The truth will set you free!

[mominbolt]

Christians are able to live righteously because Christ freed them from sin's dominion.....

As the third year of the American Civil War drew near, President Abraham Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation, to be effictive on January 1, 1863. This proclamation stated that "all persons held as slaves within any state or designated part of a state the people whereof shall be then, and thenceforward, and forever free."

In spite of its expansive wording, forits final implementation the Emancipation Proclamation depended on the Union Army winning the war. Nevertheless, the Emancipation Proclamation did redefine the war to preserve the Union as a war to abolish slavery.

More than 18 centuries before the American Civil War, Jesus issued His own "emancipation proclamation," which states, "You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:32, NKJV). This proclamation declares we can be set free from sin by the truth of Jesus Christ. This emancipation does not depend on the victory of an earthly army, but on Christ's victory over sin and death, obtained by His death and resurrection.

In His teaching, Jesus made a clear distinction between those who believe in Him for salvation and those who do not. Jesus said the unbeliever is the slave of sin (see John 8:34). This means the unbeliever will live according to the dictates of his sinful nature.

The apostle Paul said the Ephesians, before they became believers of Christ, were under the control of "the prince of the power of the air [satan]" (Ephesians 2:2). But then, when they became believers in Christ, they were saved from sin by grace (v. 8), ans were made fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God (v. 19).

Freedom from sin's dominion over one's life is evidence of saving faith in Jesus Christ. The Christian never becomes free from temptations to sin (Jesus was tempted), but the Christian is enabled by Christ to say no to sin and overcome evil with good.

As believers in Christ, we have the responsibility and privilege of telling the unsaved that Christ can set them free from the bondage of sin. And those to whom we give this good news, need to be able to see by the way we live, that it works in our lives.

 

--Kip A. Box

[JESUSCARES4YOU2]

Jan. 31, 2009 at 8:35 AM

very nice hunny. we are indeed free in christ.

free from sin, free from hell, free from fear. and free to hope and dream of our heavenly home.

 

[RepentantSinner]

Jan. 31, 2009 at 9:39 AM

[moomers]

Jan. 31, 2009 at 9:54 AM

I'm free but strive and struggle at times to stay on God's path.Most of us do.Sad so many do not want to share His word.I will say a Christians actions speak louder.Happy to see so many great actions on this site.I love our non-believer's the same as I love my Christian family.I think that is most important.Now ---If I could learn to turn the other cheek a little more often.LOL

[RettsMom]

Jan. 31, 2009 at 1:56 PM