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CAPTIVE - YET FREE - The Reformation Essay Competition winner for 2021

2021-11-10

CAPTIVE - YET FREE

2 Corinthians 5:14-15
“For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and He died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for Him who for their sake died and was raised.”



“My conscience is captive to the Word of God.” How ironic this statement sounds when we look at all the freedoms this conviction has brought. It is because Luther was convinced of this statement that we can enjoy all the freedoms rediscovered and advanced during the Reformation; freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of worship, freedom of the press, freedom of association and freedom of conscience.

How can it be that one man who believed he was captive was actually free? This conviction marked not only Martin Luther, but all the forerunners and children of the Reformation as well. They did not set out to be Reformers. That is not what they wanted to be known as. They only knew that they were not their own and were not free to make their own decisions. They were bought with a high price. They were servants, slaves of their Creator and Redeemer, Jesus. Therefore, they were free, free from the fear of man, free from the fear of death, free to live as they were created to function and live, only in total submission to their loving and holy LORD and His Word.

Think of John Wycliff, known as the father of the Reformation. In spite of all the persecution and danger he endured for translating the Bible and taking the stand that “Holy Scripture is the pre-eminent authority for every Christian”, he stood firm and obeyed his Saviour, continuing his work till his death.

Or think about Ann Askew, a daughter of the Reformation. Even though her love for Christ and the truth of His Word cost her severe torture and ultimately death at the stake, it was the love of Christ that set her free from fear and bitterness towards her persecutors. It was said that she endured the intense suffering and the cruelties of her persecutors with patient sweetness. When she was mercilessly stretched on the rack, she endured it in silence. One witness to her death reported: “She had an angels’ countenance and a smiling face.”

Oh, what freedom both Wycliff and Ann experienced, the freedom to live and love as Christ commanded, no matter the cost. As Ray Nothstine, commenting on the Reformation, accurately wrote: “While the translation of the Bible and particularly the English Bible played a pivotal role in the whole framework of the equality of man, … freedom to the Reformers did not mean a freedom of selfishness or hedonism. In their mind, freedom was oriented not towards the self, but towards God and serving the Church. True freedom was cultivated and strengthened through responsibility and a virtuous life.”
It would be false to say that this mindset of being captive to Christ and therefore being free, originated in the period of the Reformation. Much earlier in history, dating back to the 1st century, we find examples such as Polycarp and Perpetua. They boldly and unashamedly proclaimed that they were not free to serve any other god or human because of their service to the King of kings. Polycarp boldly proclaimed to his interrogators: "Eighty-six years have I served Him, and He has done me no wrong. How can I blaspheme my King who has saved me?" His refusal to renounce Christianity ultimately led him to a martyr’s death, being burned at the stake.

In the same way, Perpetua, when her father begged her to renounce her faith in Christ, answered: “It is impossible that I be called anything than what I am, a Christian.” Witnesses of her martyrdom in the arena described Perpetua as being “with shining countenance and calm step, as beloved of God, as a bride of Christ, putting down everyone’s stare by her own intense gaze.” Her bold testimony, “I am a Christian and cannot deny Christ”, testifies of a conviction that she was not her own. Her life and decisions were governed by her Lord and Christ, the One who gave His life for her and now would give her the power to obey, even though it would cost Perpetua her life.
It was in this same captivity that the early Christians, dating back to the apostles, found their freedom. As Paul wrote to the Corinthians in 2 Corinthians 5:14-15: “For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and He died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for Him who for their sake died and was raised.”

An even better, more captivating and heart-warming example is where Jesus Himself teaches us in Matthew 11:28-30, saying: “Come unto Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

The yoke signifies service and being under the authority and influence of another. The yoke constrains the occupant and keeps him going in the right direction. How wonderful it is to see that when we come under His yoke, it will actually be freedom. Freedom from the power of sin, satan and the world. Freedom to live and love as He created us. Freedom to speak courageously when we should, without the fear of man. How can we refuse Jesus’ invitation to take His yoke upon us, when we understand that it is His love that constrains and controls us?

I am reminded of the old hymn written by George Matheson in 1890: “Make me a captive, Lord and then I shall be free. Force me to render up my sword and I shall conqueror be. I sink in life’s alarms, when by myself I stand. Imprison me within Thine arms and strong shall be my hand.”

May we all find that freedom that Matheson talks about. May our desire be that our LORD would hold us captive, for only then we can truly be free. I would like to leave you with this quote by Paul Washer: “The freest man on the face of the earth is the one who makes himself a slave to a perfect Master.

1 Peter 2:16
“Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servant of God.”



By Carien Fourie


Sources;
Bible (ESV) - Matthew 11:28-30, 2 Corinthians 5:14-15, 1 Peter 2:16
Victorious Christians who changed the World - Book by Peter Hammond
My Yoke Is Easy – Article by Joshua Jarvis(jrjarvis.com)
This is War – Sermon by Paul Washer
Make Me A Captive, Hymn – hymnary.org


This essay won first place for Reformation Essay Completion 2021. To view pictures of the Home education Fair and Variety Concert where participants were awarded please visit: Home Educators Network facebook page

Dr Peter Hammond
Reformation Society
P O Box 74, Newlands, 7725
Cape Town, South Africa
Tel: (021) 689-4480
E-mail: info@ReformationSA.org
Website: www.ReformationSA.org


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