During the 4th of July Independence Day celebration we reflect on the sacrifices made to give us our freedom here in this beautiful country of the United States of America. However, we are reminded that true freedom isn't found in a place but in Christ. In John 8 Jesus declares that He has freed us from the bondage of sin:
Jesus answered them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed."
Jesus, who was the only Son of God was the only one qualified to set us slaves free. Since we are of Adam's seed we are born into sin. But Jesus, who is the Second Adam and lived a sinless life has through His death and resurrection set us free from sin and death. As it is written in Romans 6:23 the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. This is why we die. We are earning our wages because we have all sinned. Ezekiel 18:4 says that the soul that sins shall die. We have broken God's law, sinned, and are a death bound. That is... until Jesus!! He has defeated death, took the death sentence off of us and even though we die, as Christians we live! In response to Martha Jesus said,
"I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die."
Then He asked her,
"Do you believe this?"
That question is for all. Have you been freed from sin and death. If so, then no matter what your circumstance, you are free indeed! I have heard of stories of crude persecution where the one being persecuted knew that he was free and that his persecutor was the one in bondage.
Happy Independence Day and Happy Freedom in Christ Eternally!
AMEN