Today some of the lost are observing “National Coming Out Day,” celebrating sin and godless self-expression which is patently condemned by God’s Word (e.g. Rom. 1:24-32; 1 Cor. 6:9-11; 1 Tim. 1:10, etc.) Although they think that this is freedom, in reality it is an insidious form of spiritual bondage – like every other type of sin! Thankfully, the Lord offers a better “coming out” – one that produces spiritual freedom, purity, and eternal life.
The Thralldom Of Darkness
Because of our first parents’ fall, all human beings share the same problem of fallenness and brokenness brought about through the effects of sin (Psa. 51:5; Rom. 3:23.) Just as Israel was once enslaved to Egypt, so all humanity is now in bondage to their lusts and rebellious acts against their Creator. As Christ pointedly said: “Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:34–36, ESV, emphasis mine.) Elsewhere He describes Satan’s role in keeping people in captivity: “When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are in peace. But when a stronger than he comes upon him and overcomes him, he takes from him all his armor in which he trusted, and divides his spoils.” (Luke 11:21–22.) As the father of lies, the Devil specializes in deception and blinds people’s minds to the truth (John 8:44; 2 Cor. 4:4.)
Into His Marvelous Light
The Lord Jesus Christ is the light of the world and specializes in opening spiritually blind eyes (John 8:12; 9:25, 30-41.) Through His sacrificial death on the cross and triumphant resurrection, the Lord Jesus liberated these spiritual prisoners (Heb. 2:14-15.) As Colossians 1:13 declares it: “He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love.” In order to receive this deliverance from the dark tyranny of sin and Satan, one must repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. This means that they turn from their sinful life of independence from God, instead choosing to submit to the Lord who purchased them by shedding His blood on the cross. We must change our minds about the Almighty and ourselves. He is right and we are wrong. He is righteous; we are guilty. He is pure and lovely; we are defiled and perverted. Yet the Son of God Himself died for our sins and rose again, proving that they are removed forever. He cleanses the sinner from sins’ taint, as 1 John 1:5-7 explains: “This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:5–7.) Simultaneously, His resurrection vindicates Him as exactly who He said He was: prophet, priest, king, and “God manifest in the flesh” (1 Tim. 3:16; Acts 2:36; Rom 1:4.)
Come Out And Enjoy Real Life
David longed for the Savior to come forth, saying: “Oh, that the salvation of Israel would come out of Zion! When the Lord brings back the captivity of His people, Let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad.” (Psalm 14:7.) Romans 11:26-27 assures us that Israel will one day see this promised deliverance: “And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: ‘The Deliverer will come out of Zion, And He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob; For this is My covenant with them, When I take away their sins.”” (Romans 11:26–27, emphasis mine.)
Like that ancient king, you may be longing for salvation from the corrupting habits that cling to your life. Perhaps you wonder if there is any meaning in life or overarching reason to continue living. Or you may be tired of a dirty conscience. Where will you go after this world?
The Bible presents two alternatives:
1. If we continue to life apart from God, separated by our sins, then we will perish. No matter how much we condone our own actions and the surrounding culture celebrates our supposed self-determination, the end result will be a lost eternity in the punishment of the Lake of fire (Prov. 16:25; Mat. 7:13-23; Rev. 20:11-15.)
2. If we receive Christ through repentance and faith we will go to the Father’s house, and enjoy a glorious life where we are free to know, love, worship, and serve our Maker and Redeemer (John 14:1-6; John 5:24-25; Acts 3:19; Rev. 21-22.) Our bodies will be transformed into glorious bodies fit to be in God’s presence forever and ever (Phil. 3:20-21; 1 Cor. 15:50-57.) What is more, we will be morally pure, utterly delivered from sin’s tyranny and corruption, inwardly and outwardly (1 John 3:1-5.)
To know the true God, who is Father, Son, and Spirit, is to be brought out into magnificent freedom. As the Lord affirms: “Therefore ‘Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.’ ‘I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.’” (2 Corinthians 6:17–18, emphasis mine.) God calls us to know Him and enjoy a life of peace and purity, in this world and in the coming one. May you come to Christ, so that you can sing:
“I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see.”[1]
And
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“Out of my bondage, sorrow, and night, |
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Out of my shameful failure and loss, |
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Out of unrest and arrogant pride, |
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Out of the fear and dread of the tomb, And “Jesus, I come to Thee, A sinner doomed to die; My only refuge is thy cross, Here at thy feet I lie. Can mercy reach my case, And all my sins remove? Break, O my God this heart of stone, And melt it by thy love.”[3] |