Jesus Proclaims Liberty to the Captives (Modernized)

by Thomas Boston

To proclaim liberty to the captives. Isaiah 61:1

Now, let's look at His mission concerning those who lack any good in them, those who are complete strangers to Him, living in their natural state. He is appointed to announce freedom to the captives. In these words, consider:

1. Man's natural state: It's a state of captivity. They are captives to Satan: 2 Timothy 2:26, 'And that they may come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.' Satan is the tyrant whose captives they are, who has dragged them away from the light of God's favour and keeps them trapped in his domain, being the god of this world. Consider,

2. Christ's mission with respect to them: It's to announce freedom to them, Luke 4:18, 'To proclaim freedom for the captives.' These two are indeed the same. The word for freedom or deliverance in Luke's account is properly discharging or setting free, that is, giving liberty. The words for preaching and proclaiming signify crying out and can be used for either preaching or proclaiming. And what is preaching but declaring in the name of the King of Heaven? Thus, this relates to Christ's kingly office. From this part of the subject, we derive the following doctrines:

DOCTRINE I: Sinners in their natural, unregenerate state are captives of Satan. DOCTRINE II: Jesus Christ, with the express consent of His Father, has issued His royal proclamation of liberty to Satan's captives."

We begin with DOCTRINE I: Sinners in their natural, unregenerate state are captives of Satan. To illustrate this doctrine, we shall consider:

I. How sinners in their natural state become captives of Satan. II. What their condition is as captives of Satan. III. The characteristics of this captivity, and then, IV. Apply these insights to our understanding of the subject.

Firstly, I. Let's consider how sinners in their natural state become captives of Satan. They become his captives:

1. As those taken in warfare; 2 Peter 2:19, "A man is a slave to whatever has mastered him." Satan, having declared war against Heaven, malevolently attacked our first parents in paradise, and thus all of mankind within them. He saw them as allies of heaven and gained the victory. In this regard, he continues to pursue his victory, driving the unredeemed world before him as prisoners of war, referred to as his lawful captives, Isaiah 49:24. They have become his captives because:

2. They are born as his captives, being born of those whom he overcame and held captive. As such, they are expressly called the children of hell, Matthew 23:15. Many of those held captive in Babylon had never seen Canaan, having been born in that country. They were captives no less than their parents, and that by their birth. Similarly, Adam's descendants are naturally born under Satan's power, Acts 26:18. When a slave under the law married within his master's house, even though he gained his freedom after seven years, the children remained the master's, being born in his house and couldn't be freed without specific emancipation for them, Exodus 21:4. In the same way, even the children of godly parents are by nature Satan's captives; children of Abraham, yet children of the devil. To the Jews, our Saviour said, "You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desires," John 8:44.

Secondly, II. Let's examine what their condition is as captives of Satan. Regarding this, we note:

1. Every unregenerate person is moved from their original place into Satan's realm, his kingdom of darkness. This is why believers are said to have been "turned from the power of Satan to God" (Acts 26:18). Again, in Colossians 1:13, "God has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves." Sinners are not in the place where God originally situated them; they have been relocated into another kingdom. Like the prodigal son, they have left their father's house and travelled to a distant country where they have squandered their wealth (Luke 15:13). They are far from God, his covenant, and his Son. Unconverted soul, you are in Satan's kingdom - a bleak and gloomy kingdom where sin, darkness, and death reign, where there is no glimmer of saving light or life. If you were to wake from your dream, you would see this reality; a kingdom with which God will eternally be at war; and you are an unfortunate citizen of that kingdom.

2. They are plundered and robbed of all that is valuable, as captives tend to be; Revelation 3:17 states, "You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realise that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked." The light of the mind, the righteousness of the will, the holiness of the affections, all are lost, all have become spoils and prey to the demonic conqueror. You are now a poor captive who has nothing truly good left, nothing that the chains of hell have not forced you to surrender.

3. They are stripped, as has also been an age-old custom with captives. As the prophet Isaiah walked for three years naked, as a sign and wonder upon Egypt and Ethiopia (Isaiah 20:3,4), so did the king of Assyria take these nations captive, naked and barefoot. It is a distressing sight to see brave men, who were resplendent in gleaming attire and armour at the start of a battle, fallen into the hands of their enemies, stripped and driven away naked before the victors. It is even more distressing to see precious souls stripped by Satan of their original righteousness, and driven away before him, with no covering but rags, filthy rags (Revelation 3:17). This, O sinner, is the shameful and perilous situation you are in as Satan's captive.

4. They are no longer their own masters, but under the power of the conqueror (2 Timothy 2:26, "and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will"). Their freedom is gone, and they are slaves to the worst of masters. Do not be surprised that many a poor sinner is at Satan's command, going against reason and conscience, serving the devil, to their own visible destruction. Alas, they are captives, not free, but must go as he directs them. Romans 7:23 states, "But I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner to the law of sin at work within me."

5. If they acquire anything of value, they cannot retain it; it is seized from them by the conqueror. As the Babylonians oppressed and taunted the Israelites when they took them captive, so does Satan oppress and taunt his captives (Psalm 137:3). Occasionally, the unregenerate individual experiences a sudden awareness of sin or duty, which induces feelings of remorse for sin and resolves to amend their life; however, these do not endure. Alas, how can they persist, while they remain Satan's captives, who will not allow them to contemplate these thoughts any more than Pharaoh would tolerate the Israelites considering leaving his service. Indeed, he does not rest until they have dismissed these thoughts.

