Two hundred forty-two years ago on July 4, 1776, fifty-six men pledged their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor to each other and to the citizens of the country which have come to know and love as the United States of America as they signed the Declaration of Independence. These men and many others sought freedom from tyranny, religious freedom, freedom to live as their conscience dictated, but also understood that they were to live in willing subjection. While this may seem like a contradiction, it is absolutely true, and I can personally attest to that fact. True freedom can only be found in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, the Creator of the Universe and Savior of mankind. His saving grace is sufficient to pay for all sin of all time, but only those who accept his free gift of salvation will be justified when they stand before God one day. True freedom comes when anyone trusts Jesus Christ for salvation and asks Him to be the Lord of their lives.

The Gospel of Luke records Jesus as saying, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” (Luke 4:18-19)

He also said in the Gospel of John, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” And, “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” (John 8:32& 36)

Jesus also said in the Gospel of John, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6)

The Apostle Paul also gives us a similar message in one of his letters to the Church at Corinth. “Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” (2Corinthians 3:17)

Truth and freedom are found in Jesus Christ. Too many people focus on circumstances instead of on Christ. Look at Luke 4:18-19. Jesus didn’t come to take the poor out of poverty. He came to ensure that the poor and destitute as well as the poor in spirit found eternal hope regardless what their temporary status is in this life. Broken-hearted people have almost always suffered the loss of a relationship, but Jesus has promised to never leave us or forsake us. Jesus can heal relationships, but he is also sufficient in and of Himself to fill the void where love is longed for. There are many men and women who have paid or are paying the price for their crimes who are segregated from society in prison, yet they have accepted God’s gift of salvation and they know that they are no longer captives to their old life. It is true also, that Jesus did restore physical sight to blind eyes many times, but to those spiritually blinded by religion, by materialism, by sensuality or other worldly system Jesus offers true sight to see the folly of following anyone or anything but him. There are those who feel bruised or even crushed by the world or some rudiments of it. Jesus came to give them true freedom and restoration in him. Jesus came to proclaim that true freedom and liberty can only be found in a personal relationship with and submission to him and his will for our lives.

While we may live in the greatest and most free country ever in world history, many are still in bondage to sin. There are many around the world who suffer under absolute brutal tyranny and live in man-made or natural conditions which may cost many lives and certainly livelihoods, but they are in the Body of Christ and experience freedom in him most others will never know. It is truly, only in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ that we can find peace and liberty. If you would like to know more, please contact Bible Baptist Church and we will arrange for a telephone call or a visit. Wishing God’s blessings on you and yours this Independence Day! God bless America!