I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; he descended into hell. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, seated at the right hand of God, the almighty Father, from where he will come to judge the living and the dead. (Small Catechism, Wengert/Kolb version in Book of Concord, 2000)
Christ has broken the chains that have held us captive! He has released us from our captors: sin, death, devil, misfortune, calamity, dread, fear and so on.
Luther says, "I was condemned by death, entangled in sin and blindness." (Large Catechism) Sound familiar?? Some days I am STILL condemned by death and entangled in all sorts of stuff that has a hold of me! But then, someone graciously reminds me of what Christ has done-- he has come to help me! How wonderful for me (and for you!!) A helper who can actually DO something!
Hear what Luther then says, it reminds us that we BELONG to Christ: He has snatched us, poor lost creatures, from the jaws of hell, won us, made us free and restored us to the Father's favor and grace. As his own possession he has taken us under his protection and shelter in order that he may rule us by his righteousness, wisdom, power, life, and blessedness.
This is the entire gospel! The chains are broken, we are FREE! Thanks be to God!
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