The Source of Bondage

Hebrews 2:15 KJV

And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

That thing that makes us slaves in this world is, according to this verse, the fear of death. One way or another, our fear of dying and what will happen after death traps and snares us. It wraps chains of bondage around us that influence everything from our:

• Choices for friends
• Decisions for livelihood
• Submission to temptations (addictions) and ultimately our
• Relationship (or lack of) with God

We are early warned of the dangers of fear in Proverbs 29:25 KJV

The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.

And Jesus echoed the danger of fear when He said,

Luke 12:4-5 KJV

And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.

But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.

Jesus did not deny the reality of death but said that there is something worse than death. I suggest that there is nothing worse than death if, after you die, your are cast forever in hell.

Our text tells us that Jesus came to deliver us, who through fear of death were subject to bondage. That theme is further elaborated upon in 1 Corinthians 15:54-57 KJV

So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.

But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.