Freedom Calls

Luke 22:48 – “Betrayest thou the Son of Man with a kiss?”

As a child of the One True God, saved by His grace through faith in our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus, I have learned that Salvation and freedom come not by our own merit, but through Jesus Christ, who bore Judas’ deceitful kiss to grant us liberty.

 That betrayal led to the cross, yet the Holy Spirit frees us from sin’s grip, empowering authentic faith. This freedom isn’t just release—it’s a life of love and truth, 

as Watchman Nee writes, “The breaking of the outward man is the release of the spirit” (The Release of the Spirit), urging us to shed hypocrisy for God’s will.

Luke reveals Judas’ false affection, mirroring the law’s empty promise—condemning without saving. Christ’s sacrifice, however, birthed a new covenant, etched by the Spirit on our hearts. 

C.S. Lewis warns, “Of all bad men religious bad men are the worst” (Reflections on the Psalms), pointing to Judas’ peril and our own if we feign faith. 

John Bunyan’s pilgrim faced such deceit, noting, “The way to the Celestial City lies through the town of Vanity” (The Pilgrim’s Progress), calling us to press past worldly snares.

Spurgeon cautions, “The kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” He bids us guard against the world’s flattery and our own duplicity—professing Christ yet living falsely. 

He prays, “Holy Spirit, keep me from betrayal with a kiss! O Lord, make me sincere, faithful unto death.” 

The Spirit frees us for truth.

• John 13:34 – “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you…”

• Romans 6:18 – “You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.”

• Galatians 2:20 – “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.”

• Colossians 3:3 – “For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.”

• 1 John 3:1 – “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!”