Freedom in Christ Jesus is Key

If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed" (John 8:36). Free from what? First, from the power of indwelling sin. Not that the sinful nature is eradicated or even slain, but that the heart is delivered from its dominion. "Being now made free from sin" (Rom. 6:22). That which was once loved, is now hated. Those solicitations which were gladly heeded, are now resisted. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" (Prov. 9:10). None have been made wise unto salvation (2 Tim. 3:15) unless there has been implanted in their hearts a filial respect for God. And, "the fear of the Lord is to hate evil" (Prov. 8:13), and "by the fear of the Lord men depart from evil" (Proverbs 16:6). The heart of a saved person is set upon pleasing God.

Second, the Christian is delivered from the power of the world. "The friendship of the world is enmity with God, whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God" (Jam, 4:4). The friendship of the world consists of indulging worldly lusts, following worldly vanities, fellowshipping with worldlings. It is for the heart to find its satisfaction in the perishing things of time and sense. From this the grace of God delivers its favored subjects, by fixing their heart upon One who is "altogether lovely." Before Christ saves him, a man seeks happiness in the pleasures, honors, or riches of this world; but when He delivers "from this present evil world" (Gal. 1:4), his affections are drawn unto things above. "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world" (1 John 5:4). The heart of a saved person finds its delight in God.