Set Free by Grace
By
Jen Wollner
“It
is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let
yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”
Galatians
5:1 (NIV)
I once read the book titled Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See. Historical fiction, it’s a powerful story of two girls, Lily and Snow Flower, growing up in China in the mid-1800’s. The religious beliefs and traditions of the day were riddled with superstition, legalism, oppression and the devaluing of women. Both men and women were enslaved to fear. They constantly worried that if they did something wrong, it would result in punishment from one of their gods or being shunned by family, friends and others in their village. They were careful to follow every custom and rule to a “T” so as not to upset the “universe” and bring ruin on themselves and their family.
As I devoured this book, peeling back the layers of each relationship and motive, I couldn’t help but notice that every action by every character in the story was impacted by the belief that he or she needed to earn eternal rewards through earthly actions. The characters’ enslavement to these beliefs affected every decision they made, and they interpreted every life circumstance and relationship through the eyes of these traditions. If something bad happened, they blamed themselves or someone else for their misfortunes. If something good happened, they attributed it to finding favor with their gods.
My soul felt heavy as I finished this captivating story. In the end, there was no grace, no forgiveness; only regret and lost opportunities for reconciliation. I don’t know about you, but I am inexpressibly grateful for the salvation and freedom offered by Jesus Christ. He came to set us free from the untruths of the world that weigh us down...the lies, superstitions and traditions of our culture that tell us we need to earn favor and blessing. When Jesus came, died on the Cross and rose again, He did it for our freedom and salvation. Period. By faith, nothing else is needed.
Only His grace.
GOING DEEPER:
1. Have you accepted the gift of freedom offered by Jesus Christ? If not, what is holding you back from surrendering your life to Him today?
2. If you have received
salvation through Christ, what false notions offered by our society are you
continuing to believe? If you aren’t sure, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the
truth to you, or confide in a trusted, godly friend for insight.
FURTHER READING:
John 10:10; John 8:32
Jen and her husband are busily parenting three children. She serves on the leadership team for Mission: Hope, Oakwood’s orphan care ministry.
FURTHER READING:
John 10:10; John 8:32
Jen and her husband are busily parenting three children. She serves on the leadership team for Mission: Hope, Oakwood’s orphan care ministry.
