Whom the Son Makes Free is Free Indeed.
By A. P. Lawton
God designs that his people should be free—not free to do anything they choose; not free to rebel and find fault with the order of God; but free in the Lord. It is our unbelief, self-will, sloth, pride, covetousness, hatred, envy, jealousy, and intemperance, that binds and casts us into prison. While we hug our chains, no wonder we cry our leanness, for darkness and death are the fruit of these indulgences. Seeing we are looking for so glorious an event as the coming of the Son of man, how careful we should be to depart from all iniquity. We should be honest, open, and frank; no concealment, shrinking or dodging, or desire for it. Our hearts should be cheerfully laid open for the inspection of Him with whom we have to do. We are too near the Judgment to act a deceptive or double part. I see a fullness in Christ. His arms are extended with the invitation, Come unto me. Who will come? The invitation is to all. It is true we have to give all to buy the genuine gold. This we can afford to do. What is all that poor mortal man can have, in comparison with eternal life? We may well afford to give up our dross for such pure gold. The name of Jesus is more lovely to me than all else. No music short of Heaven can so attract. We need not stay packed away in our prison cells. There is a large place for God's people. We owe to the world the light God has given us. Will we let it shine? Now is our time. He demands it. If all who possess these truths stood out in the clear light, what a power they would be in the earth. God help us to press toward the light, and no longer sit in darkness, covering our light with cares of this life. I long to be free. When will all our fetters be broken? When shall we be a city on a hill whose light cannot be hid? May we so live that our light may spring forth speedily. The king's business requires haste.