Freedom In Christ
Ephesians 4:7 (KJV)
7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
Why? For what purpose?
12 For the perfecting of (or to equip) the saints (this includes us all, both men and women), for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
The purpose of my substack is to present spiritual knowledge and wisdom to become free from anything that is captivating us, preventing us from functioning as God has enabled us to function. This “captivity” means anything that captivates our minds: sin consciousness, guilt, shame, self-condemnation, worry, fear, chronic trauma, ignorance, and such. Christ led all this captive.
One of the critical, foundational elements of living this freedom is to learn and understand who you are in Christ, your identification with Christ. “Identity” means much, much, more than who you are. It indicates your family, your citizenship, and all the legal rights indicated by the family name and citizenship. It defines your access to all the rights and resources provided by your family and your citizenship.
Born Again
How does one become born again?
Romans 10:9–10
[9] because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. [10] For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.
The term “born again” or “the new birth” indicates that a birth has taken place. In order for that to happen, there must be *seed! Before this birth, we were dead in sin, but because of the accomplishments of Jesus Christ, God raised us up together with Christ, ascended us with him, and seated us next to him in the heavenly places. This has already happened - there is no waiting required! We are alive in Christ! (Ephesians 2:1-6).
Ephesians 2:18–20
[18] For through him (Christ) we both have access in one spirit to the Father. [19] So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, [20] built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone,
See, our Father is God, and we are members of HIS family. Now, this is not an extended family, we are in HIS household! How intimate is that? We are also Fellow Citizens with all the other saints! We don’t have to wait until we die to find out “if we made it” or not!
Colossians 1:13 He (God) has delivered us (past tense) from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son,
We have already obtained an inheritance, with full access to all the resources which are available today.
Ephesians 1:11
[11] In him (God) we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him (God) who works all things according to the counsel of his will,
Ephesians 3:6
[6] This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow (or joint) heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
A fellow or joint heir has the same access to all of the inheritance with all the other joint heirs. This inheritance is NOT divided. We all have 100% access to everything that is available.
Justice!
As I write this essay, there are many people who passionately cry out and demand justice. The great desire is for both personal and national justice. The world seems incapable of providing justice for the widows, orphans, and others. HOWEVER, Great Justice Has Already Been served! The verdicts have been made and declared for each one of us.
Everything that Jesus Christ accomplished was on LEGAL GROUNDS! Everything written about your identity with Christ, and your citizenship in his Kingdom is all based on LEGAL GROUNDS!
Colossians 2:13–14
[13] And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, [14] by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.
Yes, because of God’s love, mercy, and grace, all outstanding charges against us have been resolved in the court of God. We will never be charged again. See Romans chapter 8.
Romans 5:18–19
[18] Therefore, as one trespass (by Adam) led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. [19] For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous.
“Justification” is a legal verdict of “not guilty” in the Court of God. This verdict is rendered because of the accomplishments of Jesus Christ.
The Messiah is required in order for the promises and the justice of God to take place. Rest assured that all the justice that you need and desire will come to pass. All the outstanding offences inflicted by the world are recorded on the docket of the Court of God. Justice will come, and YOU will be deeply involved!
1 Corinthians 6:2–3
[2] Or do you not know that the saints (men and women) will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases? [3] Do you not know that we are to judge angels (the demonic spirits)? How much more, then, matters pertaining to this life!
GOD CARRIES THESE BURDENS AND CARES SO THAT WE ARE FREE TO WALK IN HIS LOVE, LOVING PEOPLE WITH HIS LOVE. WE CAN EVEN LEARN TO LOVE THE UNLOVABLE!
Conclusion
Ephesians 6:10–12
[10] Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. [11] Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. [12] For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
In order to participate effectively in this spiritual war according to the will of God, we must know our own identity and the resources that legitimately and legally belong to us.
Colossians 3:1–4
[1] If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. (you are there too!) [2] Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. [3] For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. [4] When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. (ESV)
IF CHRIST MAKES YOU FREE, THEN YOU ARE FREE INDEED!
2026 Keith Radcliffe
*seed - 1 Peter 1:23, 1 John 3:9.