Wednesday, October 28, 2015
John 8:31-36 Then Jesus said 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." They answered Him, "We are Abraham's descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can you say, 'You will be made free'?" Jesus answered them, "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."
THE TRUTH THAT SETS SINNERS FREE (3)
America has fought wars and lost lives to uphold political freedom. Beyond that, the spiritual "emancipation proclamation" which is the gospel has found countless believers worldwide willing to die for "the truth that sets sinners free."
When Martin Luther appeared before emperor and papal representatives at the Diet of Worms in 1521, he put his life on the line for the sake of the gospel. The Holy Spirit had brought about a profound change in his heart. Previously, as a monk of monks he busied himself with all the good works the church prescribed--pilgrimages, masses, fastings, prayers, physical discipline of his body, and so on. No combination brought him peace and FREEDOM from the curse and condemnation of his sins against the law of God.
Coming to understand the gospel of Christ and Him crucified for the sins of the world changed everything. Note the "before and after" in the Reformer's spiritual autobiography (which is Hymn 387 in The Lutheran Hymnal):
First, a sad summation of sin's bondage:
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;
Yea, deep and deeper still I fell, Life had become a living hell,
So firmly sin possessed me.
My own good works availed me naught, No merit they attaining;
Free will against God's judgment fought Dead to all good remaining.
My fears increased till sheer despair, Left naught but death to be my share;
The pangs of hell I suffered.
There follows a fervent summation of gospel truths:
But God beheld my wretched state Before the world's foundation,
And, mindful of His mercies great, He planned my soul's salvation.
A Father's heart He turned to me, Sought my redemption fervently:
He gave His dearest Treasure.
He spoke to His beloved Son: 'Tis time to have compassion.
Then go, bright Jewel of My crown, And bring to man salvation;
From sin and sorrow SET HIM FREE, Slay bitter death for him that he
May live with Thee forever.
As we observe the Reformation we thank our Lord God for using Luther as His instrument to restore to the church "the truth that truly sets sinners free"!
