Bulletin Article -- Sunday, July 4, 2021
Today, as we celebrate freedom in our beloved country, there is greater freedom available to everyone in every nation throughout the world. It is freedom from sin.
Paul said, "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death" (Romans 8:2). This law of sin and death is explained by the apostle earlier in chapter seven, verse twenty-three. "But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members." The law of Moses could not free anyone from that law, but the law of the Spirit of life can. This is the gospel—God's power to save (Romans 1:16). The gospel is the key that unlocks the door of eternal salvation.
Jesus told the Jews, "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). They responded by insisting they had always been free. This was a false claim. They had been in bondage to the Egyptians, Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, and when they promoted this lie, they were under the thumb of the Romans.
Jesus ignored their response and moved on to far greater bondage. "Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin (continuous and unrestrained action) 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 most crucial freedom, being free from the law of sin and death, can be found only in our obedience to Jesus Christ. He came to this earth to provide the means for us to attain this freedom. The Bible says, "...though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him" (Hebrews 5:8-9).
Freedom is a very precious thing. Our country was founded on the desired principles of freedom and liberty. Who knows the number of people who have died to get it and keep it. Bloodshed is the price for freedom.
Nowhere is this more true than with our Lord’s church. “Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood” (Acts 20:28).
Being free from the law of sin and death through obedience to Christ becomes a reality when we are baptized, washed of our sins, and added to that blood-bought church and body of Christ. “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). —Chris