Article December 11, 2017 Issue

No burden can affix itself to us: We are freeborn

Susanne van Eyl

We read in the Bible that the Apostle Paul stated, “I was free born” (Acts 22:28). He was a Roman citizen by birth, which afforded him certain privileges. But it didn’t mean he went through life without challenges. In fact, as a follower of Jesus’ teachings, he spent quite a bit of time in prison. And while on a prison transfer, he suffered shipwreck. Back on land, he got bitten by a viper. That doesn’t sound like the privileged life of a free man.

Still, Paul knew the difference between the rights of citizenship, and the freedom that comes with an understanding of God. In fact, he speaks about “the glorious liberty of the children of God” (Romans 8:21). Being a free Roman citizen was nothing compared to the spiritual freedom of being a child of God.

Freedom needs to be recognized, understood, and defended. Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer of Christian Science, was well aware of that. She devoted time and energy to teaching her students how to recognize and defend their spiritual freedom, and to understand its origin, source, and constant availability. Referring to the Christ Science, she says, “He giveth power, peace, and holiness; he exalteth the lowly; he giveth liberty to the captive, health to the sick, salvation from sin to the sinner—and overcometh the world!” (Miscellaneous Writings 1883−1896, pp. 167–168).

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