On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress declared the 13 American colonies free and independent from Great Britain. The Declaration of Independence is the only major national document of the United States that actually mentions the name of God. He is called “Nature’s God,” “The Creator,” and “The Supreme Judge of the World.” The fathers of our American freedom recognized that God’s hand was at work in the affairs of the new nation. But far more important than the political liberty that we enjoy is the spiritual liberty we have in Christ. Jesus said, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32).
When we obey His Word, we grow in spiritual knowledge; and as we grow in spiritual knowledge, we grow in freedom from sin. Life leads to learning, and learning leads to liberty.
The worst bondage is the kind that the prisoner himself does not recognize. He thinks he is free, yet he is really a slave. The Pharisees and other religious leaders thought that they were free, but they were actually enslaved in terrible spiritual bondage to sin and Satan. They would not face the truth, and yet it was the truth alone that could set them free. (Referenced from “BE ALIVE—JOHN 1-12” by Warren W. Wiersbe)
On this Fourth of July, when we celebrate our independence from Britain as a nation, my hope is that we all also celebrate in the freedom we share in that is given through God’s grace – Christ Jesus, Lord of Lords and King of Kings. Because of His sacrifice nearly 2000 years ago, we are free from the bondage of sin! Amen!
Josh
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