True Independence

~ The Universal Desire For Freedom ~

Universal Desire  ~  Almost from the time of birth humans seek independence to “do their own thing.”  No one sets out to teach a baby to be self-centered and acting as if they are completely in control of the situation.  (Clear evidence that all mankind is born in sin as the Bible teaches—but that is another topic.)  Certainly this trend is also evidenced abundantly in adolescent and teenage years.  But it is not only true of individuals but also social groups and nations.  Today the U.S.A. celebrates it’s “Independence Day.”  But where is true freedom and independence found? 

The Solution  ~  True freedom is only found at the foot of the Cross of Jesus Christ.  “Jesus answered them, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin.  And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever.  Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed” (John 8:34-36).  This is the only source of true freedom. 

The Scriptures (a sample)  ~  A prophecy about the coming Messiah—Jesus Christ.  “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound” (Isaiah 61:1). 

The New Covenant (two samples)  ~  “Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, ‘If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.  And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free’” (John 8:31-32).

“Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses” (Acts 13:38-39 esv). 

Summary  ~  The worst kind of slavery is slavery to our passions and lusts (sin).  One of the reasons it is so cruel is that the slave often does not realize the degree to which he is bound beyond his strongest imagination.  But once true freedom is gained (through Christ) we are admonished: “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage” (Galatians 5:1).

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

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