Post by Admin on Jan 21, 2024 13:46:33 GMT -5
FREEDOM
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”--John 8:36
The subject before us today deserves our attention. It should ring in
the ears of every person like the voice of a trumpet. We live in a land
which is the very cradle of freedom. But are we ourselves free?
The question is one which demands special attention during the
present state of public opinion. The minds of many are absorbed in
politics. Yet there is a freedom, within the reach of all of us, which
few, I am afraid, ever think of--a freedom independent of all political
changes--a freedom which neither the prevailing government, nor
the cleverest politician can bestow. This is the freedom about which I
speak today. Do we know anything of it? Are we free?
In opening this subject, there are three points which I wish to
present.
I. I will show, in the first place, “The excellence of freedom.”
II. I will show, in the second place, “The best and truest kind of freedom.”
III. I will show, in the last place, “The way in which the best kind of freedom may become your very own.”
Let no one think for a moment that this is going to be a political
sermon. I am no politician: I have no politics but those of the Bible.
The only party I care for is the Lord's side: show me where that is,
and it shall have my support. The only election I am anxious about is
the election of grace. My one desire is that sinners would make their
own calling and election sure. The liberty I desire above all things to
make known, and promote, is the glorious liberty of the children of
God. The government I care to support is the government which is
on the shoulder of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I want every
knee to bow down before Christ, and every tongue to confess that He
is Lord. I ask for your attention while I canvass these subjects. If you
are not free, I want to guide you into true liberty. If you are free, I
want you to know the full value of your freedom.
I. The first thing I want to show is “The excellence of freedom.”
On this point some may think it is needless to say anything: they
assume that everyone knows the value of freedom, and that to dwell
on it is merely a waste of time. I don’t agree with such people at all. I
believe that millions of our countrymen know nothing of the
blessings which they enjoy in their own land: they have grown up
from infancy to manhood in the midst of freedom. They don’t have
the slightest idea of the state of things in other countries: they are
ignorant of the two worst kinds of tyranny--the crushing tyranny of a
cruel military dictator, and the intolerant tyranny of an unreasoning
mob. In short, many of us know nothing of the value of liberty, just
because we have been born in the middle of it, and have never been
without it for a moment.
I call on every one of you to remember that liberty is one of the
greatest earthly blessings that we can have on this side of the grave.
1. We live in a land where our “bodies” are free.
So long as we don't hurt someone's body, or property, or character,
no one can touch us: the poorest man's house is his castle.
2. We live in a land where our “actions” are free.
So long as we support ourselves, we are free to choose what we will
do, where we will go, and how we will spend our time.
3. We live in land where our “consciences” are free.
So long as we are peaceful about our beliefs, and do not interfere
with others, we are free to worship God as we please, and no one can
compel us to take his way to heaven.
4. We live in a land where no foreigner rules over us.
Our laws are made and altered by people like ourselves, and our
governors and leaders live among us, bone of our bone and flesh of our flesh.
In short, we have every kind of freedom to an extent which no other
nation on earth can equal. We have personal freedom, civil freedom,
religious freedom, and national freedom. We have free bodies, free
consciences, free speech, free thought, free action, free Bibles, a free
press, and free homes. How vast is this list of privileges! How endless
are the comforts which it contains! The full value of them perhaps
can never be known. It was well said by the Jewish Rabbis of long
ago, “If the sea were ink and the world parchment, it would never
serve to describe the praises of liberty.”
And yet, the desire for this freedom has been the most
fertile cause of misery to nations in every age of the world.
What reader of the Bible can fail to remember the sorrows of the
children of Israel, when they were slaves under Pharaoh in Egypt, or
under the Philistines in Canaan? What student of history needs to be
reminded of the misery inflicted on the Netherlands, Poland, Spain,
and Italy by the hands of foreign oppressors, or the Inquisition?
Who, even in our own time, has not heard of that enormous fountain
of wretchedness, the slavery of the Negro race? Certainly no misery is
so great as the misery of slavery.
To win and preserve freedom has been the aim of many national
struggles which have flooded the earth with blood. Liberty has been
the cause in which scores of Greeks, and Romans, and Germans, and
Poles, and Swiss, and Englishmen, and Americans have willingly laid
down their lives. No price has been thought too great to pay in order
that nations might be free.
The champions of freedom in every age have been rightly esteemed
among the greatest benefactors of mankind. Such names as Moses
and Gideon in Jewish history, such names as the Spartan Leonidas,
the Roman Horatius, the German Martin Luther, the Swedish
Gustavus Vasa, the Swiss William Tell, the Scotch Robert Bruce and
John Knox, the English Alfred and Hampden and the Puritans, the
American George Washington, are deservedly preserved in history,
and will never be forgotten. To be the mother of many patriots is the
highest praise of a nation.
The enemies of freedom in every age have been rightly regarded as
the parasites and irritations of their times. Such names as Pharaoh in
Egypt, Dionysius at Syracuse, Nero at Rome, Charles IX in France,
bloody Mary in England, are names which will never be rescued from
disgrace. The public opinion of mankind will never cease to condemn
them, on the one ground that they would not let people be free.
But why should I dwell on these things? Time and space would fail
me if I were to attempt to say ten percent of what might be said in
praise of freedom. What are the chronicles of history but a long
record of conflicts between the friends and foes of liberty? Where is
the nation on the earth that has attained greatness, and left its mark
on the world, without freedom? Which are the countries on the face
of the globe at this very moment which are making the most progress
in trade, in arts, in sciences, in civilization, in philosophy, in morals,
in social happiness? Precisely those countries in which there is the
greatest amount of true freedom.
Which are the countries today where there is the greatest amount of
internal misery, where we hear continually of secret plots, and
murmuring, and discontent, and attempts on life and property?
Precisely those countries where freedom does not exist or exists only
in name--where men and women are treated as slaves, and are not
allowed to think and act for themselves. No wonder that a mighty
Transatlantic Statesman declared on a great occasion to his
assembled countrymen, “Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be
purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty
God! I do not know what course others may take; but as for me, give
me liberty or give me death!” [Patrick Henry, an American
Statesman of the 18th century].
Let us beware of “underestimating” the liberty we enjoy in this country of ours.
I am sure there is need of this warning. There is, perhaps, no country
on earth where there is so much grumbling and fault-finding as there
is here. Men look at the alleged evils which they see around them,
and exaggerate both their number and their intensity. They refuse to
look at the countless blessings and privileges which surround us, or
underrate the advantages of them. They forget that comparison
should be applied to everything. With our faults and defects there is
at this hour no country on earth where there is so much liberty and
happiness for all classes, as there is here. They forget that as long as
human nature is corrupt, it is vain to expect perfection here below.
No laws or government whatever can possibly prevent a certain
amount of abuses and corruptions.
Once more then, I say, let us beware of undervaluing our
liberty, and running eagerly after every one who proposes sweeping changes.
Changes are not always improvements. The old shoes may have some
holes and defects, but the new shoes may pinch so much that we
can’t walk at all. No doubt we might have better laws and
government than we have: but I am quite sure we might just as easily
have worse. Today there is no country on the face of the earth where
there is so much care taken of the life, and health, and property, and
character, and personal liberty of the average citizen, as there is in
our country. Those who want to have more liberty, would soon find,
if they visit other countries, that there is no country on earth where
there is so much real liberty as our own.
