THE SPIRITUAL BATTLE – 9 Slavery Of The Soul
“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage” (Galatians 5:1). KJV
Loved ones, in our Spiritual Battle with Satan he and his ministers attempt to keep us in bondage to sin (2 Corinthians 11:13-15; 2 Peter 2:9). We praise God that Jesus, the Christ, has made us FREE (John 8:32, 36).
Of all the freedoms we enjoy, the freedom of religion is one of the most important. An individual or a people might have every freedom known to man, but if there is no freedom of religion all other freedoms are meaningless.
Without such freedom one is a slave, held against his will, with no choice of his own. He has no opportunity to obey God to be saved. Being in ignorance of God's will, only an eternity in hell remains for such a person and for those who imposed slavery of the soul upon him.
Can we begin to imagine what it is like to be born in a part of the world where God is not allowed to reign supreme, where the name of Christ is rejected, and where the religion of the Christian faith (Romans 10:17) cannot be practiced?
Just think about the Bible being outlawed and worship not permitted! In such places the gospel is not allowed to be preached, and one cannot publicly live the Christian life.
What kind of people would live under these conditions? Do such people exist? Yes, such places do exist in the world today and there are governments and people who insist that every soul under their power must practice the chosen religion or no religion at all.
These are the same people who take full advantage of freedom of religion in other countries of the world. They send their missionaries and their holy book, they build their elaborate houses of worship, and they publicly complain if they feel that they are discriminated against in any way.
The growing fundamentalists among them are fanatical and harsh in dealing with those who do not agree with them. They are also hard on their own people, making demands of them that are neither humane nor lawful.
These people often pass themselves off as being very religious and moral, while portraying the true Christian faith as permissive and immoral. The truth is, however, that they preach one manner of life, but their practice is generally otherwise, making them very hypocritical.
Christians believe that there is one Saviour, Jesus Christ, one true and living God, one Holy Spirit who has inspired the one book of God, the Bible, with its one faith (religion), the Christian faith (Ephesians 4:4-6).
While we recognize that there are many false gods, saviors, books, and religions, we still believe in the right of every soul to have freedom of religion.
We may disagree with one's choice, but we believe — and the Bible teaches — that every individual should be allowed to choose what he believes and the religion he wants to practice. He should have this right even though his choice may be wrong.
From creation, God has always given man a choice (Genesis 2:16-17). Being the Creator and all-powerful, He could have forced humanity to submit to Him but what glory or satisfaction would that have brought to God?
On the other hand, love and obedience from the heart of man, seeking by his own choice, is the treasure God seeks (Romans 6:17; Acts 17:26-27). This is the only service to Him that matters. God invites man to come to Him (Matthew 11:28-30), and it is only when we voluntarily turn to God that He is glorified.
On the other hand, we may choose to reject God. That option is certainly opened to us, but we will suffer the consequences that follow (John 12:48).
In the same manner, God has not given any man or people the authority to impose spiritual choices on others. Each person must be free to learn of God and to choose Him, or to follow error if that is his preference.
Freedom is a way of life. All of us are just naturally suspicious of anything that is forced on us. This is especially true of religion. Any religion or church that must have a government or a set of laws to force itself upon others, and to protect its followers from other religions, is a very weak religion.
Any religion or government body that forbids people of the "state" religion or church from being converted to some other religious group is obviously a very weak religion or church. Otherwise, why would there be the necessity to use laws or force to hold on to its people? How sad that such must be.
We believe in the Christian faith, and we believe other religions are not of God. But we believe in the freedom of religion for all people. If the Christian religion cannot stand on its own merits, then how can it stand at all, regardless of what is done to prop it up?
Let every soul be given the opportunity to read, study, learn and compare all religions. Then, based on the truth the facts let him choose which one is of God and which one he will follow. That is freedom. Anything else is slavery, and is the worst slavery of all.
Shared with you by Samuel A. Matthews, preaching with the Liberty NW church of Christ, meeting in Portland, Oregon, USA. The God of Heaven and Earth is so good, and His love reaches all. We love you with the love of the Lord (John 13:34-35).