ZEBULON BAPTIST CHURCH

FREE IN CHRIST
Galatians 5:1

Tom Harding

The Apostle Paul encourages and inspires every believer to "stand fast," defend at all cost the precious freedom we enjoy in Christ Jesus (John 8:32). Through His perfect blood atonement (Heb. 9:12), His provided and imputed righteousness (Rom. 4:6), every believer has been set free; free from the curse of the Law (Gal. 3:13), free from spiritual death (Eph. 2:1) and free from the condemnation of sin (Rom. 8:1). Not only are we instructed to "stand fast," defend and hold to the ground of salvation by free grace in Christ Jesus at all cost, but we are also encouraged NOT to be entangled with the "yoke of bondage" (Gal. 2:16). Don’t be entangled, hampered or ensnared again with the bondage of works and law to obtain the favor and blessings of God, in Christ we have the favor and blessing of God (Eph. 1:3; 1 Cor. 1:30; Col. 2:9-10).

Believers do not wear the yoke of the Law (Rom. 6:14; Gal. 4:18), however they do wear the yoke of the Lord Jesus Christ, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light" (Matt. 11:25-28). I refuse to wear the yoke of works religion and law, but I gladly receive and wear the yoke of my Lord. The yoke of the law is impossible to bear (Acts 15:10). But His yoke is easy, delightful and no burden at all. What does it mean to the believer to be yoked, and joined to Jesus Christ? I offer these scriptural truths:

To be yoked to Jesus Christ is to be at rest in Him (Heb. 4:10-11).

To be yoked to Jesus Christ is to be one with Him ( John 6:57).

To be yoked to Jesus Christ is to be found in Him (Phil. 3:7-9).

To be yoked to Jesus Christ is to be justified by His blood (Rom. 5:9).

To be yoked to Jesus Christ is to be led by His Spirit (Rom. 8:14).

To be yoked to Jesus Christ is to be taught by His Word (John 6:44-45).

To be yoked to Jesus Christ is to be translated into His kingdom (Col. 1:13).

To be yoked to Jesus Christ is to be filled with His love (1 John 3:14).

To be yoked to Jesus Christ is to be called by His gospel (1 Cor. 1:21-24).

To be yoked to Jesus Christ is to be saved by His grace (2 Tim.1:9).

To be yoked to Jesus Christ is to be adopted into His family (Rom. 8:17).

To be yoked to Jesus Christ is to be regenerated by His Spirit (Eph. 2:1).

To be yoked to Jesus Christ is to be forgiven of all your sin (1 John 1:7).

To be yoked to Jesus Christ is to be counted righteous in Him (Rom. 4:1-6).

To be yoked to Jesus Christ is to be accepted in the Beloved (Eph. 1:6).

Tom Harding, Pastor
Zebulon Baptist Church
Pikeville, Ky.


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