The Purest Symbol of Freedom
Today I hope I can provide a thought-provoking challenge for you, whether you are an American or reading this from your own country. In the United States, we celebrate the 4th of July Declaration of Independence, which brings us to a time of reflection and celebration of what those before us have done for our nation and what our founding fathers fought for. It is a time to celebrate the moments of men and women who have done heroic acts to help protect our nation, and it is a time to self-reflect on the solemn calling Americans have to this cause. But this is also a time to reflect on the Biblical principles for Christians on what it means to have liberty in Christ Jesus. I would challenge you to reflect on Christ’s words on what He is trying to free you from.
“So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly My disciples; 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 33 They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been enslaved to anyone; how is it that You say, ‘You will become free’?”
34 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin. 35 Now the slave does not remain in the house forever; the son does remain forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you really will be free.” John 8:31-36.
This is our declaration of independence from sin! In Christ, we are free from the bondage of sin. I would encourage you to reflect on Hebrews 11-12 and see the resounding actions and testimony the author of Hebrews gives to the brave men and women who embraced Christ’s declaration and sought Him for their freedom and acted upon such a gospel.
Only in Christ are we capable of being truly free. He is our blessed hope, “let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2.
Whether you are from New Zealand, Norway, Ghana, India, or elsewhere; Jesus Christ is our future and hope. For the born-again believer, our declaration of independence is the empty tomb. Our freedom relies solely on this and this alone! Look at what Paul says to the Corinthians, “16 For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. 17 And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! 18 Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable. 20 But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.” 1st Corinthians 15:16-22.
Only in Jesus do we have freedom from death. It is the purest truth there shall ever be, in Jesus alone we are saved. So, shouldn’t we celebrate that? I would think so. Whether you are an American and you are celebrating today, or whenever your country celebrates a day of freedom; I hope you take a moment to reflect on the most authentic symbol of freedom humanity can see.
Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,
JL