Are We Free?

 •  1 min. read  •  grade level: 7
The Greek philosopher, Epictetus, said, “No man is free who is not master of himself.” If we are free, how can we explain the addictions of drink and drugs, of chain-smoking, the slavery of passion and pleasure?
The devil promises us liberty while he binds us with chains of sin. Peter, in speaking of godless advisers, says, “While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption” (2 Peter 2:1919While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. (2 Peter 2:19)).
Christ said, “Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.” All are serving either God or the devil. Although God commands obedience, He gave us freedom of choice. No one will be in heaven against his will. Jesus said, “Ye will not come to Me, that ye might have life” (John 5:4040And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. (John 5:40)).
People often think that accepting Christ as Lord means giving up all freedom, whereas Christ has promised that “ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:3232And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:32)). And more: “If the Son...shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed” (John 8:3636If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. (John 8:36)).
Without the help of the Lord Jesus Christ, we subdue evil in one spot only to have it break out in another place. God’s solution to this universal human problem is Christ, the Savior. In Christ, God’s promise is: “Sin shall not have dominion over you” (Rom. 6:1414For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. (Romans 6:14)).