There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans‬ ‭8:1‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Today, in America, is a day of celebrating many things. Among them are freedom, sacrifice, heroism, and the birth of a new nation. Today is Independence Day. In 1776, the British colonies in America declared their separation from their sovereign empire and created a union of 13 stares. The following eight years saw large scale warfare waged from Canada to Florida all along the eastern portion of the continent. During the course of the war nearly 25,000 Americans lost their lives. But that doesn’t account for the devastation that the war inflicted on the landscape and the lives of merchants and farmers alike. Lives were forever changed and so was the world.

For the last several years today has meant much more to me than the birth of a nation. It’s been an indispensable reminder of my own personal Independence Day. Few people bleed the red white and blue more than me, but there is something far greater to celebrate than the birth of a nation. Around 2000 years ago another war was waged and won for the cause of freedom. Jesus Christ single handily defeated sin and death with the fatal stroke He dealt upon the cross and by walking out of the grave three days later.

What Jesus achieved for humanity was nothing short of heroic. He is the greatest hero in world history. What Jesus achieved required the greatest sacrifice for love has no greater action than to lay down ones life for another. Jesus willingly surrendered His own life that the world may know freedom. What Jesus did was to create something new in everyone who believes in Him. For Christians, we have two birthdays. The day we were born and the day we were reborn by the Spirit.

If you are celebrating the independence of the United States of America today, take time to reflect on the most impactful Independence Day in human history. It’s a day that anyone can celebrate no matter what country they call home. If you haven’t experience freedom in Jesus, I want to invite you to take today to declare independence from condemnation, fear, doubt, and sin. Declare Jesus as your Lord and Savior and join in the song of the redeemed being sung all over the world.

Happy Independence Day!