4 Words You Need to Know This 4th of July

I assumed I would have trouble coming up with an idea for a 4th of July post because holiday-themed posts are normally difficult for me to write. But then I remembered this post doesn’t have to be super deep or super original. It just has to be true.

So friends, I have something I want to share with you on this 4th of July. It’s one life-changing truth summed up in four simple words. Are you ready to find out what they are?

You Are More Than a Prisoner

God offers you freedom.

Those are the four words you need to know this 4th of July. Unfortunately, most Christians (including me) often take these words for granted. We don’t understand the implications of them in our daily lives—or even for our eternity.

But this truth changes everything. Freedom is at the heart of the gospel. Through Christ, you have access to the truest form of freedom you’ll ever experience in this life. He wants to loosen your chains and unlock your cell door so you can run straight to Him. You don’t have to be enslaved to sin or destined for hell. This is your chance to be more than a prisoner; it’s your chance to be a victor.

True Triumph

When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned. Yes, people sinned even before the law was given. But it was not counted as sin because there was not yet any law to break. Still, everyone died—from the time of Adam to the time of Moses—even those who did not disobey an explicit commandment of God, as Adam did. Now Adam is a symbol, a representation of Christ, who was yet to come. But there is a great difference between Adam’s sin and God’s gracious gift. For the sin of this one man, Adam, brought death to many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through this other man, Jesus Christ. And the result of God’s gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man’s sin. For Adam’s sin led to condemnation, but God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God, even though we are guilty of many sins. For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:12-17 NLT, emphasis mine)

Although God offers you freedom, He can’t make you take His offer—you have to choose freedom. And choosing freedom is just the beginning. It means you can begin a relationship with God.

Freedom from sin and death means freedom to live. Grace, forgiveness, and righteousness are yours if you want them. This is your chance to live in triumph. Will you take it?