“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” – John 8:3*
Every year on July 4th, Americans celebrate Independence Day—the moment a nation declared its freedom from tyranny and stood up for self-governance, liberty, and justice. It’s a powerful reminder of how precious freedom is.
But as Christians, we celebrate an even greater kind of independence—one that transcends national borders or political systems: freedom in Christ...
1. Freedom from Sin’s Control
“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” – Galatians 5:1
Just as America cast off foreign rule, Christ empowers us to cast off the rule of sin. Before knowing Jesus, we were slaves to sin, unable to choose righteousness or peace. But now, through His sacrifice, we are free to live differently—not out of fear, but in love and purpose.
“For he that is dead is freed from sin.” – Romans 6:7
2. Freedom from Condemnation
“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” – Romans 8:1
True independence in Christ means freedom from guilt and shame. The weight of past failures no longer defines us. In Christ, we are declared not guilty. That’s a freedom no government, no constitution, no earthly court could ever grant.
3. Freedom to Live for God
“Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.” – 1 Peter 2:13-16
Christian freedom is not the right to do whatever we want, but the power to do what is right. We are free to serve, to forgive, to stand for justice, and to love boldly. That is freedom with purpose.
A Higher Kingdom
“But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,” – Philippians 3:20 (EVS)
Even as today many will celebrate the blessings of earthly freedom, we remember that our truest citizenship is in Christ’s kingdom. His freedom is not fragile or temporary—it’s eternal.
“The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.” – Revelation 11:15
*Unless specified, all Bible verses are from the King James Version.
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