Deliverance

So, if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. (John 8:36 NIV) 

Years ago, I read a work of historical fiction, the name of which I cannot remember. It focused on two characters from Jesus’ ministry: the demoniac of the tombs and the prostitute who washed Jesus’ feet with her tears. 

The book was mostly forgettable save for one incident. The two of them became part of those who followed Jesus from place to place. They were there when he was tried and crucified. Like many other disciples, they went away crushed and discouraged. I don’t remember what they thought was going to happen, but execution was not part of anyone’s expectation list. 

The one thing I remember from the book was the reaction of the man from whom the demons had been cast. Since Jesus was clearly not who they thought he was, then believing in him couldn’t produce anything. Therefore, he regarded his companion as still a prostitute. Her past had not really been erased; it would surely resurface now that Jesus was dead. 

The woman (naturally) objected. She too had trouble reconciling Jesus’ death with what had transpired previously, but she knew deep in her heart that she was a changed person. Besides, if she was not changed, that would mean that the man was still possessed by demons. 

Not so, insisted the formerly possessed man. It was clear that he had been delivered because there was no longer a physical manifestation of the demonic activity. But the woman’s character could not so easily be changed since it could not be seen. 

I don’t remember how the book resolved the issue, but we know better, don’t we? We believe that the salvation offered by Jesus is enough to make real and permanent changes in a person’s character. Glory to God! 

What do we do, then, with the claim by Alcoholics Anonymous and others that there is no such thing as a cured alcoholic—that the best we can say is that they are perpetually recovering? 

I understand where they are coming from. While AA acknowledges the help of a “higher power,” ultimately the alcoholic quits by taking certain actions and the help of other people. Whatever exists in the individual’s life—something genetic, personality, childhood trauma—doesn’t necessarily go away in rehab, so there is always the chance of relapse. 

They have a point; Christians should not become arrogant in thinking they have achieved something. However, I think that a believer should be able to live in confidence that we are “more than conquerors” through the power of Christ (Rom 8:37). 

If Jesus has set you free, do not continue to believe you are defeated and just hanging on. Believe that you are a new person and that the old no longer has its grip on you. Do not live in fear that you will fail again.