GRACE BAPTIST CHURCH

ABSOLUTE LIBERTY,
EFFECTUALLY PROCLAIMED

Liberty in Christ
Isaiah 61:1

Don Fortner

Nothing in all the world can be compared to freedom. In just two days almost everyone in the United States will celebrate the blessed freedom and independence of our nation. To win this freedom thousands of men sacrificed their lives. To protect this freedom thousands of others have died. To gain this freedom thousands flood our shores and borders every year. This is the only nation in the world that has to build fences and walls to keep people out. Freedom has enriched our lives. Nothing in all the world can be compared to freedom. Happy are these people who live in freedom! But no one appreciates freedom like one who has escaped from bondage and oppression, tyranny and fear.

• Cuban Refuges.


• Freed Captives – Hostages.


• Freed Slaves.

Obviously, you have not come here to hear and I have not come to talk about political freedom. I have come to talk to you and I hope you are anxious to hear about a freedom that will liberate your soul. My text is Isaiah 61:1. Our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ says, "He (the Lord God) hath sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound." I want to talk to you tonight about Absolute Liberty, Effectually Proclaimed.

Proposition: The Lord Jesus Christ has come into the world to set sinners free – By virtue of his Blood atonement and by the power of his sovereign grace, he effectually proclaims liberty to sinners – "If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed – "May God the Holy Spirit be our Teacher, as I talk to you about this liberty.

As I have already indicated, I am not talking to you about political, economic, or social liberty. I am talking about spiritual liberty, the liberty of your souls.

• Galatians 3:13


• Romans 10:4


• Romans 8:1-4


• Romans 7:1-4


• Romans 6:14-15

• Romans 6:6, 18, 20, 22


• I Peter 4:1

• No more conscience of sins." (Heb. 10:2).


• "The glorious liberty of the sons of God!" (Rom. 8:23).

C. This liberty that Christ gives is a liberty and freedom from the customs, traditions, practices, and pleas of human religion too.

• Colossians 2:20-23


• I Timothy 4:1-6


• II Timothy 3:1-5

• The Liberty of Love.


• The Liberty of Deep Gratitude.


• The Liberty of Voluntary Devotion.

A. It had to be Purchased – Our liberty in Christ is a lawful, legally demanded liberty. We are not escaped felons or runaway slaves. We are the ransomed sons of God.

B. It is a Proclaimed Liberty – Sovereign grace proclaims liberty to the captives and the opening of the prison to them who are bound.

• Proclaimed in the Covenant (Job 34:23).


• Proclaimed in the Gospel.


• Proclaimed in the Heart.

C. It is a Performed Liberty – Christ not only proclaims liberty, he performs it. He sets the captive free!

• Protected by God's Low.


• Protected by God's Spirit.

III. Thirdly, I want to talk to you about The Experience of This Liberty. He Set Me Free!

I like to show you what God says. Then, I like to tell you what I have experienced of what God says. The liberty that Christ gives is:

A. Liberty for Slaves!
B. Liberty for Criminals!
C. Immediate Liberty!
D. Unconditional Liberty! (No Works – No Promises – No Feelings – No Experiences Required!).
E. Everlasting Liberty!

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