Gospel Freedom

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

Richard Allen was born to slave parents in Philadelphia and sold with his family to a plantation in Delaware. As a young man, Richard’s master permitted him to attend religious meetings where he learned to read.

Born on this day in 1760, Allen invited a minister to share the Gospel with his master. After hearing that God would judge slaveholders, he repented and eventually allowed Allen to purchase his freedom.

In his autobiography, Allen described how, through this exposure to the Gospel, he “was awakened and brought to see myself poor, wretched, and undone.” Without God’s mercy, he knew he would be lost. Dramatically impacted, he bowed his head for days, burdened by his sins. He prayed constantly, seeking relief. Realizing he was just a “poor sinner,” he cried to the Lord. Suddenly, he realized that Jesus had set him free! He had been saved!

He determined to dedicate his life to bringing that message of salvation to others, particularly current and former slaves. Allen set out in 1783 to preach in Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. He walked so much that his feet became severely blistered. In 1816, Allen helped form the first African-American denomination organized in the United States.

Today, millions are slaves to sin. They need the same message that changed the life of Richard Allen. Pray for souls to be saved. Commit yourself to bring spiritual freedom to those bound with sin.