"Let Freedom Ring!" we lustily sing at this time of year. But do we really know what Freedom is?
One dictionary meaning is ‘a being able to act, move, use without hindrance or restraint’. Synonymous with the word ‘Freedom’ is the word ‘liberty’. The dictionary states that ‘liberty’ connotes past restriction, or repression. When our founding Father’s signed the declaration of Independence, they were stating we were no longer repressed or restricted by another governing ruler. We were setting up our new nation to be free and independent of England or any other nation. To have the Freedom to pursue Life, Liberty and Happiness.
So it is with our Spiritual life. Galatians 5:1 states "It was for freedom that Christ set us free…" and in John 12:36 it tells us that "if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed". Jesus declaration to us is from John 3:16, "Whoever believes in Him will not perish, but have Eternal Life." Jesus also said "I am come that you might have Life, and have it more abundantly." (John 10:10). In Christ we will have Life, we will have Liberty, and thereby we will have Happiness. This is our Declaration of Independence that gives us True Freedom!
From the heart of CCoblentz
