Free At Last
Editorial Perspective
Forty-five years ago, Doctor E. E. Cleveland, Seventh-day Adventist pastor, evangelist and church administrator, wrote a book titled, Free at Last. Having lived much of his life in the deep South, as a black African American he personally knew the injustice of racial prejudice and discriminatory practices. He actively participated in and advocated support of the civil rights movement during the ‘50’s and ‘60’s. However, of much greater importance than freedom from oppression in this world, Cleveland spoke and preached of real freedom from the problems and slavery of sin in this old world. A freedom from the presence of sin that will take place when Jesus Christ returns. As the prophet Isaiah predicted, God’s people in that day will say: “Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.” Isaiah 25:9. (See also I Thessalonians 4:16,17.
Several recent escapes from prison, including that of the Mexican drug lord, ‘El Chapo’ highlight the fact that freedom from being incarcerated is not real freedom. Such fugitives are hunted down until they are killed or returned to prison.
The Devil, through cherished sins/addictions, is seeking to keep us from the lasting freedom God offers. For this reason, Peter counsels: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour.” I Peter 5:8.
The only real freedom in this world and the next, comes through Jesus Christ. He promised: “If the Son therefore shall make you free, you shall be free indeed.” John 8:36. This freedom includes freedom from any and all obsessive thinking and compulsive, harmful behaviors and addictions.
Ray Nelson, MDiv, MSPH
adventistrecovery@gmail.com