6. They are so securely held that they cannot escape; they are retained by the strong man under the power of darkness (Colossians 1:13). A chasm exists between them and all spiritual good, preventing them from crossing. Satan has his guards on them, preventing their escape to return to the Lord. He has them shackled with various lusts, which they cannot shake off. In short, nothing less than a power stronger than all the powers of hell can pave the way for a captive's deliverance.

Lastly, if they even attempt to escape, they are watched more closely, stronger guards are placed on them, and they are burdened with more tasks; as Pharaoh did with the Israelites, so the devil does with his captives (Romans 7:9-11). Hence, many never stray so far as after participating in holy communion, experiencing convictions, or during periods of more than usual seriousness, as the powers of hell band together to halt the escapee. We now move on,

III. To discuss the characteristics of this captivity. Here we observe that it is,

1. It's a spiritual captivity, a captivity of the soul. The soul is the most precious part of a person; therefore, its captivity must be the most lamentable. All human captivity, even if they were captives to the most cruel nations, extends only to the body. For the one whose body is under the control of another, their soul and thoughts remain as free as anyone else's. But Satan lays his chains upon the inner man, and regardless of how the body is treated, he maintains a firm grip on the individual, as long as he holds the soul. And,

2. It's a universal captivity. It extends to all the powers and faculties of the soul, the inner man. The mind of an unregenerate person is Satan's captive; 1 Corinthians 2:14 says, "The unspiritual man does not receive the gifts of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned." The Lord designed the human mind to guide us towards happiness, to distinguish between sin and duty, and to steer us through the various obstacles that stand between us and our heavenly destination. But when mankind and Satan clashed, the mind was wounded by the deceiver's trickery (Genesis 3:5), falling into the enemy's hands who stole its light and plunged sinners into darkness. Thus, they are said to be in darkness (Ephesians 5:8). They cannot see the way to escape, and yet, a false light is kindled in the mind, which misleads the soul into traps and snares, making it confuse good for evil and vice versa. They end up "taking pride in their shameful actions, focusing on earthly things" (Philippians 3:19). Similarly, the will is his captive. They have a heart of stone (Ezekiel 36:26). The Lord created this faculty with righteousness and aligned it with His own will, but it also fell into the enemy's hands, who bent it in the wrong direction so severely that no created power can straighten it; hence, 2 Thessalonians 3:5 says, "May the Lord lead your hearts into God's love." Only He can do it. Satan grips it so tightly that it cannot move outside the circle of evil he has drawn around it, nor can it will anything genuinely good in a proper manner: Philippians 2:13 says, "It is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose." Satan has bound it with such heavy chains that it cannot come to Christ at His call any more than a mountain of brass can move towards a man at his beckon. "No one," says Jesus, "can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him." Moreover, the affections are also Satan’s captives; Genesis 6:5 says, "The Lord observed the extent of human wickedness on the earth, and he saw that everything they thought or imagined was consistently and totally evil." The affections, created perfectly holy, were subjected to the guidance of the mind, and the command of the will, and were installed in the soul to carry out its holy designs and will. But they too were captured in this war with hell; freed from their obligation to the understanding and will, but nailed to Satan’s door-posts to serve him and his work in the soul forever; thus, they have no desire for wisdom, and can have no heart for it. But an unregenerate man's joys and delights are confined within the scope of worldly things, along with his desires, sorrows, and all his other affections.

3. It's a harsh and painful captivity. Even the Egyptians and Babylonians never treated their captives as harshly as Satan treats his. He keeps them busy, even to the point of working towards their own downfall, resisting what's good for them, and tirelessly digging their own graves. Their constant task is to satisfy their lusts, to neglect their souls; and the goal of their master is that the one may bring about the ruin of the other. Their daily job is to set traps for themselves, forge chains that bind them to destruction, and dig pits from which they may never escape. As long as sin is their occupation, they harm their own souls (Proverbs 8:36) and show a love for death. This captivity is,

4. A perpetual captivity. A few years of captivity among humans is dreadful, and people will do whatever they can to be ransomed. But this conqueror will never release his captives unless they are freed by Almighty power. Death at most frees other captives; as Job 3:18, 19 says, "There the prisoners rest together, they do not hear the oppressor's voice; the slave is free from his master." But those who die as Satan's captives are far from being free; instead, they are bound to him forever and ever.

