Chains Are Broken, Lives Are Free

I love hearing the testimonies of fellow believers, for the wonderful truths about what Christ has done for us are countless, and each soul is gripped by a different combination of them in His own timing. I myself have often rejoiced in Spurgeon's reflections on how the Word came alive and was made sweet anew as the Spirit caused him to finally hear and cherish the Truth. My heart sings out that it is true! In His grace, he has indeed opened my eyes to behold wondrous things in His law.

Recently I'm being led to meditate upon the many other truths, those of which I may not personally have a visceral response to, but are true and good nonetheless. Growing up in a loving Christian home, the weight and despair of sin was not a burden I was familiar with. I was barely even aware of the load on my back when it was so graciously removed as Bunyan describes in the Pilgrim's Progress. Luther, on the other hand, speaks often of his wrestling with the wrath of a holy God, how he hated it, and felt hopeless and helpless before the mighty throne. From this place, he comes to see the futility of man ridding himself of the sin that pours out of him. 

“If we allow sin to remain in our conscience and try to deal with it there, or if we look at sin in our heart, it will be much too strong for us and will live on forever. But if we behold it resting on Christ and [see it] overcome by his resurrection, and then boldly believe this, even it is dead and nullified. Sin cannot remain on Christ, since it is swallowed up by his resurrection. Now you see no woulds, no pain in him, and no sign of sin.” “in his suffering Christ makes our sin known and thus destroys it, but through his resurrection he justifies us and deliver us from all sin, if we believe this” 

There is no overcoming the stronghold sin has on us by our own power. We are enslaved in our flesh to evil desires, but these chains (as well as the rotten fruit and righteous wrath that ensued) were put on Christ Jesus himself to be swallowed up by death and resurrection.

 “but pass beyond that and see his friendly heart and how this heart beats with such love for you that it impels him to bear with pain your conscience and your sin. Then your heart will be filled with love for him, and the confidence of your faith will be strengthened.”

With the knowledge of the power of Christ in casting aside our despondence (as much or as little we individually may feel), consider then also the heart of love which was moved to supernatural grace and mercy. The taker of such despair has approached us with gentleness and friendliness. He has not become embittered from the chains and wrath placed upon his back so unjustly, but has rather manifested the fountains of compassion and love that pour forth from His heart.