“So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
-John 8:31-32
Freedom is a treasured word. During the season of Independence Day, Americans from all walks of life come together to celebrate and remember the freedoms that have been given and sacrificed for throughout this country’s history. Many heroes, both living and deceased, are fittingly remembered for their sacrifice in the name of the United States and what this country stands for.
But is the freedom that we celebrate on the Fourth of July the deepest, most pure form of freedom that we have in our lives? And if not, what form of freedom could be better?
To answer that question, we must remember the identity of the greatest tyrant in the universe: our own sin. Why is sin the greatest tyrant? Because it controls everything within us. We can’t escape it. Every desire we have ultimately derives itself from the spiritual darkness within us. Pride. Greed. Lust. Impatience. Lack of self-control. All of it.
We’re tempted to suppress God in our own way - our outright denial of Him, our unbiblical worship and religious practices, and superstition to name a few.
And the cost of being controlled by sin? Eternal, unending separation from God while receiving His just and divine wrath.
No human tyrant can boast of such power and no human attempt for freedom can ever work.
Consequently, anyone who can provide freedom from sin truly provides the greatest form of freedom. That person was, is, and only ever will be Jesus Christ.
In John 8, we find a conversation between Jesus and certain Jews. Jesus told the Jews that they would die in their sin if they didn’t believe in His message, and they would die enslaved (v. 24 because anyone who commits sin is the slave to sin (v. 34).
But Jesus alone provides freedom from sin through His gracious work - from the penalty of sin on the cross, from the power of sin in our faith, and the presence of sin in final glory.
All who believe that Jesus is God the Son, lived a perfect life, died for man’s sin, was buried, rose again three days later, and lives forevermore - those are the ones who are ultimately free. Christ has broken their bonds of sin! He turns slaves into sons & daughters of freedom who joyously bask in the warmth of His unending grace!
And this freedom isn’t exclusive to those who have the Bill of Rights. It’s available to all who call upon the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Do you have this ultimate freedom?