Finding Freedom in Christ (John 8:36) - Your Daily Bible Verse - August 11
BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY: So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. - John 8:36
Finding Freedom in Christ
By Alistair Begg
No one but Jesus can give deliverance to captives. Real liberty comes from Him alone. It is a liberty rightly granted; for the Son, who is Heir of all things, has a right to make men free.
The saints honor the justice of God, which now secures their salvation. It is a liberty that has been dearly purchased. Christ reveals it by His power, but He bought it by His blood. He makes you free, but it is by His own bonds.
You go clear because He bore your burden for you: You are set at liberty because He has suffered in your place.
Although the purchase price was great, Jesus gives it freely. He asks nothing of us as a preparation for this liberty. He finds us sitting in sackcloth and ashes and invites us to wear the fitting garment of freedom; He saves us just as we are and without any help from us.
When Jesus sets us free, the liberty is perpetually enjoyed; no chains can bind again. Let the Master say to me, "Captive, I have delivered you," and it is done forever.
Satan may plot to enslave us, but if the Lord is on our side, whom shall we fear? The world, with its temptations, may seek to ensnare us, but He who is for us is mightier than all those who are against us. The movements of our own deceitful hearts may harass and annoy us, but He who has begun the good work in us will bring it to completion in the end. The enemies of God and the antagonists of man may gather their forces together and come with concentrated fury against us, but if God acquits, who is he that condemns?
The eagle that flies to its rocky perch and afterwards soars above the clouds is no more free than the soul delivered by Christ. If we are no longer under the law but free from its curse, let our liberty be practically displayed as we serve God with gratitude and delight. "I am your servant; the son of your maidservant. You have loosed my bonds."1
Heavenly Father, only in you can we find true freedom. You deliver us from the chains of sin, and from the mistakes of our heart. Hold us close to you always, Amen.
Editor’s Note: The following is adapted from “Liberty from Captivity” from Truth for Life. To read the rest of today’s devotional, follow this link.
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