But while I command people not to undervalue our liberty, so also on
the other hand I charge them not to “overvalue” it. Never forget that
earthly slavery is not the only slavery, and earthly freedom not the only freedom.
What will it profit you to be a citizen of a free country, so long as your soul is not free?
What is the good of living in a free land like ours, with free thought,
free speech, free action, free conscience, so long as you are a slave to
sin, and a captive to the devil? Yes: there are tyrants whom no eye
can see, as real and destructive as Pharaoh or Nero! There are chains
which no hands can touch, as true and heavy and soul-withering as
ever crushed the limbs of a slave! It is these tyrants whom I want you
to remember today. It is these chains from which I want you to be
free. By all means value your earthly liberty, but do not overvalue it.
Look higher, further than any earthly freedom. In the highest sense
let us ensure that “we are free indeed.”
II. The second thing that I have to show is “the truest and best kind of freedom.”
The freedom I speak of is a freedom that is within the reach of every
child of Adam who is willing to receive it. No power on earth can
prevent a man or woman from receiving it, if they have but the will to
receive it. Tyrants may threaten and cast in prison, but nothing they
can do can stop a person from receiving this liberty. And, once it is
ours, nothing can take it away. Men may torture us, banish us, hang
us, behead us, burn us, but they can never take from us true freedom.
The poorest may have it along with the richest: the most uneducated
may have it as well as the most educated, and the weakest as well as
the strongest. Laws cannot deprive us of it: The Roman Catholic
Church cannot rob us of it. Once it is ours, it is an everlasting possession.
Now, what is this glorious freedom? Where is it to be
found? What is it like? Who has obtained it for us? Who
has got it at this moment to bestow? I ask you to give me
your attention, and I will supply a simple answer to these questions.
The true freedom I speak of is spiritual freedom--freedom
of the soul. It is the freedom which Christ bestows freely on all true Christians.
Those whom the Son makes free are free indeed, “Where the Spirit of
the Lord is, there is freedom.” (2 Corinthians 3:17). Let men say what
they please about the comparative freedom of monarchies, republics,
and democracies; let them struggle, if they will, for universal
freedom, brotherhood, and equality: but we will never know the
highest form of freedom until we are enrolled as citizens in the
kingdom of God. We are ignorant of the best kind of freedom if we
have not been set free by Christ.
Those set free by Christ are free from the “guilt of sin.”
That heavy burden of unforgiven sin, which lies so heavy on many
consciences, no longer presses them down. Christ's blood has
cleansed it all away. They feel pardoned, reconciled, justified, and
accepted in God's sight. They can look back on their old sins,
however vile and many, and say, “You cannot condemn me.” They
can look back on long years of carelessness and worldliness and say,
“Who can hold me accountable for anything in my past?” This is true
liberty. This is to be truly free.
Those set free by Christ are free from the “power of sin.”
Sin no longer rules and reigns in their hearts, and overtakes them
like a flood. Through the power of Christ's Spirit they restrain the
deeds of their bodies, and crucify their flesh with its affections and
lusts. Through His grace working in them they get the victory over
their evil inclinations. The flesh may fight, but it does not conquer
them; the devil may tempt and harass, but does not overcome them:
they are no longer the slave of lusts and passion, and obsession, and
moods. In all these things they are more than conquerors through
Him who loved them. This is true liberty. This is to be truly free.
Those set free by Christ are free from the “cringing fear of God.”
They no longer look at Him with dread and apprehension, as an
offended Maker; they no longer hate Him, and hide from Him, like
Adam did among the trees of the garden; they no longer tremble at
the thought of His judgment. Through the Spirit of adoption which
Christ has given them, they look on God as a reconciled Father, and
rejoice in the thought of His love. They no longer feel His anger. They
feel that when God the Father looks down on them, He sees them in
Christ, and unworthy as they are in themselves, is well-pleased. This
is true liberty. This is to be truly free.
Those set free by Christ are free from the “fear of man.”
They are no longer afraid of man's opinions, or care much what man
thinks of them; they are also indifferent to his favor or hatred, his
smile or his frown. They look away from man who can be seen, to
Christ who is not seen, and having the favor of Christ, they care little
for the condemnation of man. “The fear of man” was once a snare to
them. They trembled at the thought of what man would say, or think,
or do: they dared not run counter to the fashions and customs of
those around them; they shrank from the idea of standing alone. But
the snare is now broken and they are delivered. This is true liberty.
This is to be truly free.
Those set free by Christ are free from the “fear of death.”
Christians no longer look forward to death with silent dismay, as a
horrible thing which they don't like to think about. Through Christ
they can look this last enemy calmly in the face, and say, “You cannot
harm me.” They can look forward to all that comes after death--
decay, resurrection, judgment, and eternity--and yet not be the least
concerned. They can stand by the side of an open grave, and say,
“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”
They can lay down on their deathbeds, and say, “Though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.” “Not a
hair of my head will perish.” This is true liberty. This is to be truly free.
Best of all, those set free by Christ are “free forever.”
Once enrolled in the list of heavenly citizens, their names shall never
be erased. Once presented with the freedom of Christ's kingdom,
they will possess it eternally. The highest privileges of this world's
freedom can only endure for a lifetime; the freest citizen on earth
must submit eventually to death, and lose his privilege forever: but
the privilege of Christ's people is eternal. They carry it down to the
grave, and it still lives; they will rise again with it at the last day, and
enjoy the privileges of it forevermore. This is true liberty. This is to be truly free.
Does anyone ask how and in what way Christ has obtained
these mighty privileges for His people? You have a right to
ask the question, and it is one that can never be answered
too clearly. Give me your attention, and I will show you by
what means Christ has made His people free.
The freedom of Christ's people has been procured, like all
other freedoms, at a mighty cost and by a mighty sacrifice.
Great was the bondage in which they were naturally held, and great
was the price necessary to be paid to set them free: mighty was the
enemy who claimed them as his captives, and mighty power was
needed to release them out of his hands. But, blessed be God, there
was enough grace, and enough power available in Jesus Christ. He
provided to the uttermost everything that was required to set His
people free. The price that Christ paid for His people was nothing
less than His own lifeblood. He became their Substitute, and suffered
for their sins at the cross: He redeemed them from the curse of the
law, by being made a curse for them. (Galatians 3:13) He paid all
their debt in His own person, by allowing the punishment that would
bring them peace to be laid on Him. (Isaiah 53:5) He satisfied every
possible demand of the law against them, by fulfilling its
righteousness to the uttermost. He cleared them from every
accusation of sin, by becoming sin for them. (2 Corinthians 5:21) He
fought their battle with the devil, and triumphed over him on the
cross. As their Champion, He disarmed the powers and authorities,
and made a public spectacle of them on Calvary. In a word, Christ
having given Himself for us, has purchased the full right of
redemption for us. Nothing can touch those to whom He gives
freedom: their debts are paid, and paid a thousand times over; their
sins are atoned for by a full, perfect, and sufficient atonement. A
Divine Substitute's death completely meets the justice of
God, and provides complete redemption for man.
