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THE LIBERTY WHICH CHRIST GIVES HIS PEOPLE
WE are exceedingly backward to acknowledge our true state and condition. In consequence of this we disregard the remedy provided for us, and deprive ourselves of all the blessings of salvation. Nevertheless our gracious Saviour endures us with much long-suffering, and repeats to us the overtures of love and mercy. Thus he acted towards those who denied their need of freedom [Note: He might have shewn that their assertions were false: for their ancestors had been in bondage both in Egypt and in Babylon; and at that very time the whole nation was under the Roman yoke. But our Lord waved the subject of civil liberty, and fixed their attention on a freedom of a very different kind: he shewed them that, though they were the natural descendants of Abraham, they were the servants of sin, and should on that account, like Ishmael, be cast out: while they only, who were the sons of promise, should, like Isaac, abide in the house for ever. (Compare ver. 35. with Gal_4:28; Gal_4:30.) Then, speaking of himself as in a more peculiar manner “the Son,” and as the seed in whom all nations should be blessed, he again repeated his offer, and encouraged them to accept it.]: thus also he addresses himself to us at this time.
It will be profitable for us to consider—
I. In what respects we are in bondage—
We of this nation may justly boast of our civil freedom; but we are, like all the rest of our species, under spiritual bondage.
1. Under the curse of the law—
[The law of God requires perfect and perpetual obedience. It denounces also a curse against us for every transgression [Note: Gal_3:10.]. Its precepts have been violated by us in ten thousand instances [Note: Rom_3:19; Rom_3:23.]. We all therefore, without exception, are obnoxious to its curse. This may well be considered as a state of wretched bondage [Note: Gal_3:23. Ἐ ö ñ ï õ ñ ï ý ì å è á ó õ ã ê å ê ë å é ó ì Ý í ï é strongly expresses the idea of close custody.].]
2. Under the power of sin—
[Sin has infected all the members of our body, and the faculties of our soul [Note: Psa_53:3.]. What can be conceived to argue a state of slavery so much as this [Note: Joh_8:34.]? This construction is so obvious, that no Christian can doubt respecting it [Note: Rom_6:16.]. The church of old confessed her iniquities to have been a sore bondage [Note: Isa_26:13.], and St. Paul himself could find no better image whereby to express the evil and bitterness of his indwelling corruptions [Note: Rom_7:14; Rom_7:23.].]
3. Under the tyranny of Satan—
[The influence of Satan over us is often denied and ridiculed; but the wickedness of men is ascribed in Scripture to his agency [Note: Eph_2:2.], and every impenitent sinner is expressly said to be in bondage to him [Note: 2Ti_2:26.].]
4. Under the fear of death—
[Many will shew a contempt for death on a field of battle, but all fear it in its more gradual approaches. Hence even the bravest are averse to meditate on death and judgment. This is declared to be a state of wretched bondage [Note: Heb_2:15.].]
Surely the Egyptian or Chaldean yoke was light in comparison of this; yet all may obtain a release from this yoke.
II. How we may be delivered from it—
Vain are all attempts to liberate ourselves by our own strength—
[We cannot make satisfaction for one single breach of the law. To do this were beyond the power of the highest archangel. Nothing but the blood of Christ can ever atone for sin [Note: Heb_10:4; Heb_10:11-12; Heb_10:14.]. We cannot by any means renew and sanctify our own hearts. There is not in us a sufficiency even to think a good thought [Note: 2Co_3:5.]. Our inclination and ability to do good can come from God alone [Note: Php_2:13.]. It is not in the power of fallen man to resist the assaults of Satan. There is provided for us armour of a heavenly temper, and in that alone can any man hope to obtain the victory [Note: Eph_6:11; Eph_6:13.]. We are no less unable of ourselves to disarm death of its sting. In spite of all our efforts its terrors will appal the stoutest heart.]
But “the Son” of God is able and willing to deliver us—
[Christ, as “the Son,” is heir and Lord of all things [Note: Heb_1:2.]. The very intent for which he came into the world was to give us liberty [Note: Isa_61:1.]. He has paid down his own life as the price of our redemption [Note: 1Pe_1:18-19.], and therefore may claim us as “his purchased possession.” He is also commissioned to liberate us by his power [Note: Luk_11:20-22.]. All fulness resides in him for this very purpose [Note: Psa_68:18.]; nor will he withhold this blessing from any believing soul [Note: Joh_1:12.].]
Unspeakably blessed are they to whom this blessing is vouchsafed—
III. What glorious liberty we may obtain—
The liberty which sinners enjoy is merely ideal; but that which Christ will give, is real and substantial [Note: Ὄ í ô ù ò .].
1. He will free us from all our bondage—
[The law shall never be suffered to execute its curse upon us: [Note: Rom_8:1.] Christ gave himself up as our surety, on purpose to redeem us from it [Note: Gal_3:13.]: it shall have no more power over us than a dead man over the wife that survives him [Note: Rom_7:1-4.]. Sin also shall be cast down from the throne which it has erected within us; nor, though it may renew its assaults, shall it ever regain its dominion [Note: Rom_6:6-14.]. Christ will never suffer this great end of his death to be frustrated [Note: Tit_2:14.]. Satan himself too shall yield to the all-conquering arm of Jesus [Note: Rom_16:20.], and flee from the face of the very meanest of his saints; [Note: Contrast 2Ti_2:26. with Jam_4:7.] Nor shall death appear any longer formidable as an enemy [Note: 1Co_15:55.]; it shall be accounted our gain, and numbered amongst our treasures [Note: Php_1:23. 1Co_3:22.].]
2. He will introduce us to a state of perfect freedom—
[There is “a glorious liberty into which God’s children shall be brought.” Christ will pour into their hearts a spirit of adoption [Note: Rom_8:15.], and admit them to the most intimate fellowship with himself [Note: Rev_3:20.]. The most difficult duties also he will render pleasant to their souls [Note: Psa_119:32.]; nor will he confine his blessings to this present life. To all eternity shall his redeemed delight themselves in him: their capacity of enjoyment shall be inconceivably enlarged; and every power be freely exercised in its proper functions.]
Inferences—
1. How glorious a Saviour is Jesus Christ!
[There is no bond-slave whom he will not liberate. He offers too this liberty “without money, and without price.” He even esteems himself glorified in conferring it upon us. Let us all admire and adore his goodness, and by faith apply to him for this perfect freedom.]
2. How just will be the condemnation of those that perish!
[None ever perish but through their own fault; their condemnation is the consequence of their obstinate attachment to the bonds in which they are held [Note: Joh_3:19.]. O that men would reflect how they will one day condemn themselves! Let it be remembered that such offers of mercy will never be made to us in the eternal world. This is a day of grace; but there will come a day of vengeance [Note: Isa_61:2.]. Let every one then lay the blame where it is justly due, and follow without delay the salutary advice of David [Note: Psa_2:12.]—]