2. Freedom --- Such a wonderful word!
Freedom is such a wonderful word, especially when one
completely understands the full scope of the meaning.
Having been involved in Operation Enduring Freedom,
my thoughts have been drawn recently to the concept
of freedom and the realization that one can truly know
“enduring” freedom.
Freedom means so many different things to so many
different people. I suppose that one’s concept of
freedom is dependent on his lot in life (where he was
born, under what type of government he lives, etc.).
One born into a dictatorial regime would, perhaps,
better appreciate freedom than one who had known the
liberties that we who live in the United States have
enjoyed. We often take for granted the freedoms that
we have and do not really appreciate them until they are
threatened. The events of September 11, 2001,
probably caused each of us to reassess our thought
processes regarding freedom.
Freedom is not free. The cost of freedom is high.
Many have given their lives over the years to secure and
to defend freedoms that we all enjoy. Freedom is not
the right to do anything one chooses. This ignores the
rights of others. Freedom is the right and ability to do
what is right.
3. There is a freedom that many, who enjoy what they
consider to be freedom, know nothing about. This is
the freedom that is enduring and is totally disregarded
by multitudes today. The reason for this is that they
have no real knowledge of their enslavement. Before
you cast this aside and consider me one who has “gone
off the deep end”, I ask you to hear once and for all
what the Bible has to say about the matter.
In John 8:32, Jesus Christ said,
“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make
you free.”
In the next verse, those addressed questioned the Lord
about bondage. Verse 34 answers the question about
enslavement.
“…Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever
committeth sin is the servant of sin.”
Regardless of your acceptance of the simplicity of the
teaching of this verse, you, as well as everyone else
who has ever lived, is born enslaved to sin. This is
realized when the fact of Romans 3:10 is understood.
“As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:”
All have sinned. All, therefore, are servants of sin.
Jesus went on to teach in John 8:36 that freedom is
possible,
4. but it is only possible in the Son. Notice also that
this freedom is spoken of as being “free indeed.” This
is a freedom that is contrasted with the freedom that
many are deceived into thinking that they have today.
“How do I know this freedom?” you ask. Simply allow
the Son to make you free.
A -- Admit
Admit the truth that you are a sinner.
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of
God.” Romans 3:23
“ The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God.
They are corrupt, they have done abominable works,
there is none that doeth good.” Psalms 14:1
Admit that you need a Savior and that if you die
without one you will have no hope because you cannot
save yourself.
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is
eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans
6:23
5. R -- Repent
Repent of sin as the Word of God requires.
Repent = change of heart that leads to a
change of behavior.
“…The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God
is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.”
Mark 1:15
B -- Believe
Believe that Christ loved you and gave His
life for your redemption.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his
only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in
him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
John 3:16
Believe that there is nothing else needed.
“But as many as received him, to them gave he power
to become the sons of God, even to them that believe
on his name:”
John 1:12
6. C -- Come and Confess
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden,
and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28
“Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me
before men, him shall the Son of man also confess
before the angels of God:
But he that denieth me before men shall be denied
before the angels of God.”
Luke 12:8-9
Many other verses could be referenced, but these
should suffice. The repeated use of the words,
“eternal”, and “everlasting” refer to the idea of
“Enduring Freedom.”
If, after reading this tract you trusted Christ as your
Savior, please let us know about it by e-mailing or
calling us so that we may be able to rejoice with you.
