No one but Jesus can give deliverance to captives. Real liberty comes from Him only. It is a liberty righteously bestowed; for the Son, who is Heir of all things, has the right to make men free. We saints of God, honor the justice of God, which now secures our salvation. Your liberty is dearly purchased. Christ speaks it by His power, but He bought it by His blood. He makes you free, but it is by His own bonds. You go clear, because He bore your burden for you: you are set at liberty, because He has suffered in your place.
Nevertheless, though dearly purchased, He freely gives it. Jesus asks nothing of us as a preparation for this liberty. He finds us sitting in sackcloth and ashes, and bids us to put on the beautiful array of freedom; He saves us just as we are, and all without our help or merit. When Jesus sets us free, that liberty is forever; no chains can bind again.
Let the Master say to me, “Captive, I have delivered you,” and it is done; forever. Satan may plot to enslave you, but if the Lord is on your side, whom shall you fear? The world, with its temptations, may seek to ensnare you, but mightier is He who is for you than all they who bet against you. The machinations of our own deceitful hearts may harass and annoy us, but He who hath begun the good work in us will carry it on and perfect it to the end.
The foes of God and the enemies of man may gather their hosts together, and come with concentrated fury against us, but if God forgives us, who is he that can condemn us? How free is the eagle that mounts to his rocky mountain ledge, and afterwards soars above the clouds, than the soul that Christ has delivered? If we are no more under the law, but free from its curse, let our liberty be practically exhibited in our serving God with gratitude and delight.
“I am Your servant, and the son of Your handmaid: You have loosed my bonds.” “Lord, what will You have me to do?”
In The Hands of the Refiner 