Why do Christians claim they are free, but accept they are slaves to Christ? Are not those two concepts contradictory in nature.
When I think back to those believing days, I can't say I was actually free while following Jesus. I mean If I am letting my feelings, thinking and actions be effected by someone else's feelings, thinking and actions, I can't say I am free.
Because freedom would be to feel, think and act as a separate unit.
But I digress
Why do you think you are free, when you have to follow certain stipulations, apply and conform yourselves to a rule book?
You're obviously not free from sin, or sickness, or satan, or death.
So my question is, what actually are you free from?
What freedom is there in isolation, when there is unity to be had? You speak as if being of the mind of Christ is not freedom, and yet to feel, to think, and to act in union with Christ is to walk in holiness, and obedience. This is not slavery, this is breaking the chains that bind us and walking in liberty! The things that once we were bound to are broken, their dominion throttled.
I would ask you what stipulation does God set that is not liberating? Do you suppose drunkenness is freedom? Sexual exploits, of which there is no honor for self and is lacking in love of others? What of murder? Do you suppose murder is freeing, or has rage so entrapped you? Maybe lying, is freedom found in a lie, or is the truth the means by which reality is found? What sin does not lead to death, spiritually, emotionally, and/or physically? What freedom do you profess to have found that only God offers? The freedom you speak of is not a liberation to walk in the light, that believers so love, but is to toy in darkness, to play with fire, to only be burned. Both in the now, and even in the afterlife.
Stipulation or not, the way of righteousness is a demand we are incapable of doing in and of ourselves. God's demand, if you may call it that, is faith, not righteousness. Righteous perfection is indeed the criteria to be saved and yet we are not able, and for that reason the Son, Jesus Christ, was sent to die for our sins and pay their penalty reconciling us to God. He is our righteousness, He fulfilled the Law of Moses. He imputed His righteousness to us, His blood cleansed us, paid our penalty, and justified us before God, through His resurrection. The standard may be perfection, but such a standard is not possible and therefore salvation is of faith and not works, lest we boast. If there be any boast it is in God, it is in Christ. The glory is to the Lord.
We are no longer slaves to sin, but of righteousness and this is not a burden or oppressive, but rather empowering and liberating. We are dead to sin and alive unto God. Sin shall not have dominion over us because we are not under the law but under grace. The Lord is faithful to sanctify and chastise us, and this is ultimately our desire for sin not only is an offense to God, but it grieves our very own spirit. It is tormenting to be found in it, to entertain it, and not even for reasons of condemnation but for the feeling of knowing better. It isn't our desire. Its not. Its a battle of the flesh, and breaking free from habits of old, renewing our mind to who we are in Him.
When you so let your mind, conduct, and all that you are be dictated by the desires of God, this is not slavery but freedom and when you so walk in the will of God, you find that it is most fulfilling. If you were not free while following Christ it is because you were not introduced to your Lord and Savior, but to rules and regulations that were a burden onto you. One that God has no desire to lay on you, except to reveal your need for His Son, for God's grace to be the means by which you are saved. You see, you didn't know God, you knew of Him, but you didn't know Him personally.
There is an actual relationship to be had. Intimacy in that of a closeness, fellowship. A two way conversation, not as if you are speaking to the wall. God is very much existent and very much active in the lives of His children. If you wish to hear Him, seek Him. Pray. Listen. Ask to be able to hear His voice and find out the means by which you hear (some visually, some audibly, some mentally, etc). What you had was not the Gospel, indeed, you speak of slavery and that very well may have been what you were sold. A lie. God loves you, He wishes to fellowship with you. Not rules and regulations or stipulations, but reconciliation and a new birth. To be born again, made anew. To be set free from sin and to awaken to righteousness.