What Is True Freedom?

More and more, we are seeing and hearing actors, actresses, and entertainers using vulgar language in describing in sickening detail their immoral activities. Seemingly, these folks who shamelessly discuss their sins in public, obviously think of themselves as "liberated" because they dare to flaunt their immorality before a gullible public (Romans 1:31-32; cf. Psalm 50:16-22; Hosea 7:1-7).

But what a strange kind of freedom is that? Little do they know how enslaved they really are (John 8:34 ESV; Romans 6:16,23 ESV). I have personally overheard men who were obese and coughing heavily, boldly say, "No one, not even my doctor, is going to take away my freedom to smoke or to eat what I want, when I want." In just a short period of time, their so-called "freedom" literally killed them.

Another man once told me that he had left his wife so he could be "free" to live as he pleased. When I saw him a few years later, he was a physical and emotional wreck. He admitted that he had become a slave to deviate practices that were killing him, but he was unwilling to change his lifestyle. Shortly thereafter, he passed from this life into eternity.

The idea that we can have true freedom without restraint or discipline is an illusion originating from Satan himself (John 8:44). Doing what we please without seeking to do God's will (Matthew 7:21; James 1:18-25), makes us slaves to sin (John 8:34 ESV) that soon leads to spiritual death (Romans 6:16,23 ESV).

What is true freedom? When we place our complete trust in the Lord Jesus, being guided by His doctrine, He will provide us freedom from guilt (Romans 8:1; cf. John 5:24) — freedom from the bondage of sin (Romans 6:17-18) — freedom from feelings of futility (Ephesians 2:1-13) — and freedom from the fear of death (Hebrews 2:9-18).

Dear reader, that's true freedom! (John 8:33-36; cf. Romans 8:2; Gal. 5:1).

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets