October 14, 2009
Amazing Grace – the movie – a great portrayal of William Wilberforce and his battle against the slave trade. Wilberforce fought for years in the 1700’s, alongside many others, to abolish the evil of slavery. His ultimate victory was known as the Great Emancipation. Emancipation means, “The act of setting free from the power of another, from slavery, subjection, dependence, or controlling influence; also, the state of being thus set free; liberation.” Wilberforce’s victory was incredible and a turning point in the history of the world. However, there is an even greater emancipation that has taken place.
Jesus came to set mankind free from the bondage of sin. He came to break the power of the enemy over us. Mankind had been bound by the chains of sin since Genesis 3. Jesus came proclaiming a new way to live – freedom from slavery to the enemy of our souls. He came proclaiming the kingdom of God – the government of God – a new way of living, a change of citizenship, a change of heart, good news of great joy – salvation. His first public proclamation of the Kingdom was Isaiah 61. It’s a call to victory, freedom, peace, hope, healing, vision, blessing, beauty, gladness and joy. Jesus’ death on the cross and resurrection from the dead broke the power of the enemy, his legal title over mankind, and the chains of sin that held us captive. That is the great Spiritual Emancipation.
We are no longer slaves to sin – we have been set free from the yoke of slavery. It is imperative that we understand our spiritual emancipation: We are free men – no longer helpless, hopeless and harmless. However, we have to fight to “appropriate” the victory and freedom Jesus bought for us through His blood. To “Appropriate” means: “to take to or for oneself; take possession of.” Paul encourages us in Philippians to “work out” our salvation. I do not believe he means that we can earn salvation by works, because it is the free gift of God based on faith, not works. However, working out our salvation means that we need to get hold of it, own it, deepen its work in us, live it, ensure that our actions reflect our beliefs and that our beliefs are the Truth – appropriate it. Salvation is free, but the Kingdom will cost you your life.
Jesus passes the torch to us and asks us to continue fighting – to appropriate – the emancipation that He started, the revolution for the freedom and life of the Government of God, the Kingdom of God, the Heart of God. And then, He will return.
Jesus started the great Spiritual Emancipation – appropriate it.
Galatians 5:1
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”
Strength and courage,
David MacLean