Stepping Into Truth and Freedom

Freedom is something many people desire, but what does Jesus actually mean when He speaks about being free?

Is it freedom from difficult circumstances? Freedom to make our own choices? Or is there something deeper?

What did Jesus teach about freedom?

In John 8:31–32 (NKJV), Jesus told those who believed Him:

“If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.”

He continued by explaining that they would know the truth, and the truth would make them free.

But Jesus went further.

In John 8:34–36, He connected the need for freedom with the reality of sin and declared that the Son makes people free.

This reveals something important: biblical freedom is not simply the ability to do whatever we desire. It is freedom made possible through Jesus Christ.

Why do we need this freedom?

The Bible teaches that humanity's deepest problem is not merely a lack of knowledge or spiritual awareness.

Romans 3:23 teaches that all have sinned and fall short of God's glory.

Sin affects our relationship with God, our understanding of truth and the way we live.

Jesus came not simply to provide spiritual advice, but to accomplish our redemption.

Colossians 1:13–14 describes believers as delivered from the power of darkness and brought into the kingdom of God's Son, in whom they have redemption and forgiveness.

What has Jesus accomplished?

The New Testament presents freedom as grounded in Christ's finished work.

Through His death and resurrection, Jesus accomplished what we could not accomplish through our own efforts.

Romans 8:1–2 teaches that those who are in Christ Jesus are no longer under condemnation and that the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made them free from the law of sin and death.

This is not a freedom we create through positive thinking, spiritual rituals or personal determination.

It is received through Jesus Christ.

Does freedom mean Christians never struggle?

No.

The New Testament calls believers to grow in spiritual maturity and to live consistently with the new life they have received.

Galatians 5:1 encourages believers to stand firm in the freedom Christ has given them.

Freedom in Christ is therefore both a reality established through His work and a truth believers are called to live out.

We do not earn freedom through spiritual performance.

We learn to walk in what Christ has accomplished.

What about my past?

Your past does not have to determine your identity or future.

Second Corinthians 5:17 teaches that anyone in Christ is a new creation.

This does not mean our memories disappear or that every consequence of the past is immediately removed.

It means that our relationship with God and our identity in Christ are no longer defined by who we were apart from Him.

What does freedom look like in everyday life?

It includes learning to live according to God's truth rather than being governed by fear, condemnation or beliefs that contradict Scripture.

It shapes our decisions, relationships, character and understanding of who we are.

Biblical freedom is not independence from God.

It is the freedom to live in the relationship with Him for which we were created.

A question worth considering

Am I searching for freedom through my own spiritual efforts, or am I willing to discover the freedom Jesus Christ has already made possible?

The invitation is to know Him, understand His finished work and learn to live in His truth.

Explore further: John 8:31–36; Romans 3:23–24; Romans 8:1–4; Colossians 1:13–14; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 5:1; Ephesians 2:8–10.

Perhaps you've explored astrology, tarot, manifestation, spirit guides, energy healing or other spiritual practices.

You may now be questioning what you once believed or wondering whether your past experiences have affected your relationship with God.

An important question may arise:

Do I need to be afraid of my spiritual past?

What does Scripture teach about God's response to our past?

The New Testament reveals that God's invitation to salvation is grounded in His grace, not in our ability to present a perfect history.

Romans 5:8 teaches that God demonstrated His love for us while we were still sinners.

Ephesians 2:8–9 explains that salvation is by grace through faith, not something we earn through our own efforts.

Your history does not place you beyond the reach of God's mercy.

What has Jesus accomplished?

Colossians 1:13–14 describes believers as delivered from the power of darkness and brought into the kingdom of God's Son, in whom they have redemption and forgiveness.

Colossians 2:13–15 describes forgiveness through Christ and His triumph over principalities and powers.

The focus of these passages is the sufficiency and victory of Jesus Christ.

They do not instruct believers to live in constant fear of their former practices or to assume that every difficulty is caused by something spiritual from their past.

What about condemnation?

Romans 8:1 (NKJV) declares:

“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.”

This is an important foundation for Christian identity.

Condemnation is not the basis of a believer's relationship with God.

The gospel calls us to recognise sin and respond to Christ, but it does not teach that our former lives should remain the defining feature of who we are.

Does this mean our past has no consequences?

Not necessarily.

Our previous beliefs, habits, relationships and decisions may still have practical or emotional consequences.

Some experiences

Repentance is an important part of the Christian message, but what does it actually mean?

Is repentance simply feeling guilty about the past? Does it mean trying harder to become a better person? Or is it something deeper?

What did Jesus teach about repentance?

In Mark 1:15 (NKJV), Jesus proclaimed:

“Repent, and believe in the gospel.”

Repentance involves a change of mind and direction — turning away from sin and towards God

When someone comes to Jesus Christ, what actually changes?

Do they simply adopt a new religion, develop different beliefs or begin trying to live a better life?

The New Testament describes something far more significant.

What does it mean to be a new creation?

Second Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV) declares:

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.”

The passage continues by describing the passing away of the old and the arrival of the new.

This is not simply a change in attitude or a new way of thinking about ourselves.