5. Finally, it's a voluntary captivity, which makes it all the more hopeless; 2 Timothy 2:26 says, "They are taken captive by Satan at his will." They don't need to be forced. They not only go, but they run at his call: Romans 3:15 says, "Their feet are swift to shed blood." Although they were captured in war and born as captives, he is now their master by their own consent and choice, as they choose to serve the devil and can't be persuaded to surrender themselves to the Lord. It's a captivating captivity. The sinner, once captive to Satan, never yearns for freedom unless grace changes their heart. They take pride in the symbols of their enslavement, love their tasks wholeheartedly, and are content with their condition. The gracious proclamation of liberty by Christ echoes in their ears; but they say, 'I love my master, I will not go out free.' We now move on to,

IV. To draw some practical lessons,

Firstly, in a use of conviction. Be aware then, and accept, O unconverted sinner, that you are the devil's captive. Aren't there many who've never worried about their spiritual state, who've never experienced anything like a work of grace or conversion in their spirits? Many in whom their hopeful beginnings have completely faded? I would say to every such person, you've been hearing about the state of the devil's captives, and you are that person, as firmly in his power as prisoners of war are in the hands of their captors. You won't believe it, and this is both your sin and your misery, Revelation 3:17. You may be quick to defend yourselves and defy the devil; even though you've never been delivered from the power of darkness and brought into the kingdom of God's dear Son through regenerating grace, Colossians 1:13. But this is Satan's way with his captives, to blind them; 2 Corinthians 4:4 states, "The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God."

Do you think it's only those who practice witchcraft who are the devil's captives? No, Satan may have full possession of your soul, even if you don't recognise his influence. Even religious and prayerful people, those who make a show of righteousness and sobriety, and those who have adopted a strict way of life or professed religious faith, may still be children of hell, as Jesus called the Scribes and Pharisees in Matthew 23:15. All unregenerate individuals are children of wrath and the devil's captives. He is "the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience;" and they are "the children of wrath," Ephesians 2:2, 3. Will you take what was said before to heart for your own conviction? —Examine yourselves.

1. Are you not, O unconverted sinner, carried away from God's gracious presence, into the kingdom of Satan, the kingdom of darkness? What do you know of the light of God's countenance shining on your soul? Surely you were once in darkness, Ephesians 5:8. Has any spiritual, saving light shone in your soul yet? Has the long night of your natural state seen a dawn yet? Or are you still in the state in which you were born? If you're not in darkness, what accounts for your sinful actions, and your failure to recognise the surpassing worth of Christ?

2. Have you not been robbed and stripped of your spiritual adornments? Where are the enlightenment of the mind, the righteousness of the will, the holiness of the affections, which humans had before they fell into the enemy's hands, and which are restored to some degree to those redeemed by the Lord?

3. Are you free to practise righteousness? Are you not under the power of the conqueror? Why is it then that you have no power to resist temptation, that Satan can so easily lead you down a path you know to be wrong, against both reason and conscience! Are not your lusts upon you like shackles, preventing you from moving away from worldly things towards God?

4. Do you not quickly lose any beginnings of good that you sometimes encounter? You hear the word, but do the birds not snatch it away from you? Haven't all your convictions and resolutions gradually faded like a morning mist? How quickly has all the commotion within you quietened, and you've fallen back in love with your vices as much as ever!

Accept the conviction then, for those who've never seen themselves as Satan’s captives, have never truly become Christ’s freed people, John 8:32, 33, 44, 45. What do you think, is the work of grace in the soul as fleeting as a morning dream? Are the devil’s captives set free without ever realising that they were his captives? How can a soul accept the proclaimed liberty to the captives, if they never recognised their condition?—Remember, this realisation is the first step to your freedom. The gospel is sent “to open your eyes, and to turn you from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that you may receive forgiveness of sins, and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith that is in Christ,” Acts 26:18. Christ’s Spirit begins his work with conviction of sin and misery. He makes the captives see where they are, who they belong to, and what their situation is. This awakens them from their lethargy, makes them value this liberty; it makes them eager to follow their liberator; “O Israel, you have destroyed yourself, but in me is your help.”—This subject may be used,

Secondly, as a call to action.

O captive exiles! Hasten to be freed, so that you may not die in the pit, and that your sustenance may not fail, Isaiah 51:14. Stir yourselves to regain your freedom, and no longer remain comfortable in your captive state. Bear in mind,

1. That a short period of staying in this state will put you beyond the reach of freedom: Ecclesiastes 9:10, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, where you are going.” Your life is uncertain, and if death takes you in this condition, you will be brought to the lower prison, and then bid farewell to liberty forever; Luke 13:24, 25, “Strive to enter in at the narrow gate, for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. When once the master of the house has risen up, and has shut the door, and you begin to stand outside, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us, and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not, where you are from.” The servant under the law, though he refused his freedom at the end of six years, yet received it in the year of jubilee. But whoever in this life refuses to leave Satan’s service, shall never see a time after for it. And when you are caught in the net, it will be without remedy; it will be of no comfort to think that you didn't imagine it would have come to this. Consider,

2. That now is the time of freedom; 2 Corinthians 6:2, “Behold now is the accepted time! Behold, now is the day of salvation!” Christ has paid a ransom for Satan’s captives and freedom is announced in the gospel. Seize this moment of grace, and follow the deliverer in response to the gracious proclamation. Listen to what Christ is saying to you, Song of Solomon 2:10, "Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.”

DOCTRINE II. Jesus Christ, with the explicit agreement of his Father, has issued his royal declaration of freedom to those held captive by Satan. “He has sent me to proclaim freedom to the captives.”

