; we must be deeply connected to Christ, drawing our life, strength, and direction from Him. To be Christians without Christ is to live in vain, disconnected from the source of all life and power.

The Dangers of False Assurance

It is dangerous to offer people false assurance of eternity when their lives are empty of true transformation, when they live in error, and when they don’t understand the Word of God and the kingdom of God. Many believers today focus so heavily on the promise of eternal security that they neglect the importance of living according to God’s commands. While the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ is sure and unshakeable, we must not twist this assurance into an excuse for living without responsibility. It is easy to say, "There is no condemnation" or "There is no judgment," but these phrases must be understood within the right context. In Romans 8:1, we read: "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Yes, this is true—but it’s not a blanket statement that gives license to sin. This verse is not about dismissing our personal responsibility to live in obedience to God’s Word. It’s not about ignoring the call to holiness and living contrary to the principles of the kingdom. In fact, Jesus Himself addressed the issue of judgment in Matthew 7:21-23: "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'" This passage warns us against the false assurance of salvation that is not grounded in a transformed life. It's not about doing things in God’s name, but about living in a way that reflects the true nature of His kingdom. We cannot assume that because we profess faith in Christ, we are automatically exempt from the responsibility of aligning our lives with His will.

Judgment: Misunderstood but Inescapable

Sometimes, we don’t fully understand the concept of judgment. When people hear "judgment," they often picture it as an arbitrary decision made by God to punish or condemn, but judgment in Scripture is a process of revealing what is true. It is not about God making decisions based on whims or human opinions; it is based on His righteous and holy nature. Judgment is inescapable because God is just. However, for those who are in Christ, judgment has already been passed—the penalty for sin has been paid by Jesus on the cross. This means that for believers, eternal judgment is not about condemnation but about rewards. The Bible speaks of a judgment for believers that is more about accountability than punishment, where we give an account of how we have lived according to God's Word. In 2 Corinthians 5:10, Paul writes: "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad." This is not about whether we are saved, but about how we have stewarded our salvation. It’s about our responsibility to live in a way that honors God and reflects our identity in Christ.

Rejecting What Is Killing Us

One of the greatest challenges in the Christian walk is letting go of the things that harm us. Many of us cry out to God for healing, deliverance, or breakthrough, yet we remain loyal to the very things that are killing us. Whether it’s sinful habits, toxic relationships, or destructive mindsets, these things hinder our growth and rob us of the abundant life Christ promised. In Hebrews 12:1, we are exhorted: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." This verse reminds us that living in our identity in Christ requires active participation. We must intentionally cast off anything that hinders our walk with God. This is not a passive process; it is a deliberate decision to pursue holiness, reject sin, and embrace the fullness of life in Christ.

Embrace Responsibility in Your Identity in Christ

As we reflect on the essence of our identity in Christ, let us remember that we are not just saved from something but saved for something. We are called to live lives that reflect His holiness, to be accountable to God and one another, and to reject the lies that lead us astray. Our salvation is not a free pass to live recklessly, but a call to reflect the holiness of God in a broken world. We must never give people false assurance of eternity when their lives reflect a lack of understanding of God’s Word and His kingdom. Salvation calls for transformation, and it demands a life that reflects the grace we have received. As we embrace our true identity in Christ, let us live with responsibility, accountability, and a heart that seeks to honor God in every area of our lives.