:::::: Freedom ::::::

We live in a “free” country? We are given certain rights and opportunities. Men have fought many battles and led protests to remain free from tyranny, terrorism and oppression. We have freedom of choice to go here or there, do this or that and believe diverse things. This is a freedom, not the essence of TRUE FREEDOM. Many people seek to gratify themselves. People pursue comfort, security and freedom from fear by looking to family, festivities, government and philosophies. Individuals everywhere seek enjoyment and the celebration of humanity. In fact, millions of people have possessions, prestige, education and relationships yet still are not free; they still have an unquenchable desire for MORE. What is your view of freedom—will it stand the test of time? Do you realize that you may think, feel and act like you are free but in reality may be a slave of sin?

You see, the answer to achieve TRUE LASTING FREEDOM is not an external circumstance, mindset or possession, but rather an inward state of being--freedom from within. Furthermore, this inward state is what produces certain conduct and habits that are either good or bad. The farmer knows that you don’t pick apples from thorn bushes or peaches from weeds. In the same way, a free and pure heart produces good deeds, but an evil and sinful heart produces selfishness and bad things. God’s Word tells the signs of an evil heart: lust, greed, drunkenness, pride, immorality, homosexuality, selfish ambition, witchcraft, envy, hatred, violence, murder and lies.[1] If a person is truly free then they will NOT do these things. In fact, God is going to judge everyone who does evil and resists the truth that is plain to every man’s conscience, and He will cast them into the fiery furnace called Hell where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.[2] Those who sin will not inherit the kingdom of God.[3] Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”[4]

So there is freedom through Jesus, yet sin ensnares the soul—like slavery, bondage or prison. Just because you decide to stop doesn’t mean you will be freed from sin or released from your prison. You need the power of God to set you free from the power of sin.[5] Also, God requires a recompense or atonement for wrongdoing because He is holy, just and good. Therefore the only way to be free from guilt and punishment is to provide a sacrifice or payment. But the Scripture states that no monetary payment is enough to satisfy the resulting death that comes from sin[6]—for the payment for sin is death.[7] The soul that sins will surely die.[8] Also, man’s human efforts are like filthy rags to God and cannot bring about forgiveness for sins, they only make things worse.[9]

The Hebrew Scriptures prophesy that the Son, Jesus, would come as a sacrifice for sin.[10] In fact it even stated that the name of this Messiah/Savior (which in Greek is Christ) would be Yeshua (Greek-Jesus)--which means literally “the Lord SAVES”. John the Baptist was the messenger foretold by the angel Gabriel[11] and by the prophet Isaiah[12] who would prepare the way for the Lord. He proclaimed this message of God concerning Jesus, “Behold the Lamb of God who comes to take away the sins of the world!”[13] God also spoke directly from heaven concerning Jesus saying, “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!”[14]

The teachings of Jesus are simple:

· Confess and acknowledge that, although God created you to please and seek Him above all things, you have pursued earthly sinful desires which have separated you from God

· Repent (turn away) from all of your sins

· Believe in the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, for the forgiveness of your sins and cleansing by His blood

· Put your trust & hope in the living God who raised Jesus from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit and who will keep you free from all sin

The Bible contains the true teachings of God the Father and our Lord Jesus. Seek God in His Word. Jesus testified, “If you hold to my teaching you are really my disciples, then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.”[15]

So, friend, I ask you, “Are you free? Is your heart free from sin? Do your thoughts and actions reflect a life that is completely devoted to God? Have you been cleansed from all your sins? If you still sin, you are not free; you are still a slave. If you are not TRULY FREE, then I call you in the presence of God, the Lord Jesus and the holy angels to stop resisting the truth and repent of your rebellion toward God. He is longsuffering toward you, not wanting anyone to perish but for everyone to come to repentance.[16] Humble yourself under God’s mighty hand to the call of Jesus Christ that he may send you times of refreshing. God has exalted this Jesus, who humbled himself to the point of death on a cross, to be both Lord and Christ.

TRUE FREEDOM only comes through faith in Jesus!

Fear God.

Study the Bible.

Follow Jesus.

[1] Galatians 5:19-21; Romans 1:25-32; Rev 21:8