Articles
Independence Day
Inscribed upon the “Liberty Bell” which hangs in Philadelphia’s Independence Hall is a verse from Leviticus 25:10. I have included verse nine for better context of the thoughts here.
“Then you shall cause the trumpet of the Jubilee to sound on the tenth day of the seventh month; on the Day of Atonement you shall make the trumpet to sound throughout all your land. And you shall consecrate the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout all the land to all its inhabitants. "
It is likely that Liberty Bell rang forth and announced the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776, 249 years ago.
John Adams wrote about this “Independence Day”, “ It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. You will think me transported with Enthusiasm, but I am not. I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means.”
In a similar fashion and perhaps you it is obvious to you, that each of us that are born again and added to the kingdom have our own special “independence day.” Freed from the slavery to sin. Paul underscores this day of freedom and redemption in a powerful phrase, “Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.” Titus 2:13-14
Our nation's Independence Day is anchored in a “Declaration of Independence”. This language contained therein powerfully includes references to God, Biblical stories and principles. Each of these underscores the significance of God, His Word and His people as powerful forces and influences in human civilization, governments, culture and law.
Here are some easily understood in reference to our country and our spiritual kingdom.
The inherent dignity of man-created in His image. Self-evident truths-His divine nature is revealed in creation, so we are without excuse. The purpose of man, Life, Liberty [freedom] and the pursuit of happiness, not hedonism but “eudaimonia” meaning “human thriving.” Which scripture teaches, us to be holy, that the truth will set you free and Jesus who said, “I am the way the truth and the life.”
It is wonderful to celebrate and rejoice in our nations independence and especially so for our rescue, redemption, unity and freedom in Christ. Let us always look into and remember the “perfect law of liberty” that was paid for by the blood of Christ.
