SALVATION'S REMEDY FOR FEAR AND BONDAGE

"Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same; that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage" (Heb 2:14-15). "For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father" (Rom 8:15).

Devotion 1 of 18

INTRODUCTION

The entrance of sin into the world yielded unfathomable results. Death entered the door with sin, unrelenting in its ruthless rule over humanity. As it is written, "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned" (Rom 5:12). The ruling principle from which salvation delivers us is appropriately called "the law of sin and death" (Rom 8:2). "Death," in this case, is being separated from God. It is being insensitive to Him, lacking an appetite for Him, and feeling at home in "this present evil world" (Gal 1:4).

The "law of sin and death" is a principle that continues to pull men into the vortex of transgression and condemnation. Men are powerless against this law. They must be delivered from it by Divine power. Its presence necessitates Divine intervention, and men are hopeless without that intervention.

The condition of humanity outside of Christ is poignantly described as being "dead in trespasses and sins," living "according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience." It results in men being "by nature the children of wrath" (Eph 2:1-3). Their very persons is subject to God's wrath and indignation. Apart from a Savior and a great salvation there is not one sliver of hope available to them.

One aspect of this death that is frequently overlooked is "fear." This is not the "fear of the Lord," which is "the beginning of wisdom" (Psa 111:10). Rather, this is a fear that confirms the presence of variance with and separation from God. It is first seen in the Edenic paradise, when our transgressing parents first confronted God. You may remember Adam's response when God called out to him, "Where art thou?" When sin and death entered, Adam no longer felt at ease in the presence of the Lord. He was now intimidated by His Creator and Provider. Hear him speak in fear. "I heard Thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself" (Gen 3:9-10).

Those who are inclined to think of sin as deep immorality do well to ponder man's first transgression. It consisted of eating a piece of fruit! Of course, in order to do this, Eve had to listen to Satan. She also had to engage in conversation with him. She had to forget the Divine prohibition, and look upon what God had forbidden. She had to ponder it, think about it, and erroneously conclude the forbidden fruit "was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise" (Gen 3:6). Then, even though Adam was "not deceived" in the whole matter (2 Tim 2:14), he deliberately took the fruit from Eve "and he did eat" (Gen 3:6).

The entire universe was disrupted by that single act! A fear of God entered into the world that was never intended by the Lord–a fear that drives men from God. This fear is revealed in a number of different ways. However it always results in creating a greater distance between God and man. It constrains men to hide from God instead of running to Him or calling upon His name.

This series of devotions will address fear and its association with bondage. My purpose is to show how this type of fear is addressed by God's great salvation, and to assist believers to recognize it does not come from God. The Lord has provided a salvation that encourages the sinner to look to God, call upon Him, and eventually confidently draw near to Him. That is truly a "great salvation," worthy of embracing and proclaiming without any reluctance.

PRAYER POINT: Father, Your Gospel has taught me of Your grace, and deep desire for my fellowship. In Jesus' name, I seek deliverance from any fear that inhibits that fellowship.

-- Tomorrow: THE CONDITION PRODUCED BY SIN: BONDAGE --