According to Scripture, being in Christ establishes a new relationship with God and a new identity grounded in what Jesus has accomplished.

What does it mean to become a child of God?

John 1:12–13 teaches that those who receive Jesus Christ and believe in His name are given the right to become children of God.

This new relationship is described as being born of God.

Romans 8:15–17 speaks of believers receiving the Spirit of adoption, through whom they cry out to God as Father.

Christian identity is therefore not based on discovering that we have always been divine.

It is based on being brought into God's family through Jesus Christ.

Does my past still define me?

Your history remains part of your life story, but it does not have to be the foundation of your identity.

Romans 8:1 teaches that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Colossians 1:13–14 describes believers as delivered from the power of darkness and brought into the kingdom of God's Son, in whom they have redemption and forgiveness.

These passages direct our attention towards what God has accomplished, rather than allowing former beliefs, failures or experiences to determine who we are.

This does not mean that memories disappear or that every practical consequence of the past is immediately resolved.

It means that our standing before God is established through Christ.

What about the idea that everyone is already divine?

Some spiritual teachings describe human beings as expressions of universal consciousness or as divine beings who need to awaken to their true nature.

The Bible makes an important distinction.

Genesis 1:26–27 teaches that humanity was created in God's image.

But being made in God's image is not the same as being God.

The New Testament teaches that believers become children of God through receiving Jesus Christ, not through discovering an independent divine identity.

Our new life comes from Him.

What does it mean to be united with Christ?

Romans 6:3–4 connects believers with Christ's death and resurrection, describing the newness of life that follows.

Galatians 2:20 describes Paul's life as being lived by faith in the Son of God.

Ephesians 1:3–14 explains that believers receive spiritual blessings in Christ, including redemption, forgiveness and the promise of the Holy Spirit.

These passages reveal that Christian identity is centred on our relationship with Jesus Christ.

We do not become the source of divine life.

We receive life through the One who is its source.

Does my behaviour have to change before my identity changes?

The gospel begins with God's grace.

Ephesians 2:8–10 teaches that believers are saved by grace through faith and are created in Christ Jesus for good works.

Good works are therefore not the foundation of salvation. They are part of the life that follows.

As believers grow in spiritual maturity, their thoughts, decisions and actions should increasingly reflect the truth of their new identity.

We learn to live consistently with what God has made us in Christ.

What does this mean in everyday life?

It means learning to understand yourself through what Scripture reveals about Jesus and your relationship with Him.

Instead of being governed by shame, fear or former spiritual labels, you can begin to grow in the knowledge of God's grace, truth and purposes.

Your identity becomes the foundation from which you live, rather than something you are continually trying to earn.

In Christ, identity comes before performance.

A question worth considering

Am I defining myself by my history, experiences and spiritual achievements, or am I discovering who God says I am through Jesus Christ?

The invitation is not simply to become a different version of your former self.

It is to discover the new life and identity God gives through His Son.

Explore further: Genesis 1:26–27; John 1:12–13; Romans 6:3–4; Romans 8:1–17; 2 Corinthians 5:17–21; Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 1:3–14; Ephesians 2:8–10; Colossians 1:13–14.

Leaving former spiritual practices can be an important step when someone begins following Jesus Christ.

Perhaps you previously explored tarot, astrology, manifestation, spirit guides, energy healing or other spiritual traditions.

As you examine Scripture, you may recognise that some of these beliefs conflict with what Jesus teaches.

But how do you move forward?

Where does the Bible begin?

The Christian message begins with Jesus Christ and what He has accomplished.

Colossians 1:13–14 describes believers as delivered from the power of darkness and brought into the kingdom of God's Son, in whom they have redemption and forgiveness.

The foundation of Christian freedom is not our ability to perform a particular ritual or undo every action from the past.

It is the finished work of Jesus Christ.

What does Scripture teach about leaving former practices?

In Acts 19:18–20, some believers in Ephesus openly acknowledged their former practices and made a decisive break from them.

Their actions reflected a change in allegiance and a response to the gospel.

This account offers a biblical example of turning away from practices that conflict with faith in Christ. However, it does not prescribe an identical process for every person.

The important principle is turning towards God and learning to live according to His truth.

What practical steps can I take?

1. Examine your beliefs through Scripture.

Begin by understanding what Jesus and the apostles taught.

Ask which beliefs are consistent with the biblical revelation of God and which require reconsideration.

2. Make thoughtful decisions about former practices.

You can choose to stop participating in spiritual practices you now believe contradict Scripture.

You do not need to make dramatic public declarations or prove your sincerity through frightening experiences.

3. Become established in your new direction.

Read the Gospels, learn what it means to follow Jesus and develop habits of prayer, biblical study and Christian fellowship.

Your relationship with God should become more central than continual attention to your former practices.

4. Seek wise support when needed.

If leaving a group, belief system or practice affects your relationships, emotional wellbeing or everyday life, speak with trusted people who can offer appropriate support.

A thoughtful transition does not have to happen in isolation.

5. Allow your understanding to mature.

Romans 12:2 teaches the importance of renewing our minds.

Changing long-held assumptions can take time. Growth in biblical understanding is a continuing process.