Let us take a good look at this glorious plan of redemption, and be
careful that we understand it. Ignorance on this point is the one great
cause of faint hopes, little comfort, and ceaseless doubts in the minds
of many Christians. Too many are content with a vague idea that
Christ will somehow save sinners: but how or why they don’t have a
clue. I protest against this ignorance. Let us set fully before our eyes
the doctrine of Christ dying in our place--His substituted death, and
rest our souls on it. Let us hold on firmly to the mighty truth, that
Christ on the cross:
Christ on the cross: Stood in the place of His people
Christ on the cross: Died for His people
Christ on the cross: Suffered for His people
Christ on the cross: Was counted a curse and sin for His people
Christ on the cross: Paid the debts of His People
Christ on the cross: Made restitution for His people
Christ on the cross: Became the guarantee of His people
Christ on the cross: Became the representative of His people
And in this way Christ procured His people's freedom. Let us
understand this clearly, and then we will see what a mighty privilege
it is to be made free by Christ.
This is freedom which, above all others is worth having.
We can never value it too highly: there is no danger of overvaluing it.
All other freedom is an unsatisfying thing at the best, and a poor
uncertain possession at any time. Christ's freedom alone can never
be overthrown. It is secured by a covenant ordered in all things and
sure: its foundations are laid in the eternal councils of God, and no
foreign enemy can overthrow them. They are cemented and secured
by the blood of the Son of God Himself, and can never be destroyed.
The freedom of nations often lasts no longer than a few centuries: the
freedom which Christ gives to any one of His people is a freedom that
will outlive this material universe.
This is the truest, highest kind of freedom. This is the freedom which
in a changing, dying world, I want men and women to possess.
III. I will now show, in the last place, “the way in which the
best kind of freedom is made our own.”
This is a point of vast importance, on account of the many mistaken
ideas which exist about it. Thousands, perhaps, will allow that there
is such a thing as spiritual freedom, and that Christ alone has
purchased it for us: but when they come to the application of
redemption, they go astray. They cannot answer the question, “Who
are those that Christ truly sets free?” And because they are lacking in
any real knowledge about the answer, they sit still in their chains. I
ask every one of you to give me your attention once more, and I will
try to throw a little light on the subject. Useless indeed is the
redemption which Christ has obtained, unless you know how the
fruit of that redemption can become your own. In vain have you read
of the freedom by which Christ makes people free, unless you
understand how you yourself may have an interest in it.
We are not born with the freedom in Christ.
The inhabitants of many a city enjoy privileges by virtue of their
birthplace. Paul, who drew his first lifebreath at Tarsus in Cilicia,
could say to the Roman Commander, “I was born free.” But this is
not the case with Adam's children, in regards to spiritual things. We
are born slaves and servants of sin: we are by nature “children of
wrath,” and destitute of any claim to heaven.
We do not acquire freedom in Christ by baptism.
Every year many are solemnly baptized in the name of the Trinity,
who serve sin like slaves, and neglect Christ all of their days.
Wretched indeed is that person's state of soul who can give no better
evidence of their citizenship of heaven than the mere naked fact of their baptism!
We do not acquire freedom in Christ by mere membership in a church.
There are companies and corporations whose members are entitled
to vast privileges, without any respect to their personal character, if
their names are simply on the list of members. The kingdom of
Christ is not a corporation of this kind. The great test of belonging to it is personal character.
Let these things sink into our minds. Far be it from me to narrow the
extent of Christ's redemption: the price He paid on the cross is
sufficient for the whole world. Far be it from me to undervalue
baptism or Church-membership: the ordinance which Christ
appointed, and the Church which He maintains in the midst of a
dark world, neither of them ought to be lightly esteemed. All I am
contending is the absolute necessity of not being content with either
baptism or Church-membership. If our religion stops short here it is
unprofitable and unsatisfying. It needs something more than this to
give us an interest in the redemption which Christ has purchased.
There is no other way to acquire freedom in Christ than that of simply believing.
It is by faith, simple faith in Him as our Savior and Redeemer, that
men's souls are made free. It is by receiving Christ, trusting Christ,
committing ourselves to Christ, placing our whole weight on Christ--
it is by this, and by no other plan, that spiritual liberty is made our
own. Mighty as the privileges are which those who are free in Christ
possess, they all become a man's property in the day that he first
believes. He may not yet know their full value, but they are all his
own. He that believes in Christ is not condemned, rather he is
justified, is born again, is an heir of God, and has everlasting life.
The truth before us is one of priceless importance. Let us cling to it
and never let it go. If you desire peace of conscience, if you want
inward rest and comfort, then lock on to the truth that faith is the
great secret of an interest in Christ's redemption. Take the simplest
view of faith: beware of confusing your mind by complicated ideas
about it. Follow holiness as closely as you can: seek the fullest and
clearest evidence of the inward work of the Spirit. But in the matter
of an interest in Christ's redemption remember that faith stands
alone. It is by believing, simply believing, that souls become free.
There is no more perfect doctrine than this to perfectly satisfy the ignorant and the unlearned!
Visit the poorest and humblest person who knows nothing of
theology, tell him the story of the cross, and the good news about
Jesus Christ, and His love to sinners; show him that there is freedom
provided for him, as well as for the most educated in the land--
freedom from guilt, freedom from the devil, freedom from
condemnation, freedom from hell. And then tell him plainly, boldly,
fully, unreservedly, that this freedom can be all his, if he will but trust Christ and believe.
There is no more perfect doctrine than this to perfectly satisfy the sick and dying!
Go to the bedside of the vilest sinner, when death is coming near,
and tell him lovingly that there is a hope even for him, if he will
receive it. Tell him that Christ came into the world to save sinners,
even the worst of them; tell him that Christ has done it all, paid it all,
performed all, purchased all that the soul of man can possibly need
for salvation. And then assure him that he, even he, may be instantly
freed from all his guilt, if he will only believe. Yes, say to him, in the
words of Scripture, “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’
and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9)
Let us never forget that this is the point to which we must turn our
own eyes, if we would know whether we have a saving interest in
Christ's redemption. Do not waste your time in speculations whether
you are elect, and converted, and a vessel of grace. Do not stand
poring over the unprofitable question whether Christ died for you or
not. Settle your thoughts on this one simple question, “Do I really
trust in Christ, as a humble sinner? Do I throw myself at His feet? Do
I believe?” Do not look to anything else. Look at this alone. Do not
fear to rest your soul on clear passages and promises of Scripture. If
you believe, you are truly free.
(1) And now as I bring this sermon to a conclusion, let me
lovingly press on every one of you the question which
naturally grows out of the whole subject. Let me ask one
simple question: “Are you truly free?”
I don't know who or what type of person you are. But this I do know,
there never was an age when the question I press on you was more
thoroughly needed. Political freedom, civil freedom, commercial
freedom, freedom of the press--all these, and a hundred other
worldly freedoms are swallowing up men's attention. Few, very few,
find time to think of spiritual freedom. Many, too many, forget that
no man is so thoroughly a slave, whatever his position, as the man who serves sin.
Yes! there are thousands in this country who are slaves of beer and
alcohol, slaves of lust, slaves of ambition, slaves of political party,
slaves of money, slaves of gambling, slaves of fashion, or slaves of
moods and emotions!
