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MYTHOLOGY
If we are to construe these verses correctly, we must first endeavour to find out the truth each of them lays down. Careful reflection will show that the 34th is intended to setile the question raised in the 33rd--whe. ther the bondage meant national or political subjugation? The answer is plain : it is the servitude of sin that is meant, not national captivity!
In the 35th verse a distinction is made between the conditions of servitude and sonship, the former of which is pronounced to be terminable, but the latter, eternal, The 36th, finally, lays down that true freedom from all kinds of bonds-note the force of indeed' after 'free' can only be conferred by the Son who is to abide for
ever.
Now, the word 'son' in the mouth of Jesus signifies the soul that has inherited the status and glory of God. According to St. Paul, “ as many as are led by the spirit of God, they are the sons of God. ... The spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God. And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ, if so be that we suffer with him, that we may also be glorified togetler” (Romans, viii, 14, 16 and 17). Thus if we put down our conclusions categorically, we get, (1) that the word bondage-in religion means the
the servitude or tlıraldom of sin ; (2) that this thraldom is not ever-lasting, but
the condition of Sonship is eternal; and
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