Recent Devotions | Devotion Archive

Devotions

Freedom

John 8:34-35 NIV
Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."

How was your 4th of July celebration? Did you have time to reflect on the idea of "freedom"? To ponder what it means to you individually, as a family, and as a citizen or resident of the United States? In these perilous times of war, thoughts of gratitude for our freedom seem to come more quickly. The heroism of our brave men and women fighting and even giving their lives to ensure freedom inspires deep gratitude.

As children of God, we have a gift of freedom even more profound. This gift rescues us from the most tremendous peril of all – our sin. The Word of God teaches that sin came into the world as a result of the first sin of Adam and Eve. Now, we all sin and face its consequence — separation from God, death, and eternal punishment.

Romans 7:24-25
"What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God —through Jesus Christ our Lord!"

Jesus has won our freedom through His perfect sacrifice by suffering death on the cross in our place for the forgiveness of our sin. By the grace of God, through faith in the Risen Savior we have been granted eternal life.

1 Corinthians 15:3-8, 22
"For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance; that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. After that he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living...Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also… For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive."

The spiritual war for our souls is over. Jesus declared from the cross, "It is finished!" We do not have to fear evil or worry that somehow life can be stolen from us. We have peace with God and the hope of heaven, a place with no sin, brokenness, or sorrow.

Romans 8:1-2
"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death."

It is good to reflect every 4th of July on the hard-won blessings of freedom we enjoy in America. It is a great blessing also to reflect daily on the freedom Christ granted to us through our baptism into His death and resurrection allowing us to rejoice in the truth of His Word:

John 8:34-35 NIV
"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."

Dear Lord of Life,
Thank you for setting us free from sin and death because of your great love and sacrifice for us. We rejoice in knowing that you have called and enabled us to be members of your family and heavenly kingdom forever. Amen.