5.3.2.2 God leads out of bondage

Although God is absolutely sovereign and accountable to no one, He nevertheless explains His demand of obedience to the Israelites: He led Israel "out of the house of bondage" and out of slavery in Egypt. He is the God who leads into freedom. He is the redeeming God.

 

God, who liberated the people of Israel from foreign rule in an earthly sense, reveals Himself as the benefactor of all human beings in a much greater sense in His Son Jesus Christ: out of love, God sends His Son. The latter sacrifices His sinless life on the cross out of love and in obedience. Ever since, all human beings have had the opportunity to be redeemed from bondage to sin and death. Those who recognise the significance of redemption will want to show love and obedience to the Redeemer. The close relationship between the First Commandment and the call to love God is emphasised in Deuteronomy 6: 4-5: "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength."