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Question
Is there a difference with "Set free, Set at Liberty
(Lk 4:18 & Made free?" (Jn 8:36).
I do hope you are able to explain it to me.
Thank you for your assistance.
Hi Sandra,
The context of Jn. 8:36 is freedom from the bondage of sin, v. 31-36.
The context of Lk. 4:18 is the same, "to preach deliverance to the captives".
By accepting Christ's sacrifice for our sins, we are "free" from the death penalty for all sins up to the point of our conversion (Eze. 18:4, 20). Sins that we commit after conversion are to be repented of daily (Mat. 6:11-12).
Without genuine repentance, baptism into the name of Christ, and receiving the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands, it is difficult if not impossible to overcome sins. Paul called it a "captivity", Rom. 7:23. Also referring to sin (2Pet. 2:14), Peter calls it "bondage" (v.19).
Within the scriptures we do not see a difference mentioned between these two scriptures.
Paul discusses some difference between the "children of the bondwoman" and "the children of the free" (Gen. 21:1-13, Abraham's descendants through Ishmael versus those through Jacob/Israel), which is a reference to the difference between promises to Israel (Abraham's descendants through Jacob) and the Gentiles (which includes not only Ishmael, but all the other nations of the world). (Gal. 4:22-23, 30-31).
Gentiles who accept Christ and are converted are considered to be "grafted" into Israel and are considered "spiritual" children of Abraham (Gal. 3:26-29).
The Jews at the time of Christ seemed surprised that salvation was being offered to Gentiles, but it had been from the start (Ex. 12:49, Lev. 24:22, Num. 15:16, 29. Rahab (the harlot who helped the Israelites at Jericho), Ruth (from the book of Ruth), were both Gentiles and both were ancestors of Joseph, and Mary (mother of Christ Mat. 1, Lk.3).
We hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Mel and Guyna
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Mel and Guyna Horne
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Anyone can read the Bible but sometimes it helps to have someone assist with the understanding (Acts 8:26-40). Truth comes from God through his holy spirit of truth (Jn. 16:13, 1Cor. 2:12), which is available to anyone who believes, repents and seeks God fervently and wholeheartedly, with humility, faith and persistence (Mat. 7:7, Deu. 4:29, Isa. 66:2, Jas. 4:1-10, Phil. 2:12). Truth is not limited to, or by, man’s religious organizations, church traditions, popular beliefs or personal opinions (Jn. 8:32, 14:6). We will try to help anyone who is trying to understand scripture or Christian living. [Please do not submit homework questions as they will be rejected.]
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