To elucidate this doctrine, we shall, I. Show what this declaration is. II. Explain what freedom is declared in the gospel to those held captive by Satan. III. Mention some of the details associated with this declaration. And then, IV. Include the application of the subject. We are, I. To show what this declaration is. This royal declaration, issued by Jesus Christ, is the gospel, the good news of salvation. The gospel is the announcement from the King of heaven to poor sinners, in which he declares freedom to all those held captive by Satan, to whom it comes. The law places the heavy burden of the curse upon sinners, the gospel brings the offer of freedom. Here we observe,

1. That it is a jubilee-declaration. The law of jubilee, which occurred every fiftieth year, when seven cycles of seven years were completed, is stated in Leviticus 25:10, “Consecrate the fiftieth year and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you; each of you is to return to your family property and to your own clan.” It was declared by the sound of the trumpet, on the day of atonement, verse 9, when all the poor slaves gained their freedom, regardless of whether their masters were willing to release them or not; and all those who had been forced to mortgage or sell their lands returned to their ownership once again. It was a declaration that brought joy to many hearts. Now, the gospel is such a declaration, and its time is the year of jubilee. Jesus came, according to Isaiah 61:2, “To proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn;” compare this with 2 Corinthians 6:2, “Behold, now is the time of God's favour! Behold, now is the day of salvation!” What wonderful news, sinners, there was a day of atonement on the cross, and now the trumpet of the gospel sounds, and there is a declaration, stating that those held captive by Satan may now gain their freedom, even if their master is not willing to let them go; that the mortgaged inheritance of heaven and God’s favour, although forfeited, may be possessed; poor criminals and bankrupts may return to them again.

2. It is a conqueror's declaration to captives. The king of Babylon took the Jews captive, and held them for seventy years; but God raised up Cyrus, as detailed in Isaiah 45:1–4, who overturned the Babylonian empire. The fall of that kingdom was the liberation of the Jews, for he declared freedom for them to return to their own land. This was also a precursor of the gospel-declaration. Satan waged war against humankind, took everyone captive into his kingdom; and there was no one to rescue them. But King Jesus challenged him, defeated all his forces, overthrew his kingdom, and took the kingdom for himself; as stated in Colossians 2:15, “And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” 1 John 3:8 says, “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work.” Now, having secured his throne, his royal declaration is released, so that those held captive by Satan may return to the kingdom of God. We shall now,

II. Explain what freedom is declared in the gospel to those held captive by Satan. This is the primary theme of the declaration; and for you to appreciate the wealth of this declaration, understand that Christ through the gospel declares to every poor sinner to whom it comes,

1. Freedom from the power and enslavement of Satan; Acts 26:18, “He turns them from the power of Satan to God.” Anyone who is willing to leave their old master, the devil, may leave without his permission. You are welcomed by Jesus the conqueror, and the defeated tyrant will not have the power to keep you. Now, “The Spirit and the bride say, 'Come!' And let the one who hears say, 'Come!' Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.” Revelation 22:17. He may be strong, but there is one stronger than he, who will break his yoke off your necks, cause his iron shackles to fall apart, like ropes burnt by fire. And though he will be pestering you as long as you are here, he will never regain his former power over you, and you will eventually be completely free from even his slightest disturbance; “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” Romans 16:20. He declares,
    
2. Freedom from the law as a contract of works; Romans 6:14, “You are not under the law, but under grace.” Those held captive by Satan are under the law as a contract of works, and it places a heavy burden on them, namely, perfect obedience, under the threat of the curse: Galatians 3:10, “For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, as it is written: ‘Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.’” They took this curse with them when they were taken captive, and it stays with them until they are freed from it. Now, Christ declares freedom from this curse, offers to bring sinners from under the dominion of the law, to be under grace, where there is no curse; Galatians 3:13, “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law.” Here they are provided with righteousness attributed to them, and they are not required to attain it by their own works! And in the event of sinning, the harshest penalty is paternal punishment; Psalm 89:30–33. Thus, he offers to remove the law's yoke, to set you beyond

3. Freedom from the dominion and servitude of sin; Romans 6:14, “Sin shall not be your master.” All those held captive by Satan are the servants of sin. It doesn't just dwell in them, as it does in the best of us, but it reigns over them, fills their hearts and hands continually with its work, so that they can do nothing but sin; Psalm 14:3, “All have turned away, all have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.” Sin imposes its commands on them, which are laws they cannot dispute but must obey; it has various desires in the heart, which are chains binding them as captives, the levers by which it controls them, and drags them after it. Now, Christ declares freedom from this, and his Spirit brings it about; Romans 8:2, “Because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” He will break sin's dominion, release the chains of unmortified desires, and set the prisoners free; John 8:32, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” And though sin may linger for a while, like an unwanted guest, he will eventually eradicate it completely. He declares,
    
4. Freedom from the damaging influence of this present evil world; Galatians 1:4, “Who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father.” This world has a destructive influence on those held captive by Satan. The things of this world lead to their downfall, its pleasures are lethal; Proverbs 1:32, “For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them;” their blessings turn into curses; the world's disappointments are ensnaring and destructive. The god of this world taints every pleasure with poison. The people of this world are ruining each other; and thus it is said, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation;” Acts 2:40. There is a plague in Satan's household, and each member serves to infect another, to transmit sin and death to their fellow. But Jesus declares freedom from this place of disease; you may be extracted from it, Jesus will snatch you like a brand from the fire; why remain in it, while he declares freedom for you from it? Jesus declares,
    
