Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Hebrews 2:14-15 

It’s always been something that baffles me. People who do not belong to Jesus Christ and yet do not appear to have a fear of dying. If there was ever a group of people that should be fearful of death, it would be non-Christians. But for believers though, today’s passage reminds us that Jesus accomplished two things on the cross.

First, He has rendered the devil powerless. Consider the following:

He Himself (Jesus) likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil…

When we belong to Jesus by faith, we are no longer under the condemnation and curse of the Law (Galatians 3:13). Therefore, we possess eternal life. So as we live this life, we can have confidence that we are saved, that we belong to God, and that when we die, we will be in His presence enjoying His rest. So our faith is able to render all of Satan’s attempts to convince us that we are still under the curse of the Law, powerless (Ephesians 6:16). Trusting that we are who Jesus says that we are in Him is essential to enjoying victory over the lies of the devil. But this kind of spiritual victory comes only to those who completely trust their eternal destiny to Jesus and the finished work of the cross.

Secondly, Jesus has sets the captives free. Consider the following:

…and (Jesus) might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives.             

Spiritual freedom comes at a tremendous cost. The price for the spiritual freedom of mankind was paid by Jesus on the cross and it is for everyone who will only believe (John 3:18, Acts 16:30-31, Romans 5:18, Romans 10:9-10). This is to what Paul was referring when he spoke these words:

It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.

                                                                                                            Galatians 5:1 

The very purpose for Christ going to the cross was for our freedom. It was for this very reason that He set us free, however, we must be on guard to not digress into believing that we somehow add works to the already completed work of setting us free. We might be tempted to think that “do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery” is referring to sin. But the context of this letter reveals that Paul is referring to going back to a works-based religious system that cannot save. As believers, we must always stand firm and not allow anyone to complicate the simplistic and powerful good news that Jesus has done everything necessary of us to live with Him in eternity. This freedom was proclaimed by Paul as he traveled, preaching the gospel:

Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through Him forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and through Him everyone who believes is freed from all things, from which you could not be freed through the Law of Moses.

                                                                                                                   Acts 13:38-39 

Spiritual freedom comes from believing that Jesus has accomplished our salvation and redemption and that there is forgiveness only by trusting in Him. This kind of freedom does not come from the Law of Moses since the Law demands something that no one is able to accomplish. We can attempt to live perfect lives under the Law (and we must do so perfectly) or we can rest in the completed work of Jesus. Spiritual freedom will only come from the latter.

When Jesus went to the cross, He rendered the enemy powerless and set us free since we need not ever worry about our eternal position in Christ. Are you resting in the completed work of Jesus on the cross?