Last week, as we celebrated Independence Day, we reflected on the tremendous blessing of our political liberty. Our nation’s founders recognized that our rights come not from government, but from God. Political freedom is a precious gift and one worth preserving.
But Scripture points us to an even greater kind of liberty.
A person may live in the freest nation on earth and still be held captive spiritually. Conversely, a man can sit inside a prison cell and experience a freedom no government could ever take away.
Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn knew this firsthand. Imprisoned for years in the brutal Soviet Gulag, he endured starvation, forced labor, and unimaginable cruelty. Yet after his release, he made the astonishing statement: “Bless you, prison, for having been in my life!” It was behind those bars—stripped of worldly comforts and distractions—that he discovered a reality more powerful than his physical surroundings: the deep, inner liberty found only in Christ.
The Apostle Paul understood this same paradox. Much of the New Testament was written from a Roman prison cell, yet Paul possessed a freedom no iron chains could restrain. Even while imprisoned, he urged believers: “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery” (Galatians 5:1 (opens BibleGateway in a new tab), ESV).
These men remind us of a profound truth: while we live in a physical world, our greatest battles—and our greatest victories—are spiritual.
Sometimes it takes a prison cell, or some other painful trial, to strip away life’s distractions and force us to consider what truly matters. Scripture reminds us that “we do not wrestle against flesh and blood” (Ephesians 6:12 (opens BibleGateway in a new tab)). Yet the enemy works tirelessly to keep our attention fixed on what is temporary while blinding us to the unseen realities that shape our lives.
A famous line from The Usual Suspects says, “The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn’t exist.” Whether or not the quote is entirely accurate, it illustrates an important truth. One of Satan’s greatest deceptions is convincing us to live as though the spiritual realm is insignificant.
The Surprise of Spiritual Bondage
In my own life, I was surprised to discover that even after placing my faith in Christ, I continued struggling with fear, anger, unforgiveness, destructive habits, and unhealthy thought patterns. Perhaps you can relate. Many believers assume that because they have been saved, they should automatically experience complete freedom in every area of life.
Scripture paints a different picture.
When we trust in Christ, our sins are forgiven, we are adopted into God’s family, and our eternal destiny is secure. But while our position before God changes instantly, our minds, habits, and spiritual battles often do not. In Romans 6, Paul says believers have been “set free from sin,” yet he also calls us to live like people who have been set free. The Christian life is learning to walk in the liberty Christ has already purchased for us.
The Israelites illustrate this beautifully. God delivered them from Egypt in a single night. They were no longer slaves, yet they still thought like slaves. They carried the fears, complaints, and unbelief of Egypt with them into the wilderness. Though legally free, they had to learn how to live as free people.
Walking in the Freedom Christ Purchased
Jesus announced His earthly ministry by quoting Isaiah: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me... He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives... to set at liberty those who are oppressed” (Luke 4:18 (opens BibleGateway in a new tab), ESV).
That promise was not only for the day we first believed. Christ continues His work of setting His people free as they walk with Him each day.
True spiritual liberty is not merely a one-time event at conversion. It is the daily experience of abiding in Christ, walking by the Spirit, and believing God’s truth over the enemy’s lies.
Standing Firm in Freedom
Breaking free from long-standing strongholds is rarely instantaneous. More often, it is a lifelong journey of surrender, faith, and perseverance. Yet every step of obedience brings greater peace, deeper joy, and increased usefulness in God’s kingdom.
If you find yourself struggling today with persistent fear, recurring anger, addiction, bitterness, or another hidden battle, take heart. Christ did not save you from the penalty of sin only to leave you bound by its power in this life. Through His Spirit, He is transforming your mind, strengthening your heart, and teaching you to walk in the freedom that is already yours in Him.
As we continue reflecting on liberty this month, let us look beyond the freedoms protected by governments and pursue the greater freedom Christ died to give us. May we view life through a spiritual lens, stand firm against the enemy’s schemes, and live each day in the liberty that belongs to every child of God.
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
Jonathan Griffin is the Director of Advertising & Partner Development at AMAC and a former pastor with a passion for biblical teaching. He lives in the Dallas-Fort Worth area with his wife and their two pups, Hank and Kirby.
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What did this stir in you this week?