Approximately 1980 years ago, God in the flesh died an undeserving death and resurrected three days later. Paul taught that the cross purchased freedom for all men.
For the next hundreds of years men died for teaching the freedom that Christ had purchased with his own blood. They were no longer captive to the bondage of religious laws that required obedience for forgiveness. Nor were they enslaved to governments that forced them to worship another God.
In the 16th century a former Catholic priest taught Christ’s blood alone to free men from sin and death. More men died under opposing governments and religions.
In the 17th century men made free by Christ sailed across an ocean to flee the religious subjection of the Church of England. They sought refuge from the doctrines demanded from a government church. This allowed them to search the scriptures freely.
Two hundred thirty-five years ago, on this day, men from many denominations declared independence from the sovereign rule of a Protestant King so that they could institute their God given liberty without government encroachment.
One hundred forty-six years ago, an emancipation was declared that made known what had already been judicially settled in heaven. There is neither Jew nor Greek, male nor female, black nor white, in Christ.
In the 20th century an increasing number of men taught that freedom in Christ also delivered us from denominational control and legalistic church practices. The old law traditions such as tithing and baptism had no place in the free church of Jesus Christ in the dispensation of grace. These Pauline teachers endured through ridicule from their own brethren.
It seems there is no end to the fervor that comes from the liberty in Christ. We are exhorted to “stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free”. As such we stand with all of those noble men of history who have given up life and reputation for Christ’s sake.
Our freedom does not come from wars, declarations, laws, churches, or governments. Only one man has died to purchase our liberty. Freedom comes from his sinless blood paid on our behalf and given to all those who trust in that payment.
Glory to God that it was Christ who made us free, and that liberty cannot be revoked!
Article Index Published: July 4, 2009
Last Modified: June 11, 2016