Main news for 17 September 2001

Do you know what happens to a person who falls into a quagmire? He slowly sinks into the liquid mud, and the more energetically he tries to get out, the faster the swamp sucks him in. This is very much like the existence of a sinful person: slow dying and complete inability to deal with the situation, utter lack of freedom. For the apostle Paul it is clear that humanity is enslaved to sin and needs liberation, which only God can give and which Christ brings into this world. He has already brought it, and to those who have believed in Him He has already given it. A new life has begun, not in the swamp; movement is not hindered and does not bring one closer to destruction. And with bitterness Paul sees people begin to bind themselves hand and foot again, just so they do not make an extra movement, lest something happen for which they will have to answer. Again people pile commandment upon commandment, again the traditions of the elders are set above the Word of God. O foolish Galatians! Remember the film This Sweet Word: Freedom? Sweet? I do not know... Difficult, yes, but otherwise it is unworthy of a person created in the image and likeness of God.