Tuesday, October 10, 2017
John 8:31 Then said Jesus to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
IN JESUS WE HAVE BEEN SET FREE (1)
The 16th century Lutheran Reformation was not just about cold doctrine and theological gobbledygook. No, as here, it was very practical. One of the Reformer's most significant tracts treats the subject of "Christian Liberty" in great detail (1520).
What is more precious than freedom? We Americans pride ourselves in the fact that we live "in the land of the free and the home of the brave." Wars have been fought in defense of our freedoms. Battles are fought in courts and voting booths to defend this or that civil right or freedom, including the freedom to worship God according to the dictates of our conscience.
To the Jews who believed Him Jesus addresses the most important freedom of all. Since by nature we are "sold under sin," (Romans 7:14), "the servants of unrighteousness" (Romans 6:16f), "the children of wrath" (Ephesians 2:3), we are under the bondage of sin, death, and the power of the devil.
Ah, but then along comes the gospel as our emancipation proclamation! It proclaims a gracious and merciful God who so desired that sinners be freed from sin's bondage and curse that He had His unique Son shed His innocent blood on the cross, thus purchasing forgiveness for all sins and our eternal freedom.
By the grace of God Luther learned to know that gospel as the truth which sets a poor sinner's soul free, truly free. By the same grace of God, you and I likewise know this glorious truth which sets us free--free indeed!
Lord, 'tis not that I did choose Thee; That, I know, could never be;
For this heart would still refuse Thee Had Thy grace not chosen me.
Thou hast from the sin that stained me Washed and cleansed and SET ME FREE,
And unto this end ordained me, That I ever live to Thee.
Praise the God of all creation; Praise the Father’s boundless love.
Praise the Lamb, our Expiation, Priest and King enthroned above.
Praise the Spirit of salvation, Him by whom our spirits live.
Undivided adoration To the great Jehovah give.
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 37:1, 3)
