Freedom is what the world needs because many are trapped in sin. That’s how Jesus expressed it in John 8:34, “I tell you most solemnly that anyone who chooses a life of sin is trapped in a dead-end life and is, in fact, a slave” (The Message).
One of sin’s deceptive selling points is that it offers freedom. In the name of freedom, sin urges people to cast off restraint, break the rules, defy godly standards, and give in to carnal desires. Answering the call that appeals to all that is wrong, the prodigal chases after this elusive freedom only to find himself a broken person surrounded by the filth of sin.
The modern-day Nicolaitanes (see Rev. 2:6,15), who take a soft attitude toward sin and abuse the grace of God, fail to mention the enslaving power of sin. This unbiblical teaching misinterprets Christian liberty and allows believers to indulge in sinful behavior. While the spiritually gullible may fall for it, this is a doctrine Jesus especially hates because it leads to bondage.
Remember: sin never keeps it’s promises. Sin promises freedom, but delivers the opposite. The final picture is that of the prodigal standing knee-deep in the muck and mire of the pig pen declaring to the world, “I’m free! I’m free!” Really?
But then the light dawns and the prodigal returns to the One who said, “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed” (John 8:36). Paul takes it from there, “Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts” (Romans 6:12).
Rather than abusing the grace of God as permission to continue in sin, depend on God’s enabling grace as the means to live in the freedom Christ came to give.
Pastor Todd Weston