“PLUCKED OUT AND SET FREE”

Jesus, “…gave Himself for our sins that He might deliver us from this present evil age…” Galatians 1:4

A sacrifice for sin was necessary, therefore Jesus of Nazareth, the prophesied Messiah, gave Himself. While animal sacrifices were permitted by GOD under the Law of Moses, the Hebrew writer tells us “…it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins.” Hebrews 10:4 (NKJV)

The voluntary act of Jesus giving Himself for our sins, was to rescue us from a state in which we could not be saved. Stephen uses the same word when speaking of Israel’s deliverance from Egyptian bondage.

Deliver- exaireō ex-ahee-reh’-o- From G1537 and G138; active voice to tear out; middle voice to select; figuratively to release: – deliver, pluck out, rescue. (Strongs)

(KJV) “I have seen the affliction of my people which is in Egypt, and I have heard their groaning, and Am come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send thee into Egypt.” Acts 7:34 

(GNB) “I have seen the cruel suffering of my people in Egypt. I have heard their groans, and I have come down to set them free. Come now; I will send you to Egypt.” Acts 7:34

Israel could not have experienced deliverance from Egyptian bondage without GOD intervening on their behalf. GOD plucked them out of slavery and set them free. Likewise, man could not be delivered from the bondage of sin without GOD’S intervention. Multiple times Israel expressed a desire to return to Egypt after being set free. To do so would mean a return to slavery. The same principle is true for the one set free from the bondage of sin if that one makes a decision to turn away from their deliverance. It too is a return to enslavement to sin. Do not forfeit the freedom you have in Christ.