Freedom

Liberation from bondage — physical, spiritual, and moral — that God accomplishes for his people. The Exodus is the paradigmatic freedom story: God delivered Israel from Egyptian slavery (Exodus 12-15). Isaiah 61:1 prophesied liberty for captives. Jesus declared, 'If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed' (John 8:36). Galatians 5:1 urges, '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.' Romans 8:21 envisions creation itself being 'liberated from its bondage to decay.' True freedom is not autonomy from God but liberation to serve God and love others without the bondage of sin.