Wednesday, October 11, 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 (2)
If our country has fought wars and lost lives to uphold political freedom, it is the "gospel of the truth that sets sinners free" which countless Christian believers over the centuries have fought for and even died for as martyrs.
Dr. Luther was putting his life on the line when he stood before Emperor and Pope at the Diet of Worms in 1521. He could not and would not go against his conscience after he had uncovered the scriptural truth of the freedom Jesus had won for him and all believers.
The ten stanzas of the hymn "Dear Christians, One and All, Rejoice" are the Reformer's spiritual autobiography. In its opening stanzas Luther describes the spiritual bondage he felt during his early years as a monk.
Fast bound in Satan's chains I lay; Death brooded darkly o'er me.
Sin was my torment night and day; In sin my mother bore me.
But daily deeper still I fell; My life became a living hell,
So firmly sin possessed me.
My own good works all came to naught, No grace or merit gaining.
Free will against God's judgment fought, Dead to all good remaining.
My fears increased till sheer despair Left only death to be my share;
The pangs of hell I suffered.
You see, before he knew the "gospel of the truth that sets one free," Luther busied himself with all the prescribed works of the Roman Church-- pilgrimages, masses, fastings, prayers, physical chastening, etc. None of it brought him peace and freedom from the curse and condemnation of the law of God-- until the Spirit opened his heart to the gospel truth which he would express in these words:
But God had seen my wretched state Before the world's foundation.
And mindful of His mercies great, He planned for my salvation.
He turned to me a father's heart; He did not choose the easy part
But gave His dearest Treasure.
God said to His beloved Son: "It's time to have compassion.
Then go, bright jewel of My crown, And bring to all salvation.
From sin and sorrow SET THEM FREE;
Slay bitter death for them that they May live with You forever."
Yes, dear Christians, one and all, rejoice, for in Jesus' word of truth we have been set truly free!
