This week, those of us in the United States commemorated the Independence Day holiday. It is a memorial of the immense cost paid for our liberties—a reminder that freedom is never free.

Freedom is a powerful notion. So powerful, in fact, that it has motivated generations of young people to give the ultimate sacrifice. As Patrick Henry put it so succinctly, “Give me liberty, or give me death!” In fact, whenever wars are declared, invariably—whether honestly or cynically—freedom is invoked as a justification to do so.

A Celestial War for "Freedom"

Unsurprisingly, this is but a reflection of the universe’s first war. Eons ago, Lucifer instigated his war in heaven under the pretext of freedom. He justified his rebellion as merely an attempt to emancipate the angels from God’s arbitrary and unjust rule. In his recruitment efforts, he convinced our first parents to join his rebellion with the offer to be our own gods and the arbiters of our own standard of right and wrong. (Genesis 3:5)

What he did not disclose was that the cost of this “freedom” would be slavery to sin and death (Genesis 2:17, John 8:34, Romans 6:23).

Every soul that refuses to give himself to God is under the control of another power. He is not his own. He may talk of freedom, but he is in the most abject slavery. He is not allowed to see the beauty of truth, for his mind is under the control of Satan. While he flatters himself that he is following the dictates of his own judgment, he obeys the will of the prince of darkness. - Desire of Ages 466.3

Such deceptive bondage is this, that we can’t even recognize the chains that bind us while thinking we are free!

But praise God that Jesus came to free us from this bondage of sin and death (Romans 8:1-2)! Not with corruptible things like silver or gold, but with His own blood did Christ redeem us (1 Peter 1:18-19). Think of it, our freedom was purchased with the life of the very Son of God. Indeed, freedom is not cheap.

Furthermore, in one of the great spiritual paradoxes of Scripture, we’re told the price to retain our freedom in Christ is to willingly become a slave of God.

But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. Romans 6:22

Jesus Himself said, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:31-32)

Freedom can be preserved only through abiding in the Word of God, following Christ as His disciple, and obeying the Truth He reveals to us. Only then do these words of promise apply, “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” (John 8:36)

All true obedience comes from the heart. It was heart work with Christ. And if we consent, He will so identify Himself with our thoughts and aims, so blend our hearts and minds into conformity to His will, that when obeying Him we shall be but carrying out our own impulses. - Desire of Ages 668.3

The freedom Christ offers is so profoundly comprehensive that not only does it free us from the consequences of sin, but He can transform our natural impulses to be in complete harmony with His will.

When our first instinct is ever to obey the Lord, that is freedom indeed!

Sing, Oh, sing of my Redeemer,

With His blood He purchased me;

On the cross He sealed my pardon,

Paid the debt and made me free!

-P.P. Bliss

Come See Us At ASI!

The 2023 ASI International Convention will be held in Kansas City, MO from August 2-5. The theme this year is, “Revived to Witness.” It will be a time for inspiration, fellowship, and training for service.

The AudioVerse team will be there to record and to exhibit at our booth. If you will be attending, we would love to meet you and to share the latest updates from the ministry. Please come visit us at Booth 315 in the exhibit hall!

To register for the convention, please visit ASIMinistries.org for more information.

Your Help is Needed

AudioVerse is a donor-funded ministry, so your financial support is vital for the advancement of our mission.

If AudioVerse has been a blessing to you and you’d like to partner with us in this important work, you may give at our donate page by credit/debit card or ACH transfer, and if you are concerned about the credit card transaction fees, you may give via our PayPal Giving Fund page . Or you may send a check to AudioVerse at our address below.

Yours in the Blessed Hope,

Alistair Huong

Executive Director

AudioVerse | PO Box 2288 | Collegedale | TN | 37315