On July 4, we celebrate America’s release from governance under England. We call it Independence Day. Through faith, determination, and war, the colonials achieved the right to govern themselves. Our ancestors strived for true freedom.

Since that fateful decision in 1776, our country has defended our freedom more than once. The United States also committed–more than once–to assisting other countries in defending or gaining their freedom.

During World War II, the President of the United States articulated how deeply we valued freedom:

“We, too, born to freedom, are willing to fight to maintain our freedom. We, and all others who believe as deeply as we do, would rather die on our feet than live on our knees.”

President Franklin Roosevelt

What is freedom?

How do you define freedom?

• Is it the right to make decisions for ourselves?
• To participate in choosing our leaders and making the rules by which we govern?
• To not have someone else in control of our actions?

The Oxford Dictionary defines freedom as… “the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hinderance or restraint.”

The definition adds this disclaimer, “We do have some freedom of choice.” Further clarification includes that freedom means the “absence of subjection by a foreign or despotic government” and “the state of not being imprisoned or enslaved.” (Oxford Dictionary)

But for those of us who live by our faith in God, true freedom has a greater meaning. I’m by no means devaluing the sacrifices made by those brave men and women who fought for freedom here at home and abroad for the last two hundred fifty years. They’ve given much, often their lives, to provide us with what we call “freedom.”

But there is another kind of freedom.

Early in His ministry, Jesus spoke of His purpose as He quoted from the Book of Isaiah:

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners. (Isaiah 61:1)

Jesus came to set us free from the prison of sin.

True Freedom

How did Jesus go about accomplishing His purpose?

He first taught through His ministry on Earth. True freedom comes through Him.

Jesus shared with His followers:

“If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free. (John 8:31-32)

“If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36)

We are never good enough to escape the stain of sin and the death of our human bodies. God loved us so much, He sent His Son to save us.

By taking our sins upon himself, Jesus set us free from death.

Jesus sets us free by letting us know the path to salvation and eternal life.

By His sacrifice on the cross, those who accept Him as their Savior are given eternal life

Th Apostle Paul reinforces the purpose of our Lord’s sacrifice:

The Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. (2 Corinthians 3:17)

Through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. (Romans 3:2)

The gift of love, the willing sacrifice of Jesus on the cross to die for our sins, grants us eternal life. We are freed from the prison of sin and death by His love.

His gift of love

The cross brings us freedom. His resurrection promises the gift of eternal life with Him.

Our true freedom comes through Christ.

However, our love for our country and our need to maintain our freedom remains strong. I hope you will join me in prayer for our country and the freedom we have worked hard to secure and maintain since 1776.

Happy 4th of July, my friends!