“If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” - John 8:36
Here in America, we tend to take our freedom for granted. It is a shame to hear people gripe and complain about America when they are interviewed by a journalist. Some act as if they are treated inhumanely because society has refused to cater to their standard of entitlement. I really wished that most of these outspoken zealots would go overseas and live in oppressive Muslim countries for a few months. If they survived the experience, they would have a different perspective on freedom.
A prisoner understands, to some degree, the value of freedom. When he is released from custody, the outside world is so refreshing. There is no more separation from family. He is no longer restricted to a tiny room surrounded by bars. He is no longer under the supervision of armed guards. His life is no longer controlled by others. Once he is released, he can live a life of freedom.
You and I were once imprisoned in the cell of sin. We were forced to perform harsh labor for an evil taskmaster, the devil. Our options were very few. Our future was dark. We were on death row, facing a certain execution for crimes we were guilty of. Some would brag about being free … even though they were still in shackles. A few would convince themselves that they were enjoying life. Yet their execution, like ours, was imminent.
I will speak for myself. I tried to break out of the prison of sin often. Yet I would never make it out. The more I tried to flee, the tighter the shackles got. Like Moses, I learned that the pleasures of sin is just for a season. Family and friends couldn't free me from my situation. In fact, some of them were facing the same plight.
One day, Jesus came to my cell. He was the only One that had the authority to release me. He provided me with a pardon, full and free, signed with His own blood. My freedom cost Him everything. Freedom always has a cost. Freedom comes at the expense of someone else. Blood is the price for freedom.
Jesus provided me with a pardon. At that moment, my cell door open, my chains came off and I walked out a free man. I still walk in that freedom because Jesus pardoned me.
Jesus said, “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” The Son of God is the only One who can make you free. I didn't earn my freedom. My works were the reason I was imprisoned to begin with. My works only made my situation worse. It was the work of Christ that made the difference. He is the only One that can set a captive free.
When a prisoner is released, he is typically given a new suit of clothes to wear. When Jesus sets people free, He robes them in righteousness.
His pardon freed me from execution. His pardon brought an immediate release from prison and the evil taskmaster. I am forever grateful for the pardon I received. I am always reminded that my pardon came at a cost, a tremendous cost. It cost Jesus His life. May I never take that for granted.
I am free today. I enjoy the fresh air. I appreciate each new day. I have a promising future. I experience life at its fullest. That is true freedom. Jesus has set me free and I am free indeed.
What about you? You may rejoice to hear of someone's freedom, but have you experienced such freedom yourself?
Sin is the reason you are in captivity. The heavy chains of sin will weigh you down. Sin deceives. Sin dominates. Sin destroys. If you are in the prison of sin, you are facing certain death for your crimes against heaven. The Bible says, “For the wages of sin is death ...” You are on death row. Don't be comforted because your friends and family are in similar cells. Their future is the same as yours.
The only way you can experience freedom is for Jesus to set you free. He is the only One that is smarter and stronger than the devil. He is the only One with the authority to pardon guilty convicts.
Sadly, many people reject Jesus and His pardon. They prefer to stay in their tiny cell, endure the shackles of sin and face execution. Yes, they are receiving the just reward for their deeds, but how foolish it is reject a free pardon and the promise of everlasting life.
Jesus may be stopping by your cell door today. Perhaps this little message is His way of speaking to you. As He offers freedom and eternal life, will you receive or reject it? I urge you to receive Jesus and His free gift of eternal life. By faith, receive His pardon today and experience true freedom.
“If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”
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