Today Americans all over the world will be celebrating this special day. On July 4th in 1776 the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the newly formed United States of America. The Second Continental Congress convened at Pennsylvania State House, later renamed Independence Hall. The original 13 colonies became states, later followed by many other territories becoming states. Today there are 50 stars on our flag to represent these states. Becoming independent was and is today a great joy, but is there an even greater joy? Oh, yes! For the child of God, celebrating spiritual independence is the greatest of all joy.
Jesus said it best in John 8:36, If the Son sets you free, you are truly free. From what are we set free? The Apostle Paul explains in Colossians 1:13, For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the Kingdom of the Son He loves. Also, when Jesus forgives our every sin, making us clean by washing us in His blood shed on the cross for us; then, as Paul explained in II Corinthians 5:17, If anyone is in Christ he is a new creation. Old things have passed away and all things have become new. When any of us comes to Jesus, receiving His gift of forgiveness and the promise of life with Him in Heaven forever, then we are indeed set free!
We are free to follow His perfect plans for our lives. We are free to walk in peace and joy above any peace or joy the world can give. We are free, with the help of the Holy Spirit Who resides within every child of God, to be empowered to overcome sin’s temptations. We are free to let Christ rule supremely, sitting on the thrones of our lives. Our own selfish and sinful desires no longer sits on that throne which leads to guilt and despondency. When we are set free in Jesus, then we are set free from ultimate, eternal spiritual death, where light does not glow, and darkness surrounds forever. We can all be set free from such an eternal prison sentence.
If you personally know Jesus today, then celebrate your freedom from sin’s clutches. If you only know about Jesus, but have never met Him personally, then today can be your own celebration of freedom day. If you truly want Jesus’ forgiveness right now, then invite Him right now into your life. Tell Him you know He died on that cross for you, to pay the penalty for your sins. Tell Him you accept His forgiveness. Tell Him you want a new life. Tell Him you want to turn away from your old sinful ways, and turn instead, to walk the paths He chooses for you. I promise there is no greater joy than to invite Jesus into your life. He will come. He will save you. He will fill you with joy and peace such as you have never known before.
If you have just invited Jesus into your life, I urge you to seek other Christians. Tell them you have just become a Christian. I promise such news will be received with gladness. They will help you to grow in your faith. Christians are a family together, encouraging each other,, sharing burdens and joy together.
May all of you be blessed in celebration today.