If You Want To Be Free

We all desire freedom. Freedom to choose. Freedom to speak what we think. Freedom to live safely, securely, and comfortably, regardless of race, sex, or social status.

These kinds of freedoms depend upon the circumstances around us: where we live, who we are, what we do. Since freedom is relative to our situation, is it possible for anyone to be free--really free?

The Bible defines a different kind of freedom--an absolute freedom available to ALL through Jesus Christ. John 8:36 says, "If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed."

Free from what, you may ask. The Bible tells us that all of us are slaves. We either live under the mastery of sin and Satan or under the mastery of God (Romans 6:16). How can we be free men and slaves at the same time?

We are all born with a sinful nature that rebels against God. Our desire is to live for ourselves. This results in being enslaved to sin. But Christ, who became man and proved His power over Satan by living a perfect life and rising from the dead, frees us from the power of sin.

We can try to be good on our own. We can busy ourselves with good works, give money to charities, go to church regularly, wear the right clothes. If God is not our Master, however, we do these things in vain.

Being God's slave begins with deliverance from sin's slavery and coming to be owned by God. When I admit I am a slave to sin, and ask God to set me free, He brings me into direct relationship with Himself. I am His.

Obedience to God then becomes a response of love to Him. I give up my ideas about what I should be doing and seek to know what He wants me to do. I am free from trying to cover up my sin, for it is taken away by Jesus' blood. I am free from trying to work my way to heaven; my acceptance is based on Christ's merits. I am free from Satan's power, for Christ's power is greater.

This freedom is for everyone--everywhere. You will be a slave, but you can choose whom you will serve. Will you become a slave to God--and be set free?

If You Want to Conquer Sinful Habits

Even as Christians, we all have weaknesses over which we constantly struggle to gain victory. Lust, rebellion, a critical spirit, bitterness, greed. Others may not be able to see these things in us, but they keep us from living a victorious, abundant life in Christ. How can we overcome in these areas that have such a hold on our lives? Romans 6 gives some practical answers.

1) Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed..

"... he that is dead is freed from sin" (vv.6, 7).

I must believe that Christ's death on the cross was a decisive victory over Satan and the power of sin. Christ has won the victory. My victory is in Him.

2) "Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin..." (v.11a).

I must consider myself dead when I face temptation. Let's say, for example, I struggle with jealousy. One day, I am visiting a friend who just bought a car, something I wanted but could not afford. Instead of becoming jealous and bitter, I should ask myself, "How would a dead person respond to this situation?" A new car will have no effect on a dead person. In the same way, I must be dead to sin.

3) "Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be ... alive unto God ..." (v.11).

I must consider myself alive when it comes to the things of God. As living people, we are active and involved in the people and events around us. To be alive to God means being involved in His work. To remain alive we must regularly read His Word, allowing it to nourish and strengthen our spirits. When I am alive to God, I will be alert to the needs of others and will be ready to act out God's love to them.

4) "Yield yourselves unto God ... and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God" (v.13b).

Finally, to gain freedom from the sin in my life, I must daily commit myself and my body to God.

As we purpose to use our bodies for God's work, and claim Christ's victory over sin, we can be alive to God and conquer sinful habits.

IF YOU HAVE NEVER RECEIVED JESUS

"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).

BELIEVE in Jesus.

"He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him" (John 3:36). "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).

Repent of your sin.

"Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.... Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out" (Acts 2:38; 3:19).

Confess your faith in Jesus.

"If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved" (Romans 10:9).

If you would like to receive Jesus, pray this prayer.

Heavenly Father, I confess I am a sinner and need the sacrifice of Jesus for my redemption. I am truly sorry for my sinful life, and I am willing to receive Jesus as my Lord and Saviour. I renounce sin and the world and my old life. Please make me one of Your children and give me a new life which is obedient to You. Amen.

"The freedom Jesus gives is not the right to do as we please,but the power to do as we ought."

You may request printed copies of this tract from Christian Light Publications.

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