Today is the 4th of July. It is the birthday of our nation, the United States of America. The Declaration of Independence was signed, and our rights as a nation and as citizens of that nation were forged. We gained our independence from Great Britain. On that day in 1776, the document read, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that their Creator endows them with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. -That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.” As an American citizen, I love the freedom that I have in my country, and I am grateful for men who saw the need to separate from a government that a King dictated to a government governed by the people.
The document recognizes that all men are created equal, and their Creator endows them with certain rights. First, these men were far wiser than most of present day. They recognize that we have a Creator! We were not formed from a big bang, nor did we evolve from another animal. Those who do not recognize the Creator of all are determined to be their own god. They refuse to recognize that there is a power that they will answer to one day. On that day, they will not negotiate or make decisions about their life. All will be settled before they stand before God.
Hebrews 9:27 “ And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.”
While multitudes will celebrate by eating big meals and watching fireworks with friends and family, this day reminds me of my Independence Day. I am thankful to be an American but more thankful to be a Christian.
Many men fought and died for our rights and to free our country to govern itself. Yet, my freedom came from the death of one man, Jesus Christ. The Son of God died so I could be free from the penalty of sin. While I was in sin, He paid my debt, and when I accepted that payment, He called me His friend.
John 15:12-15 “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.”
He also brought protection, just like those brave men who fought for our freedom. Jesus will fight for me and protect me.
Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Psalm 18:2 “The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.”
Christ has brought us liberty. This liberty sets us free from the power of sin. In Romans 8:2 and 6:14, we are free from the power of sin. It no longer has dominion over our lives. We are not in bondage, as is taught in Galatians 5:1. As Christians, we have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us to help us, and we no longer need to bow to the temptations to sin.
Romans 8:2 “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.”
Romans 6:14 “For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.”
Galatians 5:1 “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”
As Americans, we ought to cherish and be thankful for the liberty we have in our country. As Christians, we should be thankful for our liberty in Christ. We are no longer under the law, where we must keep religious ceremonies and rituals. Yet, in both cases, we see people abusing their rights. In America, freedom of speech has allowed vile, wicked men to do and say whatever pleases them, and pornography is rampant. With twisted words and good lawyers, liberty has been abused. God gives us instructions on how to use our liberty in James 1:25. We are to use our liberty correctly. This liberty gives us the freedom not to sin and is not a license to sin. In Galatians 5:13 and Romans 6:1-2, Paul makes it clear that when we are saved, we are dead to sin. This liberty does not give us the right to continue in sin since we have been forgiven. It should make us more responsible, not less.
James 1:25 “But whoso looked into the perfect law of liberty, and continued therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.”
Galatians 5:13 “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.”
Romans 6:1-2 “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?”
Today, as you celebrate, take some time to reflect on the freedom you have in Christ. Think about the blood that was shed so you could be free. Don’t abuse it or take it for granted; hold it in high esteem and honor the one who made it possible by living as close to Him as possible and being an example for Him.
Happy Independence Day!
