Yes, Freedom has it’s price. If one isn’t suffering persecutions now it’s because their ancestors suffered on their behalf; likewise if one is suffering severe afflictions it’s so their generations after them will experience the freedom that God desires for them. We are called to be free. Before you are spiritually regenerated, or set free by God, you are in bondage to sin and Satan, which means you can only use your “free”will to sin. When God sets you free you have free will to serve Him or live for yourself. A true christian can’t live in rebellion to God but the less Spirit-filled you are the more you will appear to be lving for the things of the world. You won’t be as happy and will likely struggle with depression and such. The most miserable person in the world is a nonspiritfilled believer. Perseverance of the Saints doctrine states that God will works things out for those that love Him (Romans 8:28). So the keeping power of God will keep you from falling away and entice you to seek Him first and foremost and walk about in the freedom He has for you. The 4 spiritual laws state that many aren’t living the abundant life which Christ came to give them, it refers to these people as lost. However, there are many nonspiritfilled believers who appear “carnal” because they don’t realize the power they have in them thru Christ (Phil. 4:13). Consequently if you don’t realize the power available to you, you won’t realize the power of Satan and his demons either. Thus, you could still be in bondage and love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and will likely be a 1 Cor. 3 believer whose works will burn up. Your works have nothing to do with your eternal destiny-only the amount of faith you have. You have to exercise it like amuscle for it to grow and work it out in daily life in righteousness & holy living. Beware of striving to be so righteous that you appear self-righteous.
Love in Christ,
Bro. E