You may not see their chains with the naked eye, and they
themselves may boast of their freedom: but for all that they are
thoroughly slaves. Whether men like to hear it or not, the gambler
and the drunkard, the greedy and the passionate, the glutton and the
addict, are not free, but slaves. They are tied hand and foot by the
devil. “Everyone who sins is a slave of sin.” (John 8:34) He that
boasts of freedom, while he is enslaved by lusts and passions, is
going down to hell with a lie in his right hand.
Wake up and see these things, while health, and time, and life are
granted to you. Don't let political struggles and party strife make you
forget your precious soul. Take any side in politics you please, and
honestly follow your conscientious convictions; but never, never
forget that there is a freedom far higher and more lasting than any
that politics can give you. Don't rest till liberty is your own. Don't rest till YOUR SOUL IS FREE.
(2) Do you feel and desire to be free? Do you find any
longing within you for a higher, better freedom than this
world can give--a freedom that will not die at your death,
but will go with you beyond the grave? Then take the advice
I give you today. Seek Christ, repent, believe, and be free.
Christ has a glorious liberty to bestow on all who humbly cry to Him
for freedom. Christ can take burdens off your heart, and remove the
chains off your inward man. “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36).
Freedom like this is the secret of true happiness.
No one goes through the world with such ease and contentment as
those who are citizens of the heavenly city. Earth's burdens press
lightly on their shoulders; earth's disappointments do not crush
them down as they do others; earth's duties and anxieties do not
drink up their spirit. In their darkest hours they have always this to
fall back on, “I have something which makes me independent of this world: I am spiritually free.”
Freedom like this is the secret of being a good politician.
In every age those who are free in Christ have been the truest friends
to law and order, and to measures for the benefit of all classes of
mankind. Never, never let it be forgotten that the despised Puritans,
two hundred years ago, did more for the cause of real liberty than all
the governments which ever ruled this land. The root of the most
genuine patriotism is always one of those whom Christ has made free.
(3) Are you spiritually free? Then rejoice, and be thankful for your freedom.
Don't worry about the scorn and contempt of man: you don't have
any reason to be ashamed of your religion or your Master. He whose
citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20), who has God for his
Father, and Christ for his Elder Brother, angels for his daily guards,
and heaven itself for his home, is one that is well provided for. No
change of laws can add to his greatness: no extension of right or
privilege can raise him higher than he stands in God's sight. “The
boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a
delightful inheritance” (Psalm 16:6). Grace now, and the hope of
glory hereafter, are more lasting privileges than the power of voting
in countries.
Are you free? Then stand firm in your liberty, and don't be entangled again in the yoke of bondage.
-- Don't listen to those who by good words and fine speeches would draw you back to the Roman Catholic Church.
-- Beware of those who would try to persuade you that there is any mediator but the one Mediator, Christ Jesus.
-- Beware of any one who would try to persuade you that there is any sacrifice but the one Sacrifice offered on Calvary.
-- Beware of any one who would try to persuade you that there is any priest but the great High Priest Emmanuel.
-- Beware of any one who would try to persuade you that there is any additions needed in worship but the savor of His name who was crucified.
-- Beware of any one who would try to persuade you that there is any rule of faith and practice but God's Word.
-- Beware of any one who would try to persuade you that there is any confessional but the throne of grace.
-- Beware of any one who would try to persuade you that there is any effectual forgiveness but that which Christ bestows on the hearts of
His believing people.
-- Beware of any one who would try to persuade you that there is any purgatory [place where man is to pay for his sins] but the one
fountain open for all sins, the blood of Christ, to be used only while we are alive.
On all these points stand firm, and be on your guard. Scores of
misguided teachers are trying to rob Christians of Gospel liberty, and
to bring back among us erroneous superstitions. Resist them
completely, and do not give way for a moment. Remember what the
Roman Catholic Church was before the blessed Reformation.
Remember at what mighty cost our martyred Reformers brought
spiritual freedom to light by the Gospel. Stand firm for this freedom
like a man, and work hard to hand it down to your children, complete and unimpaired.
Are you free? Then think everyday you live, of the millions
of your fellow-creatures who are yet bound hand and foot in spiritual darkness.
Think of the millions of heathens who have still never heard of Christ
and salvation. Think of the Jews [also lost and condemned to Hell]
who are still waiting for their Messiah. Think of the millions of
Roman Catholics who are still in captivity under the Pope, and know
nothing of true liberty, light, and peace. Think of the millions of your
own countrymen in our great cities, who, without the influence of
Christ, are in reality heathens, and who the devil is continually
leading captive at his will. Think of them all, and feel for them. Think
of them all, and say often to yourself--“What can I do for them? How can I help to set them free?”
What! Shall it be proclaimed at the last day:
-- that Pharisees and Jesuits have traveled the sea and land to make proselytes?
-- that politicians have united and labored night and day to obtain worldly freedom and free trade?
-- that philanthropists have labored in their soul for years to procure suppression of Negro slavery?
And shall it appear at the same time that those set free in Christ have
done little to rescue men and women from hell? God forbid! God
forbid! Surely if the children of this world are zealous to promote
earthly freedom, the children of God ought to be much more zealous
to promote spiritual freedom. In the past, suffice it to say, we have
been selfish and lazy in this matter. For the rest of our days let us use
every effort to promote spiritual freedom. If we have tasted the
blessings of freedom, let us spare no pains to make others free.
Are you free? Then look forward in faith and hope for good things yet to come.
Free as we are, if we believe in Christ, we must surely feel every day
that we are not free from the presence of guilt, the power of sin, and
the temptations of the devil. Redeemed as we are from the eternal
consequences of the fall, we must often feel that we are not yet
redeemed from sickness and weakness, from sorrow and from pain.
No, indeed! Where are the free in Christ on earth who are not often
painfully reminded that they are not yet in heaven? We are still in the
body; we are still traveling through the wilderness of this world: we
are not at home. We have shed many tears already, and probably we
will have to shed many more; we still have within us a poor weak
heart: we are still liable to be assaulted by the devil. Our redemption
has surely begun, but it is not yet completed. We have redemption
now in the root, but we do not have it in the flower.
But let us take courage: there are better days yet to come. Our great
Redeemer and Liberator has gone before us to prepare a place for
His people, and when He comes again our redemption will be
complete. The great jubilee year is yet to come:
-- A few more Christmas and New Year's Days
-- A few more meetings and partings
-- A few more births and deaths
-- A few more weddings and funerals
-- A few more tears and struggles
-- A few more sicknesses and pains
-- A few more Sundays, Baptisms, and Lord Suppers
-- A few more sermons and prayers
-- A few more, and the end will come!
Our Master will come back again. The dead saints will be raised. The
living saints will be changed. Then, and not till then will we be
completely free. The liberty which we enjoyed by faith will be
changed into the liberty of sight, and the freedom of hope into the
freedom of certainty.
Come, then, and let us resolve to wait, and watch, and hope, and
pray, and live like men and women who have something laid up for
them in heaven. The night is far spent, and the day is at hand. Our
King is not far off: our full redemption draws near. Our full salvation
is nearer then when we first believed. The signs of the times are
strange, and demand every Christian's serious attention. The
kingdoms of this world are in confusion: everywhere the powers of
this world are reeling and shaken to their foundations. Extremely
happy are those who are citizens of Christ's eternal kingdom, and
ready for anything that may come. Blessed indeed are those men and
women who know and feel that they are free! Amen
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”--John 8:36
The subject before us today deserves our attention. It should ring in
the ears of every person like the voice of a trumpet. We live in a land
which is the very cradle of freedom. But are we ourselves free?
