As a new believer in the faith many times we do not always understand the language that is being spoken. It really does seem to be another language for another realm. Let’s dive into the scriptures that explain to us what we were set free from.
* The Prison *
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; Isaiah 61:1KJV
On the very last part of this scripture it says, “to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound.” There are two ways one can understand this. The natural way is pertaining to someone being locked up in an actual prison. Although this is one way to understand it we must remember the Bible is spiritual. So we must always try to understand the spiritual meaning of the scripture. To understand who is “captive” we need to go back to the Book of Genesis.
* Disobedience in the Garden *
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. Genesis 1:27 KJV
And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. Genesis 1:28 KJV
After God made man and placed man in the Garden of Eden, he was to take care of the garden because it belonged to him. Later God created the woman, Eve, to keep him company and be his helper.
In chapter 3 of Genesis Eve was deceived by the serpent known as the devil and she in turn enticed Adam to eat of the forbidden fruit as well. Due to this disobedience to God, all of mankind was doomed to death. Before this, death did not exist. This would be the prison that man would be held captive until Jesus would set them free. God did prophesy that the seed of Eve would bruise the head of the devil.
God is eternal and Adam and Eve were sustained by the life he gives. God is the breath of life. When they were no longer in his presence humanity began to loose the glory, get old and eventually die. This is why you see the ages of the people as 900 years old slowly become less and less throughout time.
* Bring Out The Prisoners *
I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles; 7) To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house. Isaiah 42:6-7 KJV
The prophet Isaiah also spoke other scriptures that mentioned bringing out the prisoners from the prison. When Adam disobeyed God he basically handed the world over to Satan. He then became the god of this world.
* God Of This World *
In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 2 Corinthians 4:4 KJV
Satan became ruler of this world back in Genesis 3 and he held the keys to death. This means he had dominion over death. Only one person could get it back. His name is Jesus! He was obedient his whole life on earth and the perfection he had was also found in a divine relationship with God the Father. This is what all of us need to have. We need to seek the Lord and have a relationship with him and really know Him personally. This does not mean know “about” him and the things he did. When you know someone you recognize their voice when they speak to you. Do you recognize when the Lord is speaking to you?
And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. John 17:3 KJV
Your relationship with God and Jesus is most important. Not only was the prison opening spoken of in the Old Testament but we read the Apostle Peter telling us of the same occurrence in the New Testament.
* Preached To The Spirits In Prison *
For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: 19) By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; 20) Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. 1 Peter 3:18-20 KJV
The Apostle Peter tells us that Jesus preached to the spirits in prison. Who were these spirits? These were the people who were captive spiritually by Satan in hell and Abraham’s bosom. This was everyone and anyone born from the time of Adam to Jesus.
The Pharisees in Jesus’ time did not understand they were held captive by Satan when He spoke to them about being free.
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. 33) They answered him, We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? John 8:32-33 KJV
So to answer the question, “What were we set free from?” should be instead asked, “Who were we set free from?” We can understand we were set free from the captivity of Satan, death and a whole list of other things that were attributed to the fall of Adam such as curses, sickness, poverty, fear, pain and any other negative experience you can think of would fit this list.
Did Jesus go to hell? Yes! Even though this was the abode of the unsaved they needed to hear who Jesus is and make a choice if they want to follow him or not. He is just and fair! He would not let anyone not know who he is. That is why the bible tells us he descended to the lower parts to fill all things. Not only can someone not say they do not know Him but God made certain of this truth through the new covenant when he wrote this on everyone’s heart and mind. (Read Hebrews 8:10)
Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. 9) (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? 10) He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) Ephesians 4:8-10 KJV
You are free! You simply need to believe and receive the gift freely. We hope this brings more light to you about the Word of God. Be Blessed!