5. Freedom from the fear, the terror of death and hell; Hebrews 2:15, “And free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.” Those held captive by Satan may for a time feel secure, fearing nothing; but as soon as their conscience awakens, they will be filled with horror, seeing the approach of death and hell; they can have no comforting view of life beyond. Christ declares freedom from this; if you will come to him, your conscience will be soothed with the sprinkling of his blood, you will be placed beyond the possibility of perishing; he will be your all-powerful Saviour. He declares,
    
6. Freedom from the sting of death and the harm of afflictions. Though Christ, in his gracious declaration, does not promise that those who obey his call will never be afflicted; yet he promises that afflictions will not harm them, but instead will benefit them; Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose;” and though they die, death shall be stingless for them; John 8:51,
    
7. Freedom from the dominion and servitude of sin; Romans 6:14, “Sin shall not be your master.” All those held captive by Satan are the servants of sin. It doesn't just dwell in them, as it does in the best of us, but it reigns over them, fills their hearts and hands continually with its work, so that they can do nothing but sin; Psalm 14:3, “All have turned away, all have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.” Sin imposes its commands on them, which are laws they cannot dispute but must obey; it has various desires in the heart, which are chains binding them as captives, the levers by which it controls them, and drags them after it. Now, Christ declares freedom from this, and his Spirit brings it about; Romans 8:2, “Because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” He will break sin's dominion, release the chains of unmortified desires, and set the prisoners free; John 8:32, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” And though sin may linger for a while, like an unwanted guest, he will eventually eradicate it completely. He declares,
    
8. Freedom from the damaging influence of this present evil world; Galatians 1:4, “Who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father.” This world has a destructive influence on those held captive by Satan. The things of this world lead to their downfall, its pleasures are lethal; Proverbs 1:32, “For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them;” their blessings turn into curses; the world's disappointments are ensnaring and destructive. The god of this world taints every pleasure with poison. The people of this world are ruining each other; and thus it is said, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation;” Acts 2:40. There is a plague in Satan's household, and each member serves to infect another, to transmit sin and death to their fellow. But Jesus declares freedom from this place of disease; you may be extracted from it, Jesus will snatch you like a brand from the fire; why remain in it, while he declares freedom for you from it? Jesus declares,
    
9. Freedom from the fear, the terror of death and hell; Hebrews 2:15, “And free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.” Those held captive by Satan may for a time feel secure, fearing nothing; but as soon as their conscience awakens, they will be filled with horror, seeing the approach of death and hell; they can have no comforting view of life beyond. Christ declares freedom from this; if you will come to him, your conscience will be soothed with the sprinkling of his blood, you will be placed beyond the possibility of perishing; he will be your all-powerful Saviour. He declares,
    
10. Freedom from the sting of death and the harm of afflictions. Though Christ, in his gracious declaration, does not promise that those who obey his call will never be afflicted; yet he promises that afflictions will not harm them, but instead will benefit them; Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose;” and though they die, death shall be stingless for them; John 8:51, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, if a man keep my saying, he shall never see death.” So that they may meet it with that triumphant song; 1 Cor. 15:55, “O death! where is thy sting? O grave! where is thy victory?” It shall not be to them what it is to Satan’s captives: the serpent’s sting, with which it kills the serpent’s seed, shall be taken away ere it comes near them. Jesus proclaims,
     
11. Freedom from the power of the grave; 1 Corinthians 15:55, as quoted earlier. Verse 57, “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Those held captive by Satan are kept in their graves as in prisons; and when they arise from them at the resurrection, death and the power of the grave will still cling to them; so that they will merely transition from one grave to a worse one, namely, the lake of fire. But those ransomed by Christ, who heed his proclamation of freedom, although they go to the grave, its power over them will be broken; death will have no more dominion over them forever. He declares,
     
12. Freedom from condemnation; Romans 8:1, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” All of Satan’s captives are deemed guilty; John 3:18, “Whoever does not believe stands condemned already.” And the sentence will be solemnly pronounced against them on the day of judgement; and so they will be led away “into eternal fire, prepared for the devil and his angels;” Matthew 25. This is horrific; but Christ declares freedom from it. As soon as you accept the offered freedom, the guilt of eternal wrath will be removed, you will be beyond the reach of condemnation; your place on the right hand is ensured, and the sentence of solemn absolution will follow. He declares,
     
13. Freedom of unhindered access to God, with holy confidence; Romans 5:1, 2, “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.” Currently, the captive exiles are banished from the presence of God; they can have no access to him, nor communion with him. But our Lord, through his death, has opened the double doors of his Father’s house, and grants unrestricted liberty, through open proclamation, to Satan’s captives, allowing them to leave their master and enter. They have access to the Father through one Spirit.—Jesus declares,
     
14. Lastly, Freedom, that is, a liberated spirit in the service of God; 2 Corinthians 3:17, “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” The Spirit of Christ is called a free spirit, because he brings freedom. Those held captive by Satan may exhibit some obedience to God, but it is burdensome, because they act as slaves, from a servile fear of hell and wrath. But those set free by Christ act from a nobler principle, love; Romans 8:15, “For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father’;” 1 John 4:18, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” We now proceed,