The question is one which demands special attention during the
present state of public opinion. The minds of many are absorbed in
politics. Yet there is a freedom, within the reach of all of us, which
few, I am afraid, ever think of--a freedom independent of all political
changes--a freedom which neither the prevailing government, nor
the cleverest politician can bestow. This is the freedom about which I
speak today. Do we know anything of it? Are we free?
In opening this subject, there are three points which I wish to
present.
I. I will show, in the first place, “The excellence of freedom.”
II. I will show, in the second place, “The best and truest kind of freedom.”
III. I will show, in the last place, “The way in which the best kind of freedom may become your very own.”
Let no one think for a moment that this is going to be a political
sermon. I am no politician: I have no politics but those of the Bible.
The only party I care for is the Lord's side: show me where that is,
and it shall have my support. The only election I am anxious about is
the election of grace. My one desire is that sinners would make their
own calling and election sure. The liberty I desire above all things to
make known, and promote, is the glorious liberty of the children of
God. The government I care to support is the government which is
on the shoulder of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I want every
knee to bow down before Christ, and every tongue to confess that He
is Lord. I ask for your attention while I canvass these subjects. If you
are not free, I want to guide you into true liberty. If you are free, I
want you to know the full value of your freedom.
I. The first thing I want to show is “The excellence of freedom.”
On this point some may think it is needless to say anything: they
assume that everyone knows the value of freedom, and that to dwell
on it is merely a waste of time. I don’t agree with such people at all. I
believe that millions of our countrymen know nothing of the
blessings which they enjoy in their own land: they have grown up
from infancy to manhood in the midst of freedom. They don’t have
the slightest idea of the state of things in other countries: they are
ignorant of the two worst kinds of tyranny--the crushing tyranny of a
cruel military dictator, and the intolerant tyranny of an unreasoning
mob. In short, many of us know nothing of the value of liberty, just
because we have been born in the middle of it, and have never been
without it for a moment.
I call on every one of you to remember that liberty is one of the
greatest earthly blessings that we can have on this side of the grave.
1. We live in a land where our “bodies” are free.
So long as we don't hurt someone's body, or property, or character,
no one can touch us: the poorest man's house is his castle.
2. We live in a land where our “actions” are free.
So long as we support ourselves, we are free to choose what we will
do, where we will go, and how we will spend our time.
3. We live in land where our “consciences” are free.
So long as we are peaceful about our beliefs, and do not interfere
with others, we are free to worship God as we please, and no one can
compel us to take his way to heaven.
4. We live in a land where no foreigner rules over us.
Our laws are made and altered by people like ourselves, and our
governors and leaders live among us, bone of our bone and flesh of our flesh.
In short, we have every kind of freedom to an extent which no other
nation on earth can equal. We have personal freedom, civil freedom,
religious freedom, and national freedom. We have free bodies, free
consciences, free speech, free thought, free action, free Bibles, a free
press, and free homes. How vast is this list of privileges! How endless
are the comforts which it contains! The full value of them perhaps
can never be known. It was well said by the Jewish Rabbis of long
ago, “If the sea were ink and the world parchment, it would never
serve to describe the praises of liberty.”
And yet, the desire for this freedom has been the most
fertile cause of misery to nations in every age of the world.
What reader of the Bible can fail to remember the sorrows of the
children of Israel, when they were slaves under Pharaoh in Egypt, or
under the Philistines in Canaan? What student of history needs to be
reminded of the misery inflicted on the Netherlands, Poland, Spain,
and Italy by the hands of foreign oppressors, or the Inquisition?
Who, even in our own time, has not heard of that enormous fountain
of wretchedness, the slavery of the Negro race? Certainly no misery is
so great as the misery of slavery.
To win and preserve freedom has been the aim of many national
struggles which have flooded the earth with blood. Liberty has been
the cause in which scores of Greeks, and Romans, and Germans, and
Poles, and Swiss, and Englishmen, and Americans have willingly laid
down their lives. No price has been thought too great to pay in order
that nations might be free.
The champions of freedom in every age have been rightly esteemed
among the greatest benefactors of mankind. Such names as Moses
and Gideon in Jewish history, such names as the Spartan Leonidas,
the Roman Horatius, the German Martin Luther, the Swedish
Gustavus Vasa, the Swiss William Tell, the Scotch Robert Bruce and
John Knox, the English Alfred and Hampden and the Puritans, the
American George Washington, are deservedly preserved in history,
and will never be forgotten. To be the mother of many patriots is the
highest praise of a nation.
The enemies of freedom in every age have been rightly regarded as
the parasites and irritations of their times. Such names as Pharaoh in
Egypt, Dionysius at Syracuse, Nero at Rome, Charles IX in France,
bloody Mary in England, are names which will never be rescued from
disgrace. The public opinion of mankind will never cease to condemn
them, on the one ground that they would not let people be free.
But why should I dwell on these things? Time and space would fail
me if I were to attempt to say ten percent of what might be said in
praise of freedom. What are the chronicles of history but a long
record of conflicts between the friends and foes of liberty? Where is
the nation on the earth that has attained greatness, and left its mark
on the world, without freedom? Which are the countries on the face
of the globe at this very moment which are making the most progress
in trade, in arts, in sciences, in civilization, in philosophy, in morals,
in social happiness? Precisely those countries in which there is the
greatest amount of true freedom.
Which are the countries today where there is the greatest amount of
internal misery, where we hear continually of secret plots, and
murmuring, and discontent, and attempts on life and property?
Precisely those countries where freedom does not exist or exists only
in name--where men and women are treated as slaves, and are not
allowed to think and act for themselves. No wonder that a mighty
Transatlantic Statesman declared on a great occasion to his
assembled countrymen, “Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be
purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty
God! I do not know what course others may take; but as for me, give
me liberty or give me death!” [Patrick Henry, an American
Statesman of the 18th century].
Let us beware of “underestimating” the liberty we enjoy in this country of ours.
I am sure there is need of this warning. There is, perhaps, no country
on earth where there is so much grumbling and fault-finding as there
is here. Men look at the alleged evils which they see around them,
and exaggerate both their number and their intensity. They refuse to
look at the countless blessings and privileges which surround us, or
underrate the advantages of them. They forget that comparison
should be applied to everything. With our faults and defects there is
at this hour no country on earth where there is so much liberty and
happiness for all classes, as there is here. They forget that as long as
human nature is corrupt, it is vain to expect perfection here below.
No laws or government whatever can possibly prevent a certain
amount of abuses and corruptions.
Once more then, I say, let us beware of undervaluing our
liberty, and running eagerly after every one who proposes sweeping changes.
Changes are not always improvements. The old shoes may have some
holes and defects, but the new shoes may pinch so much that we
can’t walk at all. No doubt we might have better laws and
government than we have: but I am quite sure we might just as easily
have worse. Today there is no country on the face of the earth where
there is so much care taken of the life, and health, and property, and
character, and personal liberty of the average citizen, as there is in
our country. Those who want to have more liberty, would soon find,
if they visit other countries, that there is no country on earth where
there is so much real liberty as our own.
