Freedom and the Bridge to Eternity. Freedom is one of the core values we hold dear to our heart as humans, regardless of where we’re from. In America, the Founding Fathers made sure the right to freedom was in the Constitution as the First Amendment. Freedom has been one of the cornerstones of the foundation of the United States.
There are many types of freedoms and several ways you can look at freedom.
Freedom from Debt. Being debt free is one of my biggest goals in life as it is for many. But there is one debt we all have that will never be paid off which is the debt to love others. The Bible says in Romans 13:8 (NLT) to “Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law.”
Freedom to Assemble. In America, we value the freedom to gather peacefully to celebrate or demonstrate in support of others. Unfortunately, lately we have witnessed the riots and looting that started with peaceful protests and the rioters infiltrated the protests ending with cities and businesses burnt down The behavior of few always affects the majority and impacts the level of freedom we can enjoy.
Freedom of Speech. Once again, Americans value the freedom of speech. But lately, that freedom has taken a turn into insulting others in public and imposing some people’s beliefs unto others. These behaviors and situations take us back to the Scripture above. The Bible tells us to not be in debt of any kind except for your obligation to love one another—that’s the key. The only thing we owe to others is to love them which is exactly the opposite of what’s going on in America right now.
Freedom of Religion. One main reason the original people who fled to America came for was precisely to obtain freedom of religion… But that religion was Christianity. Therefore, this country was founded in Christian principles based on the Bible. These days other religions are being imposed upon Christians and we are losing the freedom to practice Christianity, which is the founding religion of America. When foreigners come to a new country, they should not impose their own religion in the hosting country. The same way, when immigrants go to another country, they must learn the language of that country and not impose their language on the people who were born in that country.
But there is the most important freedom to have—Freedom of Spirit. The only way to obtain true freedom is through Jesus Christ. He gives us the gift of freedom from sin and ultimately, freedom from death. Jesus came to earth in human form so He could experience death just like us. But He rose from the dead and that’s how He beat death once and for all. When we know the truth of salvation, we obtain the gift of true freedom.
You can be the wealthiest individual on earth, have zero debt, have freedom of speech, be free to gather, and possess all the other freedoms. But you are not truly free because you are a slave to sin and you have not accepted the gift of salvation which gives you the ticket to freedom in eternity.
On the other hand, you can be in a physical jail, chained to the ground, like Paul was, and be completely free. Why? Because you know that if the worst thing that could happen to you—which is death—happens, you know where you’re going. You know you’re going to be free and spend eternity with God in heaven. How do you know that? Because when you accept Jesus in your heart as your Lord and Savior, you receive Him.
Paul’s words to Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:8-10 tell us to:
Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach. And because I preach this Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained. So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen.
The Bridge to Eternity
The Bible tells us that Jesus is the only way to the Father and that no one goes to the Father if it not through Him. In John 14:6, Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” It cannot be clearer!
If you want to be truly free in your life, say “yes” to Jesus. The invitation is open for you but it won’t be forever as there will be a time of reconciliation with the things of God. The time is now short. Don’t miss your cue and accept Jesus’ invitation to be free of sin forever, to be truly free!
The gateway to heaven for each person is Jesus and those of us who have accepted his gif of salvation have the responsibility to tell everyone. It’s our primary job as Christians and we are commanded to do so! Building bridges means building relationships with others so we can show them “The Bridge.” So we can show them the way to eternity by personally introducing them to Jesus.
I leave you with Matthew 28:18-20: Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given complete authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”