Dual Gift: Freedom in Christ
This morning's Abide Above devotional invites us into the dual gift of freedom found in Christ. As Romans 4:5 reminds us, faith is counted for righteousness—not by works, but by believing in the One who justifies the ungodly. This is the essence of the first gift: freedom from the penalty of sin.
But there’s more. Many of us embrace this first offer, gratefully resting in the forgiveness of sins through Jesus. Yet, the second gift—freedom from the power of sin—often feels elusive. It’s a gift many hesitate to unwrap, believing they must somehow strive or assist in their sanctification.
C.T. put it plainly in today’s devotional: "We mistakenly think that our efforts, strengthened by the Spirit, will lead to victory. But just as we received salvation by letting Christ do it all, so too must we walk in the freedom He provides.”
The Work of Grace in Freedom
I’ve walked this road of self-effort, convinced that victory over sin depended on my willpower. The harder I tried, the more I found myself striving and failing. It wasn’t until I surrendered—acknowledging that Christ in me is my only hope for daily, moment-by-moment victory—that I experienced the grace of freedom.
This is the beauty of Colossians 2:6: “As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him.” Just as salvation is by grace through faith, so is sanctification. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead now works in us to bring us into His likeness (Ephesians 1:19-20).
In Christ and Like Christ
Andrew Murray’s words struck me this morning: "To be like Christ outwardly, we must live in Christ inwardly. Only an inner life essentially like His can lead to a visible walk like His."
We’re not called to imitate Christ in our strength but to live in His strength. The Spirit works this inward transformation, conforming us to His image from the inside out. It’s not about trying harder—it’s about abiding deeper in Him.
Reflecting on His Work
This week, I encourage you to reflect on these questions:
Have I embraced both gifts—freedom from the penalty and power of sin?
Am I striving in my own strength or resting in Christ’s sufficiency for daily victory?
What would it look like today to walk in the same grace through which I was saved?
A Prayer of Rest
Father, we thank You for the fullness of Your gift in Christ. We rest in His finished work—not only for salvation but for daily victory over sin. As we abide in You, moment-by-moment, we trust Your Spirit to transform us into the likeness of Your Son. Let our lives reflect the reality of Christ within, bringing glory to You in all we say and do. Amen.
This morning, let’s embrace the joy of walking in Him—free, transformed, and full of His grace. To dive deeper into this two-fold gift of salvation, I found The Rest of the Gospel by Dan Stone and David Gregory incredibly helpful.