Good morning,
Free Indeed!
Various authors
(Be sure to LISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.)
The world prizes freedom. Every generation longs for it. People fight for political freedom, financial freedom, personal freedom, and the freedom to live according to their own desires. Yet Jesus confronts us with a startling truth: a person may live in the freest nation on earth, and still be a slave.
The greatest tyranny is not imposed by governments, but by sin. The strongest chains are not forged from iron, but from guilt, corruption, fear, and death. Every son and daughter of Adam is born in bondage. We are slaves to sin, unable to free ourselves, condemned before a holy God, and unable to break our own chains of sin.
Yet into this hopeless condition comes the glorious promise of Jesus: “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed!” John 8:36
This is not partial freedom. It is not temporary relief.
It is perfect, lasting, spiritual liberty purchased by Jesus Himself.
Jesus frees us from slavery to SIN
Every person is born in sin, and is a slave to sin. In Jesus, however, we are liberated in every dimension of salvation. He removes . . .
the guilt of sin by forgiving us completely,
the penalty of sin by bearing God’s judgment in our place,
the power of sin by breaking its dominion through the Holy Spirit,
and one day the very presence of sin when He glorifies His people.
Jesus does not merely improve sinners–He sets captives free, and transforms them into sons and daughters of God.
Jesus frees us from the curse and condemnation of the LAW
God’s Law is holy and good, but because of our sin, it pronounces a righteous curse upon every transgressor. Jesus fulfilled the Law perfectly, and willingly became a curse for His people on the cross, satisfying its every demand. Therefore, those who are united to Jesus by faith are no longer condemned, but stand clothed in His righteousness before God. “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.” Galatians 3:13
Jesus frees us from bondage to human opinions and customs
The fear of man enslaves countless hearts, causing people to seek acceptance from others. Jesus delivers believers from this tyranny, by giving them a greater fear–the fear of the Lord; and a greater approval–the smile of their heavenly Father. Freed from the need to please people, Christians are empowered to obey God regardless of the world’s praise or ridicule.
Jesus frees us from the accusations of a guilty conscience
An awakened conscience rightly reminds us of our sin, but Satan delights in using those memories to accuse and discourage God’s people. Jesus answers every accusation with His finished work. Because His blood has fully atoned for sin, the believer’s conscience may rest in the certainty that every charge has been answered at Calvary.
Jesus frees us from slavery to the DEVIL
Before conversion, sinners live under Satan’s dominion, blinded to the glory of Jesus and captive to His will. But through His death and resurrection, Jesus defeated the devil, broke his authority over believers, and transferred them into His own kingdom. Satan still tempts, but he no longer owns those whom Jesus has redeemed.
Jesus frees us from slavery to the WORLD
The world entices with pleasure, wealth, popularity, comfort, and prestige. It promises satisfaction while leading souls farther from God. Jesus opens our eyes to the emptiness of these fleeting attractions, and gives us a greater treasure–Himself! Once captivated by the world’s glitter, believers now see its pleasures as temporary and its promises as hollow, choosing instead the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus.
Jesus frees us from the fear of DEATH
Death is humanity’s greatest enemy, yet Jesus has transformed it for His people. By His resurrection He conquered the grave, removing its sting and securing eternal life for His redeemed people. For the Christian, death is no longer the doorway into Hell, but an entrance into the eternal and glorious presence of Jesus.
Jesus frees us from God’s righteous WRATH, and eternal HELL
The greatest freedom Jesus gives, is deliverance from the righteous wrath of God. Every sinner deserves eternal judgment, but Jesus willingly bore that wrath in the place of His people.
“God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Therefore, since we have now been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved from wrath through Him!” Romans 5:8-9
“For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath, but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:9
“He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:13–14
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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com
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