But while I command people not to undervalue our liberty, so also on
the other hand I charge them not to “overvalue” it. Never forget that
earthly slavery is not the only slavery, and earthly freedom not the only freedom.
What will it profit you to be a citizen of a free country, so long as your soul is not free?
What is the good of living in a free land like ours, with free thought,
free speech, free action, free conscience, so long as you are a slave to
sin, and a captive to the devil? Yes: there are tyrants whom no eye
can see, as real and destructive as Pharaoh or Nero! There are chains
which no hands can touch, as true and heavy and soul-withering as
ever crushed the limbs of a slave! It is these tyrants whom I want you
to remember today. It is these chains from which I want you to be
free. By all means value your earthly liberty, but do not overvalue it.
Look higher, further than any earthly freedom. In the highest sense
let us ensure that “we are free indeed.”
II. The second thing that I have to show is “the truest and best kind of freedom.”
The freedom I speak of is a freedom that is within the reach of every
child of Adam who is willing to receive it. No power on earth can
prevent a man or woman from receiving it, if they have but the will to
receive it. Tyrants may threaten and cast in prison, but nothing they
can do can stop a person from receiving this liberty. And, once it is
ours, nothing can take it away. Men may torture us, banish us, hang
us, behead us, burn us, but they can never take from us true freedom.
The poorest may have it along with the richest: the most uneducated
may have it as well as the most educated, and the weakest as well as
the strongest. Laws cannot deprive us of it: The Roman Catholic
Church cannot rob us of it. Once it is ours, it is an everlasting possession.
Now, what is this glorious freedom? Where is it to be
found? What is it like? Who has obtained it for us? Who
has got it at this moment to bestow? I ask you to give me
your attention, and I will supply a simple answer to these questions.
The true freedom I speak of is spiritual freedom--freedom
of the soul. It is the freedom which Christ bestows freely on all true Christians.
Those whom the Son makes free are free indeed, “Where the Spirit of
the Lord is, there is freedom.” (2 Corinthians 3:17). Let men say what
they please about the comparative freedom of monarchies, republics,
and democracies; let them struggle, if they will, for universal
freedom, brotherhood, and equality: but we will never know the
highest form of freedom until we are enrolled as citizens in the
kingdom of God. We are ignorant of the best kind of freedom if we
have not been set free by Christ.
Those set free by Christ are free from the “guilt of sin.”
That heavy burden of unforgiven sin, which lies so heavy on many
consciences, no longer presses them down. Christ's blood has
cleansed it all away. They feel pardoned, reconciled, justified, and
accepted in God's sight. They can look back on their old sins,
however vile and many, and say, “You cannot condemn me.” They
can look back on long years of carelessness and worldliness and say,
“Who can hold me accountable for anything in my past?” This is true
liberty. This is to be truly free.
Those set free by Christ are free from the “power of sin.”
Sin no longer rules and reigns in their hearts, and overtakes them
like a flood. Through the power of Christ's Spirit they restrain the
deeds of their bodies, and crucify their flesh with its affections and
lusts. Through His grace working in them they get the victory over
their evil inclinations. The flesh may fight, but it does not conquer
them; the devil may tempt and harass, but does not overcome them:
they are no longer the slave of lusts and passion, and obsession, and
moods. In all these things they are more than conquerors through
Him who loved them. This is true liberty. This is to be truly free.
Those set free by Christ are free from the “cringing fear of God.”
They no longer look at Him with dread and apprehension, as an
offended Maker; they no longer hate Him, and hide from Him, like
Adam did among the trees of the garden; they no longer tremble at
the thought of His judgment. Through the Spirit of adoption which
Christ has given them, they look on God as a reconciled Father, and
rejoice in the thought of His love. They no longer feel His anger. They
feel that when God the Father looks down on them, He sees them in
Christ, and unworthy as they are in themselves, is well-pleased. This
is true liberty. This is to be truly free.
Those set free by Christ are free from the “fear of man.”
They are no longer afraid of man's opinions, or care much what man
thinks of them; they are also indifferent to his favor or hatred, his
smile or his frown. They look away from man who can be seen, to
Christ who is not seen, and having the favor of Christ, they care little
for the condemnation of man. “The fear of man” was once a snare to
them. They trembled at the thought of what man would say, or think,
or do: they dared not run counter to the fashions and customs of
those around them; they shrank from the idea of standing alone. But
the snare is now broken and they are delivered. This is true liberty.
This is to be truly free.
Those set free by Christ are free from the “fear of death.”
Christians no longer look forward to death with silent dismay, as a
horrible thing which they don't like to think about. Through Christ
they can look this last enemy calmly in the face, and say, “You cannot
harm me.” They can look forward to all that comes after death--
decay, resurrection, judgment, and eternity--and yet not be the least
concerned. They can stand by the side of an open grave, and say,
“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”
They can lay down on their deathbeds, and say, “Though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.” “Not a
hair of my head will perish.” This is true liberty. This is to be truly free.
Best of all, those set free by Christ are “free forever.”
Once enrolled in the list of heavenly citizens, their names shall never
be erased. Once presented with the freedom of Christ's kingdom,
they will possess it eternally. The highest privileges of this world's
freedom can only endure for a lifetime; the freest citizen on earth
must submit eventually to death, and lose his privilege forever: but
the privilege of Christ's people is eternal. They carry it down to the
grave, and it still lives; they will rise again with it at the last day, and
enjoy the privileges of it forevermore. This is true liberty. This is to be truly free.
Does anyone ask how and in what way Christ has obtained
these mighty privileges for His people? You have a right to
ask the question, and it is one that can never be answered
too clearly. Give me your attention, and I will show you by
what means Christ has made His people free.
The freedom of Christ's people has been procured, like all
other freedoms, at a mighty cost and by a mighty sacrifice.
Great was the bondage in which they were naturally held, and great
was the price necessary to be paid to set them free: mighty was the
enemy who claimed them as his captives, and mighty power was
needed to release them out of his hands. But, blessed be God, there
was enough grace, and enough power available in Jesus Christ. He
provided to the uttermost everything that was required to set His
people free. The price that Christ paid for His people was nothing
less than His own lifeblood. He became their Substitute, and suffered
for their sins at the cross: He redeemed them from the curse of the
law, by being made a curse for them. (Galatians 3:13) He paid all
their debt in His own person, by allowing the punishment that would
bring them peace to be laid on Him. (Isaiah 53:5) He satisfied every
possible demand of the law against them, by fulfilling its
righteousness to the uttermost. He cleared them from every
accusation of sin, by becoming sin for them. (2 Corinthians 5:21) He
fought their battle with the devil, and triumphed over him on the
cross. As their Champion, He disarmed the powers and authorities,
and made a public spectacle of them on Calvary. In a word, Christ
having given Himself for us, has purchased the full right of
redemption for us. Nothing can touch those to whom He gives
freedom: their debts are paid, and paid a thousand times over; their
sins are atoned for by a full, perfect, and sufficient atonement. A
Divine Substitute's death completely meets the justice of
God, and provides complete redemption for man.
