Read the opening article, 4th of July Independence Day, below or click here to download a PDF of the full edition.
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“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…” —The Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776 Every Independence Day, Americans celebrate the gift of freedom—hard-won, handed down, and honored through tradition. But as followers of Jesus, we also reflect on a greater freedom: the one we have in Christ. Just as the founders declared liberty in the midst of conflict, so too can we declare our spiritual freedom, even in life’s battles.
We didn’t earn national freedom; we inherited it. It was a gift. Likewise, our spiritual freedom was won by Christ. It was also a gift. Galatians 5:1 reminds us, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” His sacrifice makes it possible for us to live without fear, shame, or condemnation—and to extend that freedom to others. That was Christ’s gift to us.
The Declaration of Independence was signed during war, not after it. In the same way, we can declare our freedom in Christ even while life feels uncertain. Whether in hardship, doubt, or conflict, our freedom is secure because of what Jesus has done—not how we feel in the moment.
Just as fireworks and food mark our nation’s freedom, heaven rejoices when a soul finds freedom in Christ. Jesus tells us in Luke 15 that when the lost are found, there is celebration in heaven. We honor God when we celebrate salvation with gratitude and joy.
The Declaration begins with “We the people,” not “I.” Our faith is personal, but never private. We are one body in Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12–27), called to live out our freedom in community—encouraging, forgiving, and serving one another in love. This Fourth of July, let us remember that true freedom is more than a national value—it’s a spiritual reality. Christ has set us free. Let’s live that freedom with boldness, humility, and joy. Amen. By David Dowell |
