True Freedom

By Jon Rettig Freedom is a precious possession. However, freedom is more than just being allowed to cross borders and to voice opinions without fear of arrest. It is more than the opportunity for financial prosperity. Despite what social and economic liberties a person may enjoy his sinful human nature holds him in bondage. History books and daily newspapers record the sad results of this fact. It will take more than a political revolution to overthrow such a totalitarian power. But it can be done. A personal, spiritual revolution in one's soul can bring joy to this present life and assurance concerning the future. Only then will a man know True Freedom. Please read on to learn how this freedom can be yours. Jesus made a very important statement to his disciples when he said; "Ye shall know the truth and the truth, shall make you free." Bondage results from lies and deception. Freedom comes from truth. But what is the truth of which Jesus spoke? TRUTH IS THE WORD OF GOD Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth. John 17:17 It is true that all men are sinners. For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23 Many people won't accept this uncomfortable truth. Trusting in their good deeds, they feel that they are good people at heart. What the Bible calls "sins" are just "mistakes" to them. Bad people, they conclude, are just products of a bad environment. Such thinking cannot help us though. It can only keep us in bondage because it simply isn't true. It is true that all sinners must die. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23 Physical and spiritual death are the result of sin. In fact, all the sickness and death which we witness in this world are the result of mankind's fall into sin. God created man and the vast universe around us. Everything was perfect in the beginning, but now decay and death are the rule. We have lost our relationship with God because of sin. Therefore we are not only going to die physically but, until we are saved, we are already spiritually dead. The Bible warns us that the unsaved sinner will suffer eternally in hell after he physically dies unless he receives the salvation that God has provided. It is extremely important that we listen to the truth even if it goes against our feelings or preconceived ideas because the consequences are just too severe. It is true that no sinner can save himself. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephes. 2:8-9 There are many different religious beliefs in the world. But there is one similarity about belief systems which are based on humanistic philosophy ... that salvation depends upon good works. The Bible says, however, that a man cannot do anything good enough to save himself. Our salvation depends on God's mercy, not our goodness. This may go against our natural feelings but the truth often does. TRUTH IS THE SON OF GOD Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6 It is true that Jesus is God. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1:14 Most people believe that Jesus Christ really did exist and live on this earth and that His teachings have a lot of good in them. But if Jesus Christ was only another man and not God, then He was a LIAR! But Jesus Christ is God. He did create this world. He did miraculously become man. He did give sight to the blind and hearing to the deaf. He did rise from the dead and He is coming again. He is truly God! It is true that Jesus Christ never sinned. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. 2 Cor. 5:21 The One who is the Savior cannot himself be in need of being saved. Jesus was sinless. In every thought, word and deed he was completely holy. If you and I can be saved on our own merit then we must be as righteous as Jesus. But we are not. We are sinners. It is true that Jesus Christ died to save sinners! But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.Romans 5:8-9 Someone who is worthy to do so must die for our sins. No one, other than Jesus Christ is worthy, because only He is without sin. When He died on the cross and shed his blood, He was paying for our sins, not His own. He went to the cross voluntarily. He was not an innocent victim of circumstances beyond His control. The circumstances were under His control. He chose to die for us because He loves us, and He was worthy to die for us because He is sinless. The shackles of sin can be broken off. The reign of the law of sin and death in our life can be overthrown by a revolution both instantaneous and permanent. Two things are neceessary in order for this to happen: REPENTANCE FROM SIN I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Luke 13:3 Repentance is not just an intellectual acceptance of the fact that we are sinners. It is a deep, heartfelt sorrow for sin coming from the realization that we are at enmity with God. Our sin has separated us from God. It is God that we have sinned against and with whom we must be reconciled. It will not help to comfort ourselves with the thought that we are not as bad as others. Any sin is enough to condemn us. Therefore, no sin is a small sin and no sinner is less of a sinner than anyone else. For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. James 2:10 Salvation will only come when we are completely honest with ourselves and with God about our true condition - sinners in need of a Savior. When our pride is broken and we confess our sinfulness, then we can be saved. FAITH IN CHRIST For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16 Repentance and believing are two sides of the same coin. You can't have one without the other. We must believe that Jesus Christ is God and that He became man to die and shed His blood for our sin. He is our only hope of salvation. When we call out to Him for mercy and forgiveness, He will not reject us. He promised He will save us and He will keep His word. We must repent of our sin and we must believe on Christ to save us. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:13 The following words are not a magic formula, but if they express the genuine attitude of your heart, then you can pray to God be saved. He promises to save you, set you free and give you eternal life. Lord Jesus, I am a hopeless sinner. But I know that you loved me because you died an agonizing death on the cross and shed your blood to pay for my sin. When you rose from the dead you proved that you have the power to free me from the bondage of sin. Please forgive me and save me. I trust you with my life and soul for eternity. Amen. And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8:32