“So if the Son sets you free you will be free indeed.” John 8:36
What does it mean to be “No Longer Bound?”
Ask any Christ follower, and they will have their own unique answer to this question. The beauty of it, however, is that while each story is unique, they all have a common thread: “I was one way, then I met Jesus, now I'm different.” This is our testimony and our personal proof of the gospel. If someone asks me why I personally believe in Jesus, I have stories to share of redemption that I can’t explain. For example, I used to consider myself a very depressed person. I remember constantly struggling with thoughts like “who am i?”, “what’s wrong with me?”, and “why does everyone else seem to have it together?.” I legitimately did not like myself and resorted to partying, isolation, & substance abuse just to get by. One day in college, I heard this gentle voice in my head tell me “go to the local church service…trust me.” I could tell it wasn’t me…and oddly enough, it felt like a good idea. So, I went. I remember walking up to the doors of the church. It was during the middle of the worship service so there weren't any greeters or people in sight. But, I was still greeted by something. As soon as I walked in the doors this 1000lb weight started to fall off my back. I walked closer to the music, every step feeling lighter. Tears started to fill my eyes as this warmth started to consume me. I ended up walking straight to the altar and was met by the Lord. Church members prayed over me, read scriptures over me, and I could feel every inch of my body being ignited with love and completeness. I remember thinking “Why is this invisible experience the realest and most profound thing in my entire life.” I decided that day to give my life to Jesus, and I have never been the same.
“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17) When we surrender our lives to Jesus and ask Him to make us a new person, He does!!!
I know someone is reading this right now and thinking “Ok, well you probably aren’t as bad as me. I’ve done things God could never forgive me for.” That couldn’t be further from the truth! Jesus died for EVERYONE and ALL sins (1 John 2:2). Jesus gave us an extreme example of this when he invited the criminal next to Him on the cross to be with Him in paradise (Luke 23:43). The criminal didn’t have time to do a bunch of good things. He was instantaneously washed clean, despite being a murderer. There is nothing you can do to separate yourself from Gods love (Romans 8:38-39). Hallelujah!
Thank you Jesus for making me a new creation. For tearing the veil and being the eternal sacrifice, so that I can talk directly to our Father and spend eternity in paradise. Help me not to fall into the patterns of this world, but live like a citizen of heaven. Bless my family, my friends, my coworkers, and anyone I come in contact with. May they all have faith to be set free…and be no longer bound
-Forrest Frank
The image of a horse breaking free, captures the freedom we can experience through Christ. In contrast, a horse trapped by a tight lasso represents the power that sin and the law can have over us, keeping us imprisoned by our pride and brokenness.
By placing our faith in Christ, who triumphed over death itself, we are released from the bondage of sin that holds us captive, just like a horse freed from its lasso. This newfound freedom allows us to run the race with joy, peace, and purpose. Free to live through our true identity in God, no longer bound by the constraints of sin and the law.