John 8:36 states, “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” Most of us have heard this Scripture many times. We would claim to know these words by memory because we have often heard them quoted in a Sunday sermon. We would even agree that we are free because Jesus proclaimed it, but let me ask you a question: Is this your experience?
Do you believe that as a born-again Believer in Jesus Christ that you can be sick, depressed, have an addiction, have chains (bondage), or have a demon? While this may be our experience, are we supposed to be subject to these things? Do we define what our lives should be like by our experiences or the Gospel Jesus demonstrated?
The word indeed adds something to merely being free. It means truly, in reality, in point of fact. I love what it says in the Passion Translation in Galatians 5:1:
“Let me be clear, the Anointed One has set us free—not partially, but completely and wonderfully free! We must always cherish this truth and stubbornly refuse to go back into the bondage of our past.”
If, as a Christian—a Christ-man, this is not our experience; whether as a result of not knowing Scripture for ourselves or incorrect teachings, the outcome will be a “different Gospel” than what Paul described in the book of Galatians. I encourage you to read the entire book for yourself.
Paul admonished the church at Galatia sternly because they were turning to a Gospel of “works” as compared to the “Gospel of faith” he had laid as their foundation. Some Jews proclaimed that the Galatians must follow the Law as well as the Gospel, which lead into much confusion. When Paul called it a “different gospel” he meant it was an altered or strange Gospel.
When we see ourselves having the ability to be sick, addicted, or oppressed and in dire straits fighting to be set free, this is a gospel of works that exhibits a different, altered, or strange gospel—not the Gospel of Christ! These experiences are all part of the curse, which we have been plucked out of and translated into the Kingdom of Christ (Colossians 1:13).
We have been given authority over sin and all its effects, including disease. Christ redeemed us completely! So stand up tall, my friend! Acknowledge every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus (Philemon 1:6) and replace all thoughts and beliefs of being cursed or powerless with the truth! The Son has made you free INDEED!