“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
— The Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776
Today, across the United States, we celebrate the birth of our nation and the freedom we have long cherished. It’s a day of parades and fireworks—but also a day to reflect on something much deeper: freedom as a gift from God.
When our Founding Fathers penned the Declaration of Independence, they acknowledged that our rights do not originate from governments or kings—but from our Creator. They believed that life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness were God-given rights, not man-made privileges. That truth, grounded in divine authority, gave them the courage to stand against tyranny and fight for a new beginning.
As believers, we know that freedom is far more than political or civil liberty. Biblical freedom is the release from sin, death, and the power of this world. It is not merely the right to do whatever we want—but the ability to do what is right, through the power of Christ.
Jesus said in John 8:36 (NIV):
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
True freedom is not found in casting off all restraints. In fact, living without limits or accountability often leads to deeper bondage—to sin, to addiction, to selfishness, to despair.
The Bible tells us that apart from Christ, we are not free at all:
“You are slaves to the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness.”
— Romans 6:16 (NIV)
But in Jesus, we have been set free—not to serve ourselves, but to serve God:
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”
— Galatians 5:13 (NIV)
This is a different kind of liberty. It's not about doing whatever we please; it's about being set free from the chains of sin, guilt, shame, and the pressures of this world. It’s freedom from trying to earn our worth, and instead resting in the finished work of Jesus Christ.
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
— 2 Corinthians 3:17 (NIV)
The Apostle Peter reminds us:
“Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves.”
— 1 Peter 2:16 (NIV)
This paradox—that we are freest when we fully surrender to God—is at the heart of the Christian life. As Americans, we are grateful for our national freedoms. But as followers of Christ, we rejoice in a much greater freedom: one that no government, law, or enemy can take away.
As you celebrate today, take time to thank God for both the freedoms we enjoy in this country and the eternal freedom we have in Christ. May our hearts be stirred not just with patriotism, but with praise.
Let this Independence Day be a celebration of both liberty and Lordship. Our flag reminds us that we are free as citizens of this nation. But the cross reminds us that we are eternally free—citizens of heaven, saved by grace, and called to live for something far greater than ourselves.
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”
— Galatians 5:1 (NIV)
Happy Independence Day—and may you live every day in the freedom Christ died to give you.