Let us take a good look at this glorious plan of redemption, and be
careful that we understand it. Ignorance on this point is the one great
cause of faint hopes, little comfort, and ceaseless doubts in the minds
of many Christians. Too many are content with a vague idea that
Christ will somehow save sinners: but how or why they don’t have a
clue. I protest against this ignorance. Let us set fully before our eyes
the doctrine of Christ dying in our place--His substituted death, and
rest our souls on it. Let us hold on firmly to the mighty truth, that
Christ on the cross:
Christ on the cross: Stood in the place of His people
Christ on the cross: Died for His people
Christ on the cross: Suffered for His people
Christ on the cross: Was counted a curse and sin for His people
Christ on the cross: Paid the debts of His People
Christ on the cross: Made restitution for His people
Christ on the cross: Became the guarantee of His people
Christ on the cross: Became the representative of His people
And in this way Christ procured His people's freedom. Let us
understand this clearly, and then we will see what a mighty privilege
it is to be made free by Christ.
This is freedom which, above all others is worth having.
We can never value it too highly: there is no danger of overvaluing it.
All other freedom is an unsatisfying thing at the best, and a poor
uncertain possession at any time. Christ's freedom alone can never
be overthrown. It is secured by a covenant ordered in all things and
sure: its foundations are laid in the eternal councils of God, and no
foreign enemy can overthrow them. They are cemented and secured
by the blood of the Son of God Himself, and can never be destroyed.
The freedom of nations often lasts no longer than a few centuries: the
freedom which Christ gives to any one of His people is a freedom that
will outlive this material universe.
This is the truest, highest kind of freedom. This is the freedom which
in a changing, dying world, I want men and women to possess.
III. I will now show, in the last place, “the way in which the
best kind of freedom is made our own.”
This is a point of vast importance, on account of the many mistaken
ideas which exist about it. Thousands, perhaps, will allow that there
is such a thing as spiritual freedom, and that Christ alone has
purchased it for us: but when they come to the application of
redemption, they go astray. They cannot answer the question, “Who
are those that Christ truly sets free?” And because they are lacking in
any real knowledge about the answer, they sit still in their chains. I
ask every one of you to give me your attention once more, and I will
try to throw a little light on the subject. Useless indeed is the
redemption which Christ has obtained, unless you know how the
fruit of that redemption can become your own. In vain have you read
of the freedom by which Christ makes people free, unless you
understand how you yourself may have an interest in it.
We are not born with the freedom in Christ.
The inhabitants of many a city enjoy privileges by virtue of their
birthplace. Paul, who drew his first lifebreath at Tarsus in Cilicia,
could say to the Roman Commander, “I was born free.” But this is
not the case with Adam's children, in regards to spiritual things. We
are born slaves and servants of sin: we are by nature “children of
wrath,” and destitute of any claim to heaven.
We do not acquire freedom in Christ by baptism.
Every year many are solemnly baptized in the name of the Trinity,
who serve sin like slaves, and neglect Christ all of their days.
Wretched indeed is that person's state of soul who can give no better
evidence of their citizenship of heaven than the mere naked fact of their baptism!
We do not acquire freedom in Christ by mere membership in a church.
There are companies and corporations whose members are entitled
to vast privileges, without any respect to their personal character, if
their names are simply on the list of members. The kingdom of
Christ is not a corporation of this kind. The great test of belonging to it is personal character.
Let these things sink into our minds. Far be it from me to narrow the
extent of Christ's redemption: the price He paid on the cross is
sufficient for the whole world. Far be it from me to undervalue
baptism or Church-membership: the ordinance which Christ
appointed, and the Church which He maintains in the midst of a
dark world, neither of them ought to be lightly esteemed. All I am
contending is the absolute necessity of not being content with either
baptism or Church-membership. If our religion stops short here it is
unprofitable and unsatisfying. It needs something more than this to
give us an interest in the redemption which Christ has purchased.
There is no other way to acquire freedom in Christ than that of simply believing.
It is by faith, simple faith in Him as our Savior and Redeemer, that
men's souls are made free. It is by receiving Christ, trusting Christ,
committing ourselves to Christ, placing our whole weight on Christ--
it is by this, and by no other plan, that spiritual liberty is made our
own. Mighty as the privileges are which those who are free in Christ
possess, they all become a man's property in the day that he first
believes. He may not yet know their full value, but they are all his
own. He that believes in Christ is not condemned, rather he is
justified, is born again, is an heir of God, and has everlasting life.
The truth before us is one of priceless importance. Let us cling to it
and never let it go. If you desire peace of conscience, if you want
inward rest and comfort, then lock on to the truth that faith is the
great secret of an interest in Christ's redemption. Take the simplest
view of faith: beware of confusing your mind by complicated ideas
about it. Follow holiness as closely as you can: seek the fullest and
clearest evidence of the inward work of the Spirit. But in the matter
of an interest in Christ's redemption remember that faith stands
alone. It is by believing, simply believing, that souls become free.
There is no more perfect doctrine than this to perfectly satisfy the ignorant and the unlearned!
Visit the poorest and humblest person who knows nothing of
theology, tell him the story of the cross, and the good news about
Jesus Christ, and His love to sinners; show him that there is freedom
provided for him, as well as for the most educated in the land--
freedom from guilt, freedom from the devil, freedom from
condemnation, freedom from hell. And then tell him plainly, boldly,
fully, unreservedly, that this freedom can be all his, if he will but trust Christ and believe.
There is no more perfect doctrine than this to perfectly satisfy the sick and dying!
Go to the bedside of the vilest sinner, when death is coming near,
and tell him lovingly that there is a hope even for him, if he will
receive it. Tell him that Christ came into the world to save sinners,
even the worst of them; tell him that Christ has done it all, paid it all,
performed all, purchased all that the soul of man can possibly need
for salvation. And then assure him that he, even he, may be instantly
freed from all his guilt, if he will only believe. Yes, say to him, in the
words of Scripture, “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’
and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9)
Let us never forget that this is the point to which we must turn our
own eyes, if we would know whether we have a saving interest in
Christ's redemption. Do not waste your time in speculations whether
you are elect, and converted, and a vessel of grace. Do not stand
poring over the unprofitable question whether Christ died for you or
not. Settle your thoughts on this one simple question, “Do I really
trust in Christ, as a humble sinner? Do I throw myself at His feet? Do
I believe?” Do not look to anything else. Look at this alone. Do not
fear to rest your soul on clear passages and promises of Scripture. If
you believe, you are truly free.
(1) And now as I bring this sermon to a conclusion, let me
lovingly press on every one of you the question which
naturally grows out of the whole subject. Let me ask one
simple question: “Are you truly free?”
I don't know who or what type of person you are. But this I do know,
there never was an age when the question I press on you was more
thoroughly needed. Political freedom, civil freedom, commercial
freedom, freedom of the press--all these, and a hundred other
worldly freedoms are swallowing up men's attention. Few, very few,
find time to think of spiritual freedom. Many, too many, forget that
no man is so thoroughly a slave, whatever his position, as the man who serves sin.
Yes! there are thousands in this country who are slaves of beer and
alcohol, slaves of lust, slaves of ambition, slaves of political party,
slaves of money, slaves of gambling, slaves of fashion, or slaves of
moods and emotions!