III. To discuss some of the circumstances accompanying this proclamation. Here we notice,

1. The foundation of this proclamation is the everlasting agreement of the glorious Trinity for humanity's redemption. The eternal law of love and goodwill towards poor sinners, which stipulated that upon the Son of God's sacrifice of his life as a ransom for a chosen world, they would be liberated from the captivity of sin and Satan and become God's free people. The eternal Son pledged to do this. Consequently, in the fullness of time he did so, thereby purchasing their freedom. We notice,
    
2. The Holy Spirit drafted and recorded the proclamation in the Bible; Isaiah 55:1, “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.” The entire Bible is essentially a declaration of this freedom, with promises to those who accept it, and warnings to those who reject it. The truth and authenticity of this declaration are sealed by Christ's blood; “This,” he said, “is the new covenant in my blood.” Therefore, there is absolutely no reason to doubt its truth. We notice,
    
3. This proclamation is issued by our Lord Jesus Christ, with the agreement of his Father and the Spirit. The Father has sent him to declare freedom to the captives. The Spirit says, Come. The entire Trinity invites Satan's captives to freedom. They desire not that the captive exile should perish; Ezekiel 18:23, “Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign LORD. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?” We notice,
    
4. This proclamation is directed to humans, to the children of men; Proverbs 8:4, “To you, O people, I call out; I raise my voice to all mankind.” Not to fallen angels, they are excluded from the benefits of the purchased freedom. But the captives in the land of the living, these prisoners of hope, to them is the proclamation directed, without exception of great, even the greatest of sinners; Revelation 22:17, “Whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.” Isaiah 1:18, “Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” Even those who have often refused their freedom and have returned to their captivity are invited. We notice,
    
5. The first announcer of this proclamation was the Son of God himself. He made this proclamation first in paradise; Genesis 3:15, “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” Afterwards, he assumed human nature, then came and proclaimed it; Hebrews 2:3, “This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him.” And he confirmed it with his precious blood, though there were few who accepted the proclamation made by him; “Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?” is the lament of the prophet Isaiah. We observe,
    
6. Having ascended into heaven, he has appointed announcers in his name, the ministers of the Gospel, to publish this proclamation, and to invite sinners to accept this freedom; 2 Corinthians 5:20, “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.” This is our role, to proclaim it to you, to make you aware that freedom has been purchased and is offered to you. We are the voice of the great announcer; Christ calls to you through us. We observe, Lastly, The place where the proclamation is ordered to be made is in this world; Mark 16:15, “He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.'” As for those who have passed into the other world, the proclamation can no longer reach them; the prisoners there are without hope. But while you are in this world, the proclamation is to you, and particularly when in those public gatherings where the Lord’s people come together to hear it; Proverbs 1:20-21, “Out in the open wisdom calls aloud, she raises her voice in the public square; on top of the wall she cries out, at the city gate she makes her speech.” It only remains,

IV. Let's draw some conclusions from the subject. This will be confined to a call to action.

We urge you, O captives of Satan! to comply with the intention of this proclamation of freedom; we beg you, do not receive this grace of God in vain. To be more specific, we urge you,

1. To acknowledge your state of captivity; don't deceive yourselves with thoughts of freedom while you are actually enslaved by various desires. Until you recognise your captive state, what hope can there be of benefit from the proclamation of freedom? We urge you,
    
2. To be willing to leave and abandon your old master and his service. Ah, shouldn't the past be enough time to have fulfilled the desires of the flesh? 1 Peter 4:3. You've been under this captivity for a long time; if the youngest among you had been a slave to any person for as long as you've been to Satan, you would have long ago grown weary of your situation. O! Strive to raise your spirits towards freedom, and no longer contentedly walk in your chains of various desires. You might say that you are unable to leave, but if you were willing, you wouldn't be allowed to remain in your captive state. We urge you,
    
3. To be moved at the heart by the news of the proclamation of freedom. Don't listen to it unconcernedly, but listen as those who are deeply concerned with the matter. Take a view of the wretched state you are in, and marvel that there is still hope. How thrilled were the Israelites in Egypt and Babylon when they heard of their freedom! Your captivity is a thousand times worse, and your heart should leap within you at the voice of the deliverer. We urge you, Lastly, to accept the proclaimed freedom, and leave with the deliverer. Give up your old master, put aside his work, bid farewell to his kingdom, as never to dwell more in it. Shake off your fetters decisively, and wholeheartedly embrace the offered freedom of the children of God. To persuade you to do this, we present you with the following motivations:—

MOTIVE 1. Consider that the captivity you are in is a most miserable bondage and slavery; the slavery and captivity of Egypt, Babylon, and Turkey, all combined, are insufficient to depict it. And this will be clear, if you consider,

(1.) That the master is the devil. While you are in your natural state, you are the devil's captive and bond servant, 2 Timothy 2:26, and that by a threefold title—as taken in war, 2 Peter 2:19—as bought by him at a low price, “you sold yourselves for nothing,” Isaiah 52:3, and—as born in his house, Matthew 23:15. Therefore, you are called to forget that house, Psalm 45:10, and to leave his family, and touch not the unclean thing, 2 Corinthians 6:17. How wretched must that bondage be where the devil is master! Surely, he is a cruel and heartless master, who will delight in your miseries. Do we consider the situation of those wretches who, by explicit agreement, have become his? And will we yet contentedly continue in bondage to the same master? Consider,

