A 2008 report from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
said, “At any given time there are more than 10 million people
imprisoned worldwide.” Since some prisoners are being released
while new ones are being sentenced every day, there are more
than 30 million total prisoners worldwide each year. Statistics
like these have caused many people to work for prison reform and
a reexamination of sentencing laws.
From a spiritual perspective, the Bible offers an even more
staggering statistic: “The Scripture declares that the whole
world is a prisoner of sin” (Gal. 3:22 niv). In what is
sometimes considered a difficult passage to understand, Paul
says that although the Old Testament law could not impart life
(v.21), it was an effective teacher in showing us that we need a
Savior who can give life (v.24). The bad news is that “the
Scripture has confined all under sin,” and the good news is
“that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to
those who believe” (v.22).
When we give our lives to Christ, who has fulfilled the
requirements of the law, we are no longer imprisoned by sin.
Instead, we enter a fellowship of people from every nationality
and social status.
In Christ, we are free indeed! — David
C. McCasland
The law reveals the mind of God,
The prophets too made clear His will;
But Christ alone brings life and peace,
His words our deepest needs fulfill. —D. De Haan
Deliverance from sin is the greatest of all freedoms.