Happy Independence Day! Today in the United States of America we celebrate the birth of our country in 1776. Although our country’s initial freedom occurred over two centuries ago, today our freedom is just as significant as it was 243 years ago. The people of this country still have many liberties that are not found across the globe. For example, we have the freedom to worship in church and we have the freedom to vote.

What is freedom? According to Merriam-Webster it means the absence of necessity, coercion, or constraint in choice or action; Liberation from slavery or restraint or from the power of another; The quality or state of being exempt or released usually from something onerous; Unrestricted use; Etc.

But when I think about freedom, I also think about Christ. For those who believe and accept Jesus into their lives, they have the ultimate freedom. Freedom from sin, freedom from death, freedom from the chains of the enemy. We were once enslaved to our flesh and sinful nature. But our old selves died on the cross with Jesus, and we became new creatures.

There are many Bible verses that talk about this freedom we possess. Here are just a few:

• For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. – Galatians 5:1 ESV
• Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. – 2 Corinthians 3:17 ESV
• So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. – John 8:36 ESV
• And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. – John 8:32 ESV
• For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. – Galatians 5:13 ESV

Reflecting on how we have been set free makes me feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. What an awesome gift we have! But that’s not all. Notice above that one of the definitions of freedom was unrestricted use. As Christians we also have unrestricted access to our Father. We can call on Him at any moment of any day, and He will always answer. How amazing that we can go to Him in prayer at any given time!

No matter what country you live in, I hope you will take a moment today to thank God for your true freedom through Jesus!