Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

Encouragement for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

30 November 2025

Reading From II Peter 2

“They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity—for ‘people are slaves to whatever has mastered them.’”—II Peter 2:19

Understanding spiritual truths requires the witness and guidance of the Holy Spirit and following the wisdom of the written record of divine revelation we have in the Holy Scriptures. Jesus is the Word who became flesh and dwelt along us. The Son of God became the Son of Man so that we would have a Great High Priest who could identify with our weaknesses and struggles but who is also our perfect example of what it means to follow the Father in our present reality.

Satan revels in the distortion of truth. When humans are ignorant of their potential identity, community and destiny in Jesus, the enemy of our souls tries everything he can to have them continue in the darkness of that ignorance. The Holy Spirit brings clarity and everything we need for life and godliness.

Freedom is defined by the fallen world as the ability to do whatever an individual or group pleases. The Bible tells us that this illusion of freedom is actually slavery to prideful, rebellious human desires. Human beings have a natural tendency toward self-worship which leads to destruction. I don’t have the ability to fashion an eternal destiny for myself on my own. I must rely on God to transform me by the renewing of my mind.

We worship ourselves by default and there worldly concept of freedom to do whatever we want is actually slavery to sin which leads to eternal death. I would rather serve God who leads me into abundant life on Earth and eternal life in Heaven. Slavery to sin leads to heartache and lack, obedience to God leads to total satisfaction and fulfillment. Jesus is the Truth and He sets us free.

Real freedom is found in following Jesus and His Word. He is love and perfect love casts out all fear. When we trust in Him, we don’t have to be afraid because He seals us to Himself and is faithful to protect, provide and preserve us forever. In Jesus there is freedom from fear, freedom from shame, freedom from condemnation, freedom to do what is right and good. The unlimited peace, faith, hope, love and joy discovered only in His Presence has no comparison in Heaven or on Earth. In Him there is fullness of joy and the genuine satisfaction of our deepest longings.

“Lord God, please open our eyes to the deceptions of the enemy. Expose his lies. Reveal the truths of Your Word to us by the power of Your Spirit. Empower us to walk the covenant path laid out for us, reveling in the light of Your goodness and bearing the fruit of the Spirit in us and through us. In You we live and move and have our being. As long as we stay connected to You, the True Vine, we will prosper and grow. In the glorious Name of Jesus Christ I pray these things, amen.”

And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.—John 8:32

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truthand the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.—John 14:6

Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?  But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance.  You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.—Romans 6:16-18

You make known to me the path of life;
    you will fill me with joy in your presence,
    with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

—Psalm 16:11

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.—II Corinthians 3:17

For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.—Galatians 5:13

For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.—Galatians 5:1

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.—John 8:36