(2.) The work is sin, referred to as the deeds of darkness, Romans 13:12. None of his captives are allowed to be idle, he assigns a task to their hands, which they must complete. They are always engaged in one of two activities while outside of Christ; either spinning a spider's web, engaging in actions that will not benefit at the end, no more than such a web will serve as clothing; or, hatching a cockatrice egg, committing harm and wickedness that will rebound upon you, to your own destruction. This unsavoury work Satan occupies his captives in, is most unbefitting the heaven-born soul. Consider,

(3.) The provision and entertainment are poor and unsatisfying, Isaiah 55:2, "Why do you spend money on what is not bread, and your labour on what does not satisfy?" The best of this sort, which the natural man has, is to eat dust with the serpent, to suckle at the breast of filthy desires, which, though it may gratify one's corruptions, poisons the soul; or to eat husks with the pigs, Luke 15:16, to feed on the empty things of the world, which can provide no nourishment. Thus, while you ask him for bread, he gives you a stone; while you ask for a fish, he gives you a scorpion. Consider,

(4.) The wages of sin is death: Romans 6:23, "For the wages of sin is death." Present death, spiritual, in the separation of their souls from God, because God is departed from every natural man, whether he knows it or not. Death temporal, to come, armed with its sting, and supplied with the poisoned arrows of the curse. And death eternal in hell, where they shall be eternally dying, but never truly die. O! Shall not the consideration of these things move you to accept freedom, and to depart from such a master, such work, such provisions, and such wages?

MOTIVE 2. The freedom proclaimed is most excellent and glorious liberty, Romans 8:21; the glorious liberty of the children of God; which may create the most extraordinary joy in the world. The glory and excellence of it will be clear, if we consider,

(1.) The purchaser of it is Christ the King of glory. It is through Him that we have the gospel-jubilee proclaimed in the text. He is the victorious Monarch, who has defeated Satan, and grants freedom to his captives. He is our close relative, who has redeemed us by the payment of a price, a costly price, even his own precious blood. It was the honour of the Jews that they gained their liberty through Cyrus; but how much more honourable is it, to gain liberty through Christ! And when such a one has purchased liberty for us, will you not accept it? Consider,

(2.) The ransom paid for it; 1 Peter 1:18, 19, "Knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot." Never was such a ransom paid for the greatest captive king among men, as for us pitiful sinners; even the blood of God. He sympathised with the plight of the poor captives, laid aside the robes of his glory, placed his neck under the yoke of the law, bore the wrath of God, the sting of death, and the fury of hell, all to purchase this liberty for us. Consider,

(3.) The party to whom it was paid, to God, even his own Father; Ephesians 5:2, "He gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." Satan is merely the jailor and executioner, into whose hands people fell, being condemned by the Judge, to whom alone the ransom was due. Hence, in respect of Satan, his captives are said to be redeemed without money, Isaiah 52:3. They are to be set free by sheer force, being forcefully snatched out of his hand, Isaiah 49:25.—Consider,

(4.) The splendid privileges that come with this liberty. It's not a mere freedom, which is valuable in itself, but it's filled with many precious benefits. As I've already mentioned, it's a freedom from the power of Satan, from the law as a binding contract, etc. But in addition to these, many positive blessings and privileges are associated with it; such as, the freed captives are made freemen of the New Jerusalem, they become citizens of heaven on earth, and are dignitaries there; Ephesians 2:19, "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household." They are incorporated into the community of saints and angels, with Christ as their head. Those who were previously part of the kingdom of darkness now find their place in these delightful areas.—The freed captives become children of the heavenly family; 2 Corinthians 6:18, "I will be a father to you, And you shall be sons and daughters to Me," Says the Lord Almighty. Thus, it's the freedom of the children of God, for God makes all freed slaves sons of his house; and whatever a child may expect from a loving and capable father, this they can expect from God. The freed captives are all given the status of the first-born: Hebrews 12:23, "to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven." This esteemed position and power is bestowed upon them, they are elevated to such great heights. As it was with Joseph, who not only gained his freedom but was made ruler over Egypt, where he had been a slave; so the freed captive is made king: Revelation 1:6, "and He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father." This is achieved in all of them, Isaiah 14:2, "They will rule over their oppressors." They gain control over their desires, and will eventually triumph over Satan, Romans 16:20. They will sit and judge him, 1 Corinthians 6:3. They are also made priests, to offer up sacrifices of praise to God, Romans 12:1. Oh, what a change in their work! They are all heirs of God, and receive a double portion. There's nothing that such a person receives that isn't twice as good as what a captive of Satan has. The blessing is the better half; this the captives of Satan lack. Lastly, when their time of preparation is over, they will experience perfect freedom, with an abundance of everything, leading to the fulfilment of their happiness, Romans 8:21. Oh, the glorious day that awaits Christ’s freed people! Now they have received the command, Roll away the stone, Lazarus come forth; but then this will be added, Unbind him and let him go. The great day will begin their eternal jubilee; when death, the last enemy, will be destroyed, then both soul and body will return to the full possession of their heritage, and they will enjoy perfect freedom from their captivity. Consider,

(5.) The unchangeability of this liberty. Once a captive is freed by Christ, all the power and cunning of hell can't bring them back into bondage: John 10:28, "I give them eternal life, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand." See how Paul boasts of this, Romans 8:38, 39. It's true, if the believer alone were responsible for preserving this liberty, it might be lost; but it's safely guarded against the gates of hell, by God's unalterable decree, 2 Timothy 2 Tim. 2:19; by his unchangeable love and covenant; by the continual indwelling of the Spirit, and the prevalent intercession of Christ.

