Galatians 5:1, New International Version

“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.”

Jesus came into this world to deliver us from darkness, from sin, to give us salvation. Salvation is a beautiful gift, but it will cost us something. We must give up something. What must we give up? Our sins, our old life. In the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, He said to "repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." I know that I have recently mentioned this, but I believe it is worth stressing the importance of repentance. Repentance does not mean we apologize for what we have done wrong and then continue to do what we know is wrong. When we continue to live in sin, we continue to live as slaves to sin. Paul says in the beginning of Galatians 5:1 (NIV), “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.” Paul continues in verses 13-14 (NIV) saying, “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

Repentance means to turn away from. If you google search the definition of repentance, it will tell you: repentance is the sincere act of regretting past actions, typically sins or wrongs, accompanied by a firm resolution to change behavior and turn away from wrongdoing towards a better, often spiritual, path. This spiritual path leads to salvation through Jesus Christ, the Messiah—our Savior. When Jesus was nailed to the cross, He became our sin. He became the perfect sacrifice for our sins for all time. There is no other way or any other name by which we can be saved except through Jesus Christ. If we are willing to truly repent from our sins, He will be faithful to forgive our sins. If we are willing to repent, we are accepting what Christ did for us and we are acknowledging Him as Lord.

As a new Christian, and some of us may be seasoned Christians, it doesn't hurt to go back to the foundations. The foundation is Christ. It is understanding why He came and why He died. It's understanding our need for a Savior. It is not only being forgiven but being able to forgive. It is a lifestyle that is full of repentance because none of us are perfect! God loves humility! He will honor humility. Once you have come to an understanding of these foundations and are so led by the Lord, you are raised to new life in Christ through baptism. You understand what is "dying" under the water, and that when you come up, you are raised with Christ. If you so desire, you can receive the gift of the Holy Spirit when someone who has the Holy Spirit lays hands on you and prays, but you must ask for the Holy Spirit. I often hear people talking about the power and authority we have as Christians, but I think it is worth remembering that that comes through the power of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Christ, in us! Without Him, we can do no good thing.

There is so much more to being a follower of Christ than what many realize. With a life surrendered to Christ, there is freedom and there is life—true life—abundant life. You receive a brand-new life filled with faith, hope, and love. You receive a brand-new life that is filled with purpose, divine purpose! You receive a brand-new life that is the most fulfilling life you have ever known. And when your sojourn is done on this earth, you live an eternal life with Christ in the new heaven and new earth, the free gift of salvation.