Eternal Freedom

By F. D. Adkins

This week, we celebrate the ‘Fourth of July’ to commemorate the day the colonies declared independence from Great Britain. On this ‘Independence’ day in 1776, the colonists said, ‘no more’. They would no longer be at the mercy of the British. And because of this bold stand for freedom taken by our forefathers and the many brave men and women who have sacrificed to defend that freedom, we have been extended rights and privileges that many people in our world do not get to enjoy. As we have our picnics, grill our burgers, and watch the fireworks, let us remember all those who have stood and sacrificed so that Americans continue to have independence to celebrate.

As I sit here writing this, thinking about Independence Day, I am reminded, as Christians, the ‘Fourth of July’ is not the only Independence Day we should celebrate. If we have accepted Christ as our Savior, we have an even greater independence to commemorate, and that is the day we received freedom from sin and began a new life in Christ.

My daughter accepted Christ when she was six years old. She was so excited that she wrote the date on a corner of a piece of paper and stuck it in her Bible. My daughter is now about to be seventeen, and that little piece of paper is still there. Why? Because she never wants to forget the exact day she received eternal freedom. (Note: That little piece of paper is pictured above.)

Friends, when we start to feel the weight of the world crashing in on us, let us remember our true independence. Jesus said, “… If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free….  If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed” (John 8:31-32,36 KJV).

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8:1-2 KJV