Created With Freedom
And the LORD God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree of the garden, but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for on the day you eat from it, you will certainly die.”
Genesis 2:16-17 (CSB)
God gave us freedom as part of the created order. The Lord did not create Adam and Eve and then control their lives like a puppetmaster controls a puppet. Instead, the Lord provided Adam and Eve with commands that must be followed, but the obedience to these commands did not occur under coercion but instead occurred in freedom. God created us with freedom and Genesis 2:16-17 reminds us of that truth.
FREEDOM TO CHOOSE FROM GOD’S OFFERING
God told Adam that he had the freedom to choose to eat from any tree except one. This declaration emphasized the freedom granted to Adam rather than a restriction. Adam had the opportunity to select from all the good and available options that the Lord provided. To understand freedom, one must recognize that it involves the ability to choose from what is made available. Far too often, we become fixated on the one thing that is unavailable instead of appreciating all that God has offered.
FREEDOM TO CHOOSE TO OBEDIENCE
When Adam gained clarity about what was available and acceptable to partake in, he also acquired the ability to choose obedience. When the Lord instructed Adam not to eat from the tree of knowledge, this restriction was not imposed on him but offered as guidance, allowing him the freedom to choose between obedience and disobedience. Although God provides clear directions on how to live, He allows freedom to exist, enabling us to choose whether to obey or disobey His commands.
FREEDOM IN CREATION AND THE FREEDOM IN SALVATION
Freedom existed from creation, and it is rediscovered in salvation. Yes, humanity possesses the freedom to obey or reject the Lord. However, a life without Christ is a life of captivity. In Christ, humanity finds freedom from the bondage of sin and can live in the fullness of that freedom. Freedom is a basic characteristic of humanity and freedom is not fully understood or experienced until salvation.
QUESTIONS
How does freedom offer an opportunity for worship?
How would you explain the difference in freedom before a relationship with Christ and after a relationship with Christ?
