TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

It’s difficult to say which is the greatest gift for a Christian: being freed from judgment or being transformed by the Holy Spirit. On the one hand, Christ’s sacrifice frees us from God’s anger and judgment, offering us peace with God. On the other hand, the Spirit leads us to live a new life, changing us from the inside out. These two aspects of salvation seem equally important, so which should we be more thankful for?

The truth is, we shouldn’t compare them. Both are equally essential. Being freed from judgment and being led by the Spirit work hand-in-hand. If we have truly escaped God’s judgment, it should show in how we live—not because we need to earn His acceptance, but because we already have it. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live in a way that reflects this acceptance.

Living by the Spirit is not about perfection, but it shows our response to God’s grace. Our lives should demonstrate that we have been forgiven, and our hearts should long to reflect God’s holiness. The freedom we have in Christ is not a license to sin but a call to live righteously because we have been saved.