Free in Christ
July 6, 2009 (Monday)
When our soldiers reached the concentration camps after World War 2, they opened the gates and told the people they were free. Many of the prisoners simply wandered around, some went through the gates and returned to the prison grounds. All were bewildered and some were totally confused and unable to identify with the new reality. They did not know how to be free.
Jesus said, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32).
Jesus claimed to be the truth (John 14:6). Knowing the truth, therefore, means knowing Jesus. The people to whom he spoke were virtual slaves to the dogma of their religious leaders. The precious law of God had been interpreted in such a way that it had become a ruthless master of souls. People felt burdened, crushed, weighed down by it. Jesus came to set them free. He called, “Come to me, you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest!” (Matthew 11:28). He came to set us free.
Freedom is a basic rule of God in his dealings with us. He created us with free will. He did not create us to be puppets so that he could control us as a puppeteer. He wants us to make decisions that honor and glorify him. When Christ comes to live in our hearts as our Savior, he sets us free to be the best we can become. In Christ we know the real meaning of freedom. It is up to you to love him with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. He does not force you; he invites you. The decision is yours.
The first people God created used their freedom to rebel against God, and the world has regretted it ever since. What had been a perfect creation was soiled by sin. God had already begun to show his love for the world by choosing his only son to provide forgiveness for all our sins. Today he invites you to be saved, and you are free to decide. God loves you and wants to save you, but he will not force you. The choice is yours. You are free. If you decide for Christ, you will enjoy an enhanced freedom in him.