This month, on July 4th, our country celebrated its “birthday”; 245 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, in Philadelphia. The ‘founding fathers’, those who gathered together at this historic time wrote, “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, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” They furthered outlined their grievances and intent for independence, and concluded by these famous words, “And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.”
For most if not all of them, it cost them dearly! Many lost their lives or lives of their loved ones, their earthly wealth and property. But their “sacred honor” lives on. God in His divine Providence did enable these brave Patriots to succeed inspite of horrific obstacles. It became the start/birth of a nation like none other in human history. Based on Judeo/Christian values and principles, it has been a country to which millions have come, seeking the hope of a better future in this “land of opportunity”. America definitely has its problems, but it also has been a beacon of hope, and enabled those who honestly work hard and have a dream, to accomplish those dreams.
I am so deeply grateful for all those who have continued to sacrifice by serving in the military or law enforcement, enabling the rest of us to have the freedoms established in our Constitution.
But, an even greater “freedom” is available to us!
If we are honest with ourselves, we know we all have done wrong/sinned, against God or others in our life. The Bible says, we all “have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God…and the wages of sin is death.” (Romans 3:23, 6:23) But God has such an amazing love for us, that “He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 NLT) See also Titus 3:4-7.
There was a “payment” due for our sins, and Jesus PAID IT ALL for us! By taking the punishment we deserved, He saved/freed us from the wrath of an all holy, and just God.
This gift is free for us, in that we cannot purchase nor work for it: Jesus paid it in full. But, it wasn’t free -- it cost Him His life, a gruesome death on the cross.
However, as He is the Son of God, and as He said He would, He rose from the grave and LIVES! This is the GOOD NEWS!! For some, this is a very familiar story. But for millions, it is not familiar and they do not know about the love God has for us. Biblical Restoration Ministries (www.brministry.org) offers Biblical teaching and resources that are free to view or download. It has been viewed by millions of people around the world. To God be the glory!! It is our constant prayer that He will continue to direct people who are seeking truth and freedom from the enslavement of sin, to go to this site and learn of this life-saving relationship with the Lord.
Dear Lord, Thank you that we can come and confess our sins to You, and that as we do, You are faithful to forgive us our sins, and cleanse us for all unrighteousness. (I John 1:9) As we ask You to be our Lord and Savior, You receive us to Yourself and make us Your children and grant us eternal life! (John 1:12, Romans 8:16-17) Thank you that when we sincerely believe and receive Your forgiveness, and seek to follow You, we have true freedom! (John 8:36)
We pray this in Jesus’ name! Amen.