You may not see their chains with the naked eye, and they
themselves may boast of their freedom: but for all that they are
thoroughly slaves. Whether men like to hear it or not, the gambler
and the drunkard, the greedy and the passionate, the glutton and the
addict, are not free, but slaves. They are tied hand and foot by the
devil. “Everyone who sins is a slave of sin.” (John 8:34) He that
boasts of freedom, while he is enslaved by lusts and passions, is
going down to hell with a lie in his right hand.
Wake up and see these things, while health, and time, and life are
granted to you. Don't let political struggles and party strife make you
forget your precious soul. Take any side in politics you please, and
honestly follow your conscientious convictions; but never, never
forget that there is a freedom far higher and more lasting than any
that politics can give you. Don't rest till liberty is your own. Don't rest till YOUR SOUL IS FREE.
(2) Do you feel and desire to be free? Do you find any
longing within you for a higher, better freedom than this
world can give--a freedom that will not die at your death,
but will go with you beyond the grave? Then take the advice
I give you today. Seek Christ, repent, believe, and be free.
Christ has a glorious liberty to bestow on all who humbly cry to Him
for freedom. Christ can take burdens off your heart, and remove the
chains off your inward man. “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36).
Freedom like this is the secret of true happiness.
No one goes through the world with such ease and contentment as
those who are citizens of the heavenly city. Earth's burdens press
lightly on their shoulders; earth's disappointments do not crush
them down as they do others; earth's duties and anxieties do not
drink up their spirit. In their darkest hours they have always this to
fall back on, “I have something which makes me independent of this world: I am spiritually free.”
Freedom like this is the secret of being a good politician.
In every age those who are free in Christ have been the truest friends
to law and order, and to measures for the benefit of all classes of
mankind. Never, never let it be forgotten that the despised Puritans,
two hundred years ago, did more for the cause of real liberty than all
the governments which ever ruled this land. The root of the most
genuine patriotism is always one of those whom Christ has made free.
(3) Are you spiritually free? Then rejoice, and be thankful for your freedom.
Don't worry about the scorn and contempt of man: you don't have
any reason to be ashamed of your religion or your Master. He whose
citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20), who has God for his
Father, and Christ for his Elder Brother, angels for his daily guards,
and heaven itself for his home, is one that is well provided for. No
change of laws can add to his greatness: no extension of right or
privilege can raise him higher than he stands in God's sight. “The
boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a
delightful inheritance” (Psalm 16:6). Grace now, and the hope of
glory hereafter, are more lasting privileges than the power of voting
in countries.
Are you free? Then stand firm in your liberty, and don't be entangled again in the yoke of bondage.
-- Don't listen to those who by good words and fine speeches would draw you back to the Roman Catholic Church.
-- Beware of those who would try to persuade you that there is any mediator but the one Mediator, Christ Jesus.
-- Beware of any one who would try to persuade you that there is any sacrifice but the one Sacrifice offered on Calvary.
-- Beware of any one who would try to persuade you that there is any priest but the great High Priest Emmanuel.
-- Beware of any one who would try to persuade you that there is any additions needed in worship but the savor of His name who was crucified.
-- Beware of any one who would try to persuade you that there is any rule of faith and practice but God's Word.
-- Beware of any one who would try to persuade you that there is any confessional but the throne of grace.
-- Beware of any one who would try to persuade you that there is any effectual forgiveness but that which Christ bestows on the hearts of
His believing people.
-- Beware of any one who would try to persuade you that there is any purgatory [place where man is to pay for his sins] but the one
fountain open for all sins, the blood of Christ, to be used only while we are alive.
On all these points stand firm, and be on your guard. Scores of
misguided teachers are trying to rob Christians of Gospel liberty, and
to bring back among us erroneous superstitions. Resist them
completely, and do not give way for a moment. Remember what the
Roman Catholic Church was before the blessed Reformation.
Remember at what mighty cost our martyred Reformers brought
spiritual freedom to light by the Gospel. Stand firm for this freedom
like a man, and work hard to hand it down to your children, complete and unimpaired.
Are you free? Then think everyday you live, of the millions
of your fellow-creatures who are yet bound hand and foot in spiritual darkness.
Think of the millions of heathens who have still never heard of Christ
and salvation. Think of the Jews [also lost and condemned to Hell]
who are still waiting for their Messiah. Think of the millions of
Roman Catholics who are still in captivity under the Pope, and know
nothing of true liberty, light, and peace. Think of the millions of your
own countrymen in our great cities, who, without the influence of
Christ, are in reality heathens, and who the devil is continually
leading captive at his will. Think of them all, and feel for them. Think
of them all, and say often to yourself--“What can I do for them? How can I help to set them free?”
What! Shall it be proclaimed at the last day:
-- that Pharisees and Jesuits have traveled the sea and land to make proselytes?
-- that politicians have united and labored night and day to obtain worldly freedom and free trade?
-- that philanthropists have labored in their soul for years to procure suppression of Negro slavery?
And shall it appear at the same time that those set free in Christ have
done little to rescue men and women from hell? God forbid! God
forbid! Surely if the children of this world are zealous to promote
earthly freedom, the children of God ought to be much more zealous
to promote spiritual freedom. In the past, suffice it to say, we have
been selfish and lazy in this matter. For the rest of our days let us use
every effort to promote spiritual freedom. If we have tasted the
blessings of freedom, let us spare no pains to make others free.
Are you free? Then look forward in faith and hope for good things yet to come.
Free as we are, if we believe in Christ, we must surely feel every day
that we are not free from the presence of guilt, the power of sin, and
the temptations of the devil. Redeemed as we are from the eternal
consequences of the fall, we must often feel that we are not yet
redeemed from sickness and weakness, from sorrow and from pain.
No, indeed! Where are the free in Christ on earth who are not often
painfully reminded that they are not yet in heaven? We are still in the
body; we are still traveling through the wilderness of this world: we
are not at home. We have shed many tears already, and probably we
will have to shed many more; we still have within us a poor weak
heart: we are still liable to be assaulted by the devil. Our redemption
has surely begun, but it is not yet completed. We have redemption
now in the root, but we do not have it in the flower.
But let us take courage: there are better days yet to come. Our great
Redeemer and Liberator has gone before us to prepare a place for
His people, and when He comes again our redemption will be
complete. The great jubilee year is yet to come:
-- A few more Christmas and New Year's Days
-- A few more meetings and partings
-- A few more births and deaths
-- A few more weddings and funerals
-- A few more tears and struggles
-- A few more sicknesses and pains
-- A few more Sundays, Baptisms, and Lord Suppers
-- A few more sermons and prayers
-- A few more, and the end will come!
Our Master will come back again. The dead saints will be raised. The
living saints will be changed. Then, and not till then will we be
completely free. The liberty which we enjoyed by faith will be
changed into the liberty of sight, and the freedom of hope into the
freedom of certainty.
Come, then, and let us resolve to wait, and watch, and hope, and
pray, and live like men and women who have something laid up for
them in heaven. The night is far spent, and the day is at hand. Our
King is not far off: our full redemption draws near. Our full salvation
is nearer then when we first believed. The signs of the times are
strange, and demand every Christian's serious attention. The
kingdoms of this world are in confusion: everywhere the powers of
this world are reeling and shaken to their foundations. Extremely
happy are those who are citizens of Christ's eternal kingdom, and
ready for anything that may come. Blessed indeed are those men and
women who know and feel that they are free! Amen