Security in Christ

The concept of security in Christ is a foundational tenet of Christian theology, emphasizing the assurance and protection believers have through their relationship with Jesus Christ. This security is multifaceted, encompassing spiritual, eternal, and sometimes temporal aspects.

1. Spiritual Security: Believers are assured of their salvation and eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. This assurance is rooted in the promises of God and the finished work of Christ on the cross. In John 10:28-29 , Jesus declares, "I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them out of My hand. My Father who has given them to Me is greater than all. No one can snatch them out of My Father’s hand." This passage underscores the divine protection and security that believers possess, safeguarded by both the Son and the Father.

2. Eternal Security: The doctrine of eternal security, often referred to as "once saved, always saved," is supported by various scriptural passages. Romans 8:38-39 affirms, "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." This assurance is not based on human effort but on the unchanging nature of God's love and the sufficiency of Christ's atonement.

3. Protection from Spiritual Adversaries: Believers are also assured of protection from spiritual adversaries. Ephesians 6:10-11 instructs, "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes." The armor of God symbolizes the divine resources available to Christians to withstand spiritual attacks, providing a sense of security in the spiritual realm.

Freedom in Christ

Freedom in Christ is a profound aspect of the Christian experience, signifying liberation from sin, the law, and spiritual bondage. This freedom is not a license for moral laxity but a call to live in righteousness and service to God.

1. Freedom from Sin: Through Christ, believers are set free from the power and penalty of sin. Romans 6:22 states, "But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the fruit you reap leads to holiness, and the outcome is eternal life." This freedom enables Christians to live a life that reflects God's holiness and righteousness.

2. Freedom from the Law: The New Testament teaches that believers are no longer under the law as a means of justification. Galatians 5:1 exhorts, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be encumbered once more by a yoke of slavery." This freedom from the law's demands allows believers to live by the Spirit, guided by love and grace rather than legalistic adherence.

3. Freedom to Serve: Christian freedom is not self-serving but is directed towards serving others in love. Galatians 5:13 reminds believers, "For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love." This freedom empowers Christians to fulfill the law of Christ, which is love, and to engage in acts of service and compassion.

4. Freedom from Fear: In Christ, believers are liberated from the fear of judgment and death. Hebrews 2:14-15 explains, "Therefore, since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity, so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death." This freedom from fear is a result of Christ's victory over death and His promise of eternal life.

In summary, security and freedom in Christ are integral to the Christian faith, providing believers with assurance, protection, and liberation to live a life that honors God and serves others. These themes are deeply rooted in the teachings of the New Testament and are central to the believer's identity and experience in Christ.