WHAT IS INDEPENDENCE DAY? Independence Day, celebrated on the 4th of July, marks a significant moment in American history—the birth of a nation founded on principles of LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL. This day is not just a celebration of political freedom but also an opportunity to reflect on SPIRITUAL FREEDOM. As Christians, we understand that true freedom is deeply rooted in OUR FAITH IN CHRIST.
DEFINITION OF FREEDOM BY THE BIBLE! In the Bible, freedom includes SPIRITUAL FREEDOM from sin and PHYSICAL FREEDOM from oppression. Theologically, SPIRITUAL FREEDOM IS MOST IMPORTANT—it is the freedom that Christ offers through His sacrifice, setting us free from the wages of SIN, DEATH. And HELL. While important, physical freedom is considered secondary to the ETERNAL FREEDOM FOUND IN CHRIST.
So, we can, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which CHRIST HAS MADE US FREE (eleutheroō: to liberate from the dominion of sin), and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.” (Galatians 5:1) Christ makes us independent of sin and its consequences.
“So, if the Son SETS YOU FREE, you will be FREE INDEED (ontōs: in absolute reality).” (John 8:36)
So, how free are we? “As far as the EAST is from the WEST, SO FAR has He REMOVED OUR TRANSGRESSIONS from us.” (Psalms 103:12) Notice He does not say from the “NORTH to the SOUTH” that distance we know it is 12,436.81 miles. But if you start traveling EAST you will never find WEST. To be sure we understand, God says, “No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ for they all shall KNOW ME…For, I WILL FORGIVE their iniquity, and THEIR SIN I WILL REMEMBER NO MORE.” (Jeremiah 31:34) John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who TAKES AWAY THE SIN of the world!” (John 1:29)
When I Meet The Scoffers – Who Ask Me Where They Are – I Say, MY SINS ARE GONE. In The Sea Of God’s Forgetfulness – That’s Good Enough For Me – Praise God, MY SINS ARE GONE.
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham