None but Jesus can give deliverance to captives. Real liberty comes from him alone.

This is a liberty righteously bestowed! The Son, who is heir of all things, has every right to make men free. The saints honor the justice of God, which now secures their salvation. What a reversal!

But this liberty was dearly purchased. Christ speaks it by his power, yes—but he bought it with his blood. He makes you free, but it is by his own bonds. You go clear because he bore your burden for you. You are set at liberty because he suffered in your stead.

And though dearly purchased, he freely gives it! Jesus asks nothing from us as preparation for this liberty. He finds us sitting in sackcloth and ashes, and bids us put on the beautiful array of freedom. He saves us just as we are, without our help, without our merit.

And when Jesus sets free, the liberty is perpetually entailed—no chains can bind again! Let the Master say to you, "Captive, I have delivered you," and it is done forever. Satan may plot to enslave you, but if the Lord is on your side, whom shall you fear? The world with its temptations may seek to ensnare you, but mightier is he who is for us than all they who are against us. The machinations of your own deceitful heart may harass and annoy you, but he who has begun the good work in you will carry it on and perfect it to the end.

Let the foes of God and the enemies of man gather their hosts together! Let them come with concentrated fury against you! If God acquits, who is he that condemns?

Not more free is the eagle which mounts to its rocky eyrie and afterwards outsoars the clouds than the soul which Christ has delivered. Not more free!

So if we are no more under the law, but free from its curse, let our liberty be practically exhibited in our serving God with gratitude and delight. "I am your servant, Lord, and the son of your handmaid. You have loosed my bonds!" So now we cry, "Lord, what will you have me do?"