You Shall Be Free!

"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." (1)

Here Jesus contrasts the difference between a slave and a son, between bondage and freedom, and the freedom that only He can provide, "If the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed."

We know that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (2) Therefore how do we transition from being a slave of sin and become a son set free from the slavery of sin? Paul gives us a hint when he says, "But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed,-- even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all-- who believe... [we are] being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation [atoning sacrifice] by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness,... that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus." (3). What a transference! To all who put their faith and trust in God, He gives to them the "righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ, to all-- who believe." As the atoning sacrifice, Jesus took our sins upon Himself so that we may receive His righteousness. "For He (God) made Him (Jesus) who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." (4)

David understood this when He wrote, "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit." (5) "You have forgiven the iniquity of Your people; You have covered all their sin." (6) "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities,- Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies. Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's." (7)

"Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed!"

1. John 8:34-36.
2. Romans 3:23.
3. Romans 3:21-26.
4. 2 Corinthians 5:21.
5. Psalm 32:1, 2.
6. Psalm 85:2.
7. Psalm 103:2-5.