Christ’s Mission of Deliverance

What was Christ’s mission to this world?BR-ASI9 325.1

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised.” Luke 4:18.BR-ASI9 325.2

Note.—The Gospels show that a large part of Christ’s time even on the Sabbath was devoted to relieving the oppressed and distressed.BR-ASI9 325.3

In what condition are those who commit sin?BR-ASI9 325.4

“Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.” John 8:34.BR-ASI9 325.5

Why was Christ’s name to be called Jesus?BR-ASI9 325.6

“And thou shalt call His name Jesus: for He shall save His people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21.BR-ASI9 325.7

What lies at the root of all sin?BR-ASI9 325.8

“When lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin.” James 1:15. “I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.” Romans 7:7.BR-ASI9 325.9

Note.—Lust, covetousness, and unlawful desire are only different names for selfishness. Selfishness lies at the root of all sin; and selfishness is simply the love of self to the disregard of the equal rights of others.BR-ASI9 325.10

By what scripture is the equality of rights clearly shown?BR-ASI9 325.11

“Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” Leviticus 19:18.BR-ASI9 325.12

What rule has Christ laid down in harmony with this?BR-ASI9 325.13

“Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.” Matthew 7:12.BR-ASI9 325.14

Note.—Selfishness, then, must be uprooted from men’s hearts before they will recognize the equal rights of their fellow men.BR-ASI9 325.15

Who alone can cleanse men’s hearts from selfishness?BR-ASI9 325.16

“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12. (See also 1 John 1:9.)BR-ASI9 325.17

Who alone, then, can give men real freedom?BR-ASI9 325.18

“If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” John 8:36.BR-ASI9 325.19