Lastly, think about the everlasting nature of this liberty. Death doesn't end this freedom, but rather marks a new beginning to it; it will last forever, with its beneficiaries living in its enjoyment for all eternity. So now, life and death are presented to you, will you accept this freedom or not? May I not ask, "how will you escape, if you neglect such a great salvation?” Hebrews 2:3. Reflect,

1. That it's most unreasonable to reject it, to remain in captivity after the declaration of freedom has been announced. If individuals would simply let their own reason judge between Christ and themselves, there would be no doubt about the outcome, Joshua 24:15. Who would refuse their freedom if they could be set free? Freedom from such a master and such work etc.; liberty purchased by such a glorious individual, the glorious King, at such a price, etc. Consult your reason, consider your interests, and would you really choose the fleeting pleasures of sin over the eternal rivers of pleasure at God's right hand? Reflect,
    
2. That every rejection solidifies your captivity, making it more firm and hopeless. Satan renews his hold on the sinners with every refusal. Hence, it's harder to win over those who have rejected many gospel calls. Tyre and Sidon would be much easier to persuade than Chorazin and Bethsaida, Matthew 11:21; Ezekiel 3:7; the indigenous peoples of America than the Scots. For when the gospel doesn't soften the heart, it becomes hardened under it. Reflect,
    
3. That by rejecting this liberty, you become the executioners of your own souls. Proverbs 8:36, “But he who sins against me injures himself; all those who hate me love death.” Listen, sinners, to how our Lord reasons with you on this point, Ezekiel 18:31, 32, “Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, people of Israel? For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent and live!” You hold the poisonous cup of your sins to your lips, will you drink it? You say you have no choice, you must finish it; our Lord says, Discard it, it will be your death if you don't. Come to me, and I will free you from this miserable enslavement to Satan and your desires, so that they won't have the power over you that they currently do. “Well, if you won't agree, you are truly murderers of your own souls, as if you willingly drank a cup of poison, or stabbed yourselves with a sword. Reflect,
    
4. If you refuse, you turn the deliverer into your adversary, and you will not evade this, Hebrews 2:3. The one who could have saved you will become your destroyer, due to your neglect of his salvation. The Lamb of God will be as a lion to you for disregarding his offers of grace. Those who do not know God, and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, will face eternal destruction from the presence of the Lord and his powerful glory, 2 Thessalonians 1:8, 9. As the sourest vinegar is made from the best wine, so the fiercest wrath arises from slighting the greatest grace, Proverbs 1:24–31. Reflect,
    
5. That you do not know how soon you may be beyond the reach of the declaration of freedom, Luke 13:24, 25. The call for freedom is not heard on the other side of death, towards which we are rapidly moving. Don't you realise, as in Psalm 90:9, that “we spend our days as a tale that is told?” The New Year's Day, and other days close to it, are extremely ill-suited for partying, joviality, and worldly joy; they fit as badly as does the supposed day of Christ's birth, commonly called Christmas Day. Sadly, people indulge themselves in these festivities because they are now a year closer to the grave and eternity than they were; because they've begun a new year, the end of which they may never see. If people want to distinguish such days from others, it would be most appropriate to take a solemn and serious view of eternity on these days, and to prepare for that day which will mark the end of their years. Nevertheless, let this time remind you of the approach of death, and do not reject the offer of grace, which you will not have once death has removed you from this life. Reflect,
    
6. Lastly, know that your judgement will be more severe than that of those who never heard the gospel if you do not heed the call for freedom; Matthew 11:22, “But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you.” Remember, harsher punishment awaits those who knew their master's will but did not follow it; and the harshest place in hell is reserved for those who despise the gospel. People may be able to indulge their desires and sinful ways more easily in the dark corners of the earth than in a land of light.

To conclude, here are a few pieces of advice. Strive to value your souls highly and have a keen awareness of matters concerning the afterlife. The soul is the essence of a person, being the most precious part, the loss of which nothing can compensate. Matthew 16:26 asks, "What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?" The afterlife is the one you should primarily care about, as it's the only life that will never end. A person's happiness or misery is determined by how well or poorly they plan for that life.

Recognise the real hardship of sin. It's as genuine a form of servitude as any that has ever existed in the world, where people serve various lusts. This is evident even from the perspective of natural light: contemplating the noble nature of the soul and experiencing the tyranny of unruly passions led some pagan moralists to establish the principle that a wise person is a free person. Therefore, believe that a holy life is the only true freedom; as Psalm 119:44, 45 says, "I will always obey your law, for ever and ever. I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts." The person who has mastery over their own corrupt desires and tendencies, who walks in the way of God's commandments, is the most liberated and comfortable person.

Finally, turn to Christ for his redeeming blood and free spirit. Renounce the devil, the world, and the flesh. Accept and cultivate Jesus, as given to you by God for wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. Amen.