Do I need to fear spiritual consequences for leaving?

The New Testament directs believers towards confidence in Jesus Christ rather than continual fear.

Romans 8:1 teaches that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Colossians 2:13–15 describes Christ's victory and the forgiveness made possible through Him.

These passages should not be used to suggest that every unusual experience or difficulty has a supernatural cause.

The Christian focus is trust in Christ, wise discernment and faithful living.

What if I still have questions about something I experienced?

You do not have to explain every past experience immediately.

Distinguish what happened from what you believe it meant.

Consider ordinary explanations where appropriate, examine relevant biblical teaching and seek wise counsel.

It is possible to leave a practice behind without having every question about it resolved.

Leaving something behind is not the destination. Knowing Jesus Christ is.

A question worth considering

Am I becoming more focused on the practices I once followed, or am I growing in my understanding of Jesus Christ and the life He calls me to live?

Explore further: Acts 19:18–20; Romans 8:1–4; Romans 12:1–2; Colossians 1:13–14; Colossians 2:13–15; Ephesians 2:8–10; John 8:31–36.

Discovering the truth about Jesus Christ is the beginning of a new direction.

But how does that truth shape everyday life?

What does freedom look like when we return to our ordinary responsibilities, relationships, decisions and challenges?

Freedom is something we learn to live in.

Begin with what Jesus has accomplished.

In John 8:36, Jesus teaches that the freedom given by the Son is genuine freedom.

Romans 8:1–2 describes the believer's freedom from condemnation and the law of sin and death through Christ Jesus.

The Christian life does not begin each morning with an attempt to earn God's acceptance.

It begins with remembering the grace and new life received through Christ.

1. Become established in God's Word.

Jesus connected discipleship with continuing in His word (John 8:31–32).

Reading Scripture regularly helps us understand God's character, recognise truth and examine the beliefs that influence our thinking.

Begin with the Gospels and gradually become familiar with the wider biblical message.

The goal is not simply to accumulate information, but to understand and apply what God has revealed.

2. Learn to live from your identity in Christ.

Second Corinthians 5:17 teaches that anyone in Christ is a new creation.

Ephesians 2:10 describes believers as God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works.

Your identity is not something you must continually manufacture through spiritual performance.

Learn what Scripture says about your relationship with God, then allow that understanding to shape your decisions.

3. Develop an honest life of prayer.

Jesus taught His disciples to pray to their heavenly Father (Matthew 6:9–13).

Prayer is not a technique for controlling circumstances or forcing spiritual outcomes.

It is part of a living relationship with God.

You can speak to Him honestly, bring your concerns before Him, express gratitude and seek wisdom.

4. Renew your thinking.

Romans 12:2 encourages believers to be transformed through the renewing of their minds.

Some beliefs and habits may have shaped your thinking for many years.

You can learn to recognise those patterns, examine them through Scripture and replace mistaken assumptions with truth.

Growth often involves patience and practice.

5. Grow in character and love.

Galatians 5:22–23 describes the fruit of the Spirit, including love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

The evidence of spiritual maturity is not simply extraordinary experiences or impressive claims.

It is also seen in the character we develop and the way we treat others.

Jesus taught His followers that love for one another would identify them as His disciples (John 13:34–35).

6. Walk with other believers.

The New Testament presents Christian life as something shared.

Hebrews 10:24–25 encourages believers to consider how to stir one another towards love and good works and not neglect gathering together.

Healthy Christian fellowship provides opportunities to learn, ask questions, receive encouragement and serve others.

Choose communities that are faithful to Scripture, compassionate and accountable.

7. Discover how you can serve.

The Christian life is not simply about leaving the past behind or concentrating on personal spiritual growth.

Jesus calls His followers to love others and participate in His mission.

Ephesians 2:10 teaches that believers are created in Christ Jesus for good works.

As your understanding and maturity develop, consider how your abilities, opportunities and relationships can be used to serve faithfully.

What if I make mistakes?

Spiritual growth does not mean that every decision will be perfect.

First John 1:9 teaches believers to acknowledge their sins and points to God's faithfulness in forgiveness.

When you recognise a mistake, respond honestly, learn from Scripture and continue growing.

Do not allow past failures to become the foundation of your identity.

What does the journey look like?

At Supernatural School, we describe the process as:

DISCOVER — Understand who Jesus Christ is and who you are in Him.

DEVELOP — Become established in Scripture, character, discernment and spiritual maturity.

DEPLOY — Live faithfully with purpose, serving others wherever God has placed you.

This is not a formula for earning God's love.

It is a practical way of describing growth in the Christian life.

A question worth considering

Am I continually looking backwards at what I have left behind, or am I learning to live in the truth and freedom Jesus Christ has made available?

The Christian journey is not defined by fascination with darkness or fear of the past.

It is a life centred on Jesus Christ, growing in His truth and walking in His light.

Explore further: John 8:31–36; John 13:34–35; Matthew 6:9–13; Romans 8:1–4; Romans 12:1–2; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 5:22–23; Ephesians 2:8–10; Hebrews 10:24–25; 1 John 1:9.