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The High Cost of Freedom

Jul 05, 2015

Passage:Revelation 1:4-6

Detail:

The High Cost of Freedom

Revelation 1:4-6 ESV

(4)  John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne,

(5)  and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood

(6)  and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

 

1. Societal and Political Freedom

Major Sullivan Ballou’s Letter

July 14, 1861, Camp Clark, Washington

My very dear Sarah:
The indications are very strong that we shall move in a few days—perhaps tomorrow. Lest I should not be able to write again, I feel impelled to write a few lines that may fall under your eye when I shall be no more . . .

I have no misgivings about, or lack of confidence in the cause in which I am engaged, and my courage does not halt or falter. I know how strongly American Civilization now leans on the triumph of the Government and how great a debt we owe to those who went before us through the blood and sufferings of the Revolution. And I am willing—perfectly willing—to lay down all my joys in this life, to help maintain this Government, and to pay that debt . . .
 

O thus be it ever when freemen shall stand

Between their lov’d home and the war’s desolation!

Blest with vict’ry and peace may the heav’n rescued land

Praise the power that hath made and preserv’d us a nation!

Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,

And this be our motto - “In God is our trust,”

And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave

O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

2. Our Spiritual Freedom

Revelation 1:4-6 ESV

(4)  John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne,

(5)  and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood

(6)  and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

John 8:32-36 ESV

(32)  and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

(33)  They answered him, "We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, 'You will become free'?"

(34)  Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.

(35)  The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever.

(36)  So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

Galatians 5:1 ESV

(1)  For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

Galatians 5:13-14 ESV

(13)  For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

(14)  For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."