FAITHFULWORD.ORG | TEACHINGS

[John 15:13; Luke 4:14-18; Romans 5:6-10; Galatians 1:4; Colossians 1:12, 13; John 8:32; Romans 6:12, 14-22; I Corinthians 7:22, 23; Galatians 5:1; I Corinthians 15:58

The gospel of John states there is no greater love than that a man lay down his life for his friends. In the case of Jesus Christ, it was the greatest love because it was for the greatest cause. Throughout the centuries, men and women have given their lives for great causes. Certainly the freedoms we enjoy in this country are the result of those who lost their lives or who gave their lives in service in public office or other positions.

Many came to this county long ago to find religious freedom. Today, our United States, while not perfect, contains freedom and civil liberties not found anywhere else in the world. People still migrate here because of the rights and privileges given to our citizens.

Using this as an analogy, we should consider this truth in John and ask what concept in Jesus Christ did the Father instill that was so big? It was mankind’s independence — to be set free from the bondage of sin and death, liberated from this world and its wisdom, its ways and its evil. Jesus Christ declared that he came to preach the gospel, heal the brokenhearted, preach deliverance to the captives, recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised. He is the Great Deliverer, the Great Liberator. Jesus Christ gave himself for our sins that he might deliver us from this present evil world.

We pride ourselves in the rights we have as citizens of the United States of America and stand firm regarding our rights and privileges. We should do the same spiritually. We have been spiritually given citizenship in a brand new kingdom where there are laws that govern. We have privileges and rights as sons in this kingdom that no entity in this world, including Satan, has the right to infringe upon. The day God raised Jesus Christ from the dead was our real Independence Day! Why? Because he fulfilled all that was required to redeem us.

This country was built upon Biblical principles. The majority of our forefathers were God-fearing, Bible-quoting men. We can thank God for that. Yet it is the truths from God that truly set us free. We gain a spiritual independence from what Christ accomplished. As we believe on him, accepting him as Lord and Savior in our lives, we become new creatures who are equal citizens. We must continually learn what this new liberty is all about.

The paradox is that true freedom and liberty are experienced in the form of service. Men and women have laid down their lives in service to their country. Those of us who are spiritually minded find true freedom in serving our God by preaching the gospel and operating the ministry of reconciliation. I Corinthians says a man called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord’s freeman. Likewise he that is called, being free, is Christ’s servant. We are bought with a price and are not to be the servants of men. God’s Word promises our labors in the Lord are not in vain. We can take this to heart, knowing this truth is based upon the hope. Let us stand fast in our liberty, abounding in God’s work as His children.