From the Pulpit: Christian freedom
Independence Day: grilling, swimming, fireworks, homemade ice cream, and simply a grand ol’ time. When it comes to the Fourth of July, we love doing all of those things. What we celebrate is the freedom was won and declared from the King of England on July4th, 1776. That beloved document, the Declaration of Independence, is considered by some to be the greatest sign of freedom and liberty for the United States of America. It declares our freedom and for more than 200 years has been a cause of celebration nationwide.
As Christians, we have an even greater reason to celebrate: the freedom won for us by our Savior Jesus. The sign of our freedom: the cross and empty tomb. For more than 2,000 years that freedom has given us cause to celebrate because we have been freed not just from a king who hindered our civil and natural rights, but Christ has freed us from the prince of this world who sought to eternally destroy our soul. Jesus died to free you from sins that hold all of us captive. Jesus rose for you to declare you’ve been freed from the power of Satan’s grasp.
What kind of a difference does this independence make in our lives? Since Christ has freed us from the penalty our sins deserved, does that mean we can do whatever we want? The Bible speaks to this in Romans 6:15 (GW), “Should we sin because we are not controlled by God’s laws but by God’s favor? That’s unthinkable!”
Does our Christian freedom allow us to cheat on our spouse or to play bystander while another individual is mocked or physically beat upon? “Jesus will forgive me anyway. It doesn’t matter.” But it does matter. When we live as if we are not Christians, what message are we presenting and how are we describing the freedom that Jesus has truly won for us all?
I’m thankful that for the misuse of our freedom, Christ continues to give us forgiveness from our sins. Be free. Be forgiven. And in Christ you are.
Enjoy your Independence Day celebration on the Fourth of July. But also celebrate the freedom God has given you in Christ who died and rose for you. As we read in Romans 6:18, “[You are] freed from sin.” What a cause to celebrate!
