Read: I John 4:16-19
If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed (John 8:36).
Glorious Freedom
Today is July 4. In the United States we take a holiday to celebrate our political freedom. It is a worthy freedom, but are there not others to which we should also give attention? In our time, President Franklin D. Roosevelt reminded us of the four freedoms — freedom from want, freedom from fear, freedom for religious belief, and freedom of the press. The Christian has yet another for which he is grateful — freedom from fear in the presence of God. “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear” (I John 4:18).
The average man seeks to cast out his dread of God by forgetting Him but we Christians gain confidence by knowing God better. There was a day, as unawakened sinners, when we had no fear of God and no love for Him. Conviction for sins brought fear, but there was no love to relieve it. Forgiveness raised the glad cry, “We love him, because he first loved us.” But even forgiven men are left at times with nagging fears due to carnality. God’s Word assures us that there is something better than this.
When the Holy Spirit comes in His fullness, He brings a love that casts out this dread. With the love of God shed abroad in our hearts we have an inner security. When that love is made perfect we experience a confidence approaching boldness. It is this freedom from fear of which the Bible speaks, “Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus… let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith” (Hebrews 10:19, 22).
Glorious freedom! Wonderful freedom! No more in chains of sin I repine! Jesus, the glorious Emancipator! Now and forever He shall be mine.
— Haldor Lillenas