“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

In A Tale of Two Cities two men look a lot alike. Their names are Charles and Sydney. They both fall in love with the same woman. She falls back in love with Charles. They get married and have a child. 

Charles is later arrested and put in a dungeon to be executed. So Sydney snuck into the prison at night along with a friend. They knocked out Charles and the friend dragged him away. Sydney put on Charles clothes and remained to die in his place. That’s right: He traded places with Charles in an incredible act of self-sacrifice. Since they looked so much alike, most people wouldn’t notice what had happened.

Later, a seamstress who was also facing execution went to get some comfort from Charles. She realized it wasn’t him and guessed and what was happening. “Are you dying for him?” Sydney (who was pretending to be Charles) hushed her so she didn’t blow his cover. “And for his wife and child.”

She was absolutely stunned and inspired. “O will you let me hold your brave hand, stranger?”*

Sydney knew that Charles had more to lose by dying than him. So he took his place. The seamstress was given strength and courage to face her own trials because of what Sydney had done.

It’s a nice story, yes. But what’s the connection?

This is exactly what Christ has done for you. He took your death sentence upon himself. He died in your place. As a result, you are given ultimate freedom. You are freed from the consequence of sin. You are freed from eternal death. 

I wonder what Charles did on the outside with his newfound freedom? Did he squander it? Did he take his wife and child for granted? Did he walk around with despair and cynicism? I doubt it. 

Paul says we shouldn’t squander our freedom. Instead, he says to do this: “through love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13).

Christ died specifically for you. Without him, eternal languishing; with him, eternal life. 

Let’s be thankful for our freedom and gladly serve one another through love.

Notes:

–New Podcast Episode: “Getting Free From Pornography—with Sathiya Sam.” It’s the 3 A’s – accessible, anonymous and affordable. It’s also addictive. But there is real help and hope. You can also listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or by clicking here.

-*Told in: Timothy Keller, Encounters with Jesus (New York: Dutton, 2013), 78-79.

-Bible quotes are from the ESV.