Set Free From the Prison of Sin: An Escape We Cannot Make Ourselves

“. . . although He existed in the form of God, He did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (NASB)

Philippians 2:6-8

Dear Friends,

The “Do It Myself” Mindset

When children reach a certain age, they often develop a determined “do it myself” mindset.

Sometimes that attitude carries well into adulthood. While there are many things we can handle on our own, there are also things we simply cannot do alone. The challenge is discerning the difference, and being humble enough to admit the truth.

Finding a way to be set free from the prison of sin, a condition shared by all humanity, is something we cannot accomplish on our own.

An Escape Room Illustration

This truth came to mind recently when Abigail shared an experience she had a few weekends ago. She and a few friends spent an hour in what is popularly known as an escape room.

Later, she described how participants were “locked in a jail cell” and given clues to help them break free.

In less than an hour, the group worked through the hints and eventually discovered the key that released them from their prison.

While this fun challenge encouraged a “do it myself” mindset, the reality is quite different for actual prisoners. People in real jails cannot escape so easily. Numerous security measures keep them incarcerated, and no amount of determination can open those doors.

The only way a prisoner walks free is if someone in authority chooses to unlock the door and escort them out.

Humanity’s Prison of Sin

Spiritually speaking, every human being is born into a prison – one fashioned by sin.

When Adam and Eve disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden, sin entered the world, and death came through sin. They were cast out of their perfect home into a broken world, a prison of their own making.

Since that moment, every person has been born into this sad reality.

There is no human escape plan from the prison of sin. It is a terrible life sentence where no intelligence, effort, or strength can break the chains.

The world continues to stagger under the consequences of sin. Even creation itself groans beneath its weight.

Physical sickness, mental illness, tragedy, natural disasters, wars, crime, broken relationships, and death are only a few reminders of the world’s captivity.

Yet many people still search for a “do it myself” solution to this problem.

Why We Cannot Free Ourselves

No amount of effort can set the prisoner free from this life sentence.

The only opportunity for freedom comes from God.

As the highest authority, He chose to make a way of escape. Knowing we could never free ourselves from the prison of sin, He sent a Redeemer, His Son.

A redeemer is someone who buys back, rescues, or exchanges something to secure another person’s freedom.

Jesus Our Redeemer

In biblical terms, a redeemer must meet three requirements:

• He must be a close relative
• He must have the ability to help
• He must be willing to act

Jesus fulfilled every one of these.

Although He existed in the form of God, He emptied Himself and took on the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men.

He came to earth as a baby so He could share in our humanity.

His human mother, a virgin, conceived by the Holy Spirit. This means Jesus was fully human, able to relate to us, and fully God, powerful enough to save us.

And He did all of this willingly.

He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death – even death on a cross.

Set Free from the Prison of Sin: The Door to Freedom

Through His death and resurrection, Jesus Christ broke the chains of death and made it possible for us to be set free from the prison of sin.

By grace we are saved. Through faith we are released from our dreadful sentence and given new life.

This freedom is not something we achieve through a “do it myself” effort. It is a gift from God.

Today, if you recognize the chains of sin in your life, take courage. There is hope in our Redeemer, Jesus Christ.

He became human so He could relate to us.
He is fully God and mighty to save.
And He is willing to open the prison doors.

Will you turn to Him today?

He holds the keys to life and death . . . and He alone can set you free from the prison of sin.

Love,

Mama

If this message encouraged you, consider sharing it with someone who may need the reminder that Jesus alone can set you free from the prison of sin.