Declarations
On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Second Continental Congress. History tells us that the document had been passed on July 2 with no opposing vote cast. The purpose of the document was to formally explain why the thirteen American colonies were justified in separating from Great Britain. In it were listed the grievances against King George III as well as a statement that has been called “one of the best-known sentences in the English language.”
“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.” This passage came to represent a moral standard to which the United States should strive.
With this document, our country’s founders sought freedom from tyranny. Yet it became clear that “freedom is not free” as this document precipitated the Revolutionary War. Many laid down their lives to purchase the freedom we enjoy as Americans.
Still, as individuals we often face tyranny of another kind. Just as King George III sought to control and destroy this new nation, our enemy Satan seeks to “steal and kill and destroy” John 10:10. The freedom that God intended was stolen by the deception of the enemy. But we find in I Timothy 2:5-6, “There is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone.”
Thus, we can make these declarations:
I am free from failure for “I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13
I am free from want for “my God shall supply all my need according to His riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
I am free from fear for “God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7
I am free from doubt for “When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.” Psalm 94:19
I am free from weakness for “The Lord gives his people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace.” Psalm 29:11
I am free from the power of Satan for “greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.” 1 John 4:4
I am free from defeat for “You are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory.” Psalm 32:7
I am free from sin for “the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7
I am free from worry for I can “Give all my worries and cares to God, for he cares about me.” 1 Peter 5:7
I am free from bondage for “the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” 2 Corinthians 3:17
I am free from strife for “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You – all whose thoughts are fixed on You.” Isaiah 26:3
I am free from condemnation for “now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1
Just as our forefathers sought equality and rights for all in their declaration, God declared “an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins,” Romans 8:3. “Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.” Romans 6:14
For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. Galatians 5:13
Powerful words, Carol. We are free indeed, purchased by the blood of Christ.