THE GREATEST PRIVILEGES ARE REALIZED IN CHRIST The greatest quest of mankind is freedom. Freedom grants privileges.

Introduction Mr. Webster says privilege means: "A right or immunity granted as a peculiar advantage or favor. A grant of a special right or immunity; a franchise or patent. A fundamental or sacred right One of the rights guaranteed to all persons by modern constitutional governments."

Rights and privileges are central themes in the Constitution of the United States. Freedom is a word which allows such things as freedom of: Press, Speech, Worship, Pursuit of Happiness. Freedoms are central themes in the New Testament. But we are told not to misuse or abuse our freedom that is in Christ.

Galatians 5:1 “It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery”. This yoke of slavery is reference to the Old Law. Galatians 5:13 “For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another”. 1 Peter 2:16 “Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bond slaves of God”.

BELIEF OR FAITH IS A GREAT PRIVILEGE To have faith in the God that saves. John 3:16. But it is even greater to have a faith that expresses itself in works. James 1:21-25; James 2:14-26; Matthew 7:21-27.

REPENTANCE IS A GREAT PRIVILEGE. Men are prone not to forgive, but God always forgives those that repent. 2 Chronicles 7:14; Isaiah 55:6,7. It will bring about pardon. But the lack of it will bring about condemnation. Luke 13: 3; Acts 17:30,31; Romans 12:9.

CONFESSION IS A GREAT PRIVILEGE God will dwell in those that confess. 1 John 4:15. Christ will confess them before His Father. Matthew 10:32,33; Romans 10:9,10. This confession must be accompanied by works. 1 John 2:4; Luke 6:46; John 12:42,43.

BAPTISM IS A GREAT PRIVILEGE Sins are remitted by baptism. Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16. We enter into Christ where all spiritual blessings are by baptism. Galatians 3:26,27; Ephesians 1:3. We can have a good conscience by being baptized and we are saved by baptism. 1 Peter 3:21.

Someone might ask: "Is there salvation in water?" No! But there is salvation in obedience to God which is a part of His plan for us. But we can also be condemned if we are not baptized. Mark 16:16. To reject baptism is to reject the counsel of God. Luke 7:30.

Conclusion (Part One) Most people do not realize the great privilege given to us by God. By God giving us His plan of salvation, he afforded us this great privilege of salvation. But let us not stop here in learning how to become a child of God. For there are many more privileges to discuss and we will do so at a later time. Have you taken advantage of this great privilege?