“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” Galatians 4:31
What is true freedom, and where did it begin? There are many kinds of freedom, and various origins from a human standpoint. But in order to even begin to speak on the subject of liberty and freedom, we must look at slavery, that mastery of one individual or thing over another, forcing one’s obedience by a superior authority and power. With that look at the essence of slavery, there must be the consideration of the effects and outworking of that slavery. To do this, we have only to look at the history of man, where, because of his sinful and selfish nature, he has submitted himself to the father of lies, becoming one with him in his objective to steal, kill, and to destroy. What a contrast when we look at this slavish master who’s whole nature is bent away from God, determined to destroy all that could glorify God, and then to look at Jesus Christ, who is LIFE, hope, righteousness, joy and peace. In both cases, in the relationship of sinful man with God, there is the issue of a master and one who submits voluntarily or willingly to the authority of that master. The nature of the individual master detemines the treatment of the slave, or servant, but also, his destiny. What then of freedom? What does it mean from an eternal standpoint?
Slavery began in the Garden of Eden, when man submitted himself to the authority of the serpent, the devil. It was as Satan began to deceive the entire world, that the ranks of his power would extend throughout the kingdoms of this world. At one point during the temptation of Christ, Satan would tell Jesus, as he looked over all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time, “All this power will I give Thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me: and to whomsoever I will I give it.” (Luke 4:6) The Apostle John would later write: “And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.” (1 Jn. 5:15) Jesus would even go so far as to say to certain Pharisees their works were those of their father, the devil. When Adam and Eve chose to deny, and defy, the authority of God in their lives, they immediately submitted themselves to another authority, that of Satan. Not only that, but at the moment when they disobeyed, they died…to what, or to whom? Paul writes to the Ephesians declaring to them, “…when we were dead in sins, (God) hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace are ye saved.)” (2:5) From a spiritual standpoint that day, that moment, sinful man died spiritually. The window of his soul that was open to the light and life of God in Christ, closed and was sealed. There would be no more communion with God that was unhindered and free. Man had become a prisoner of darkness. That darkness consisted of a lack of knowledge of the truth, for the lie had become the dominant basis for his existence. But that darkness also consisted of a lack, or absence of life, the life of God. Again, it was as Paul wrote: “…At that time ye were without Christ…having no hope, and without God in the world.” (2:12) Sinful man had become a slave of the lie, the Liar Satan, living in the atmosphere of darkness, or absence of light and life. This is the most basic and all inclusive form of slavery, for there is no deliverance, salvation, escape from death, except by the intervention of God. This is why Paul, in light of this most hopeless situation declares the answer: “BUT GOD.”
Christ came to set men free by giving them a knowledge of the truth. He also opened their eyes to the “light of Life,” Christ, the light of the world. But then, He gave power to men to believe, and be saved by faith.
Dear Father, Free us to love Thee. In Jesus’ name, Amen.