True Freedom: Independence in Christ

As fireworks light up the skies and flags wave proudly across our nation, Americans everywhere pause on the 4th of July to celebrate liberty, freedom bought with the blood of patriots and secured through countless battles. We remember the courage of those who risked everything to break free from tyranny and establish a new nation founded on the promise of freedom.

But as Christians, there’s another kind of freedom we celebrate, one far greater, more lasting, and more personal. It’s not found in a constitution, won by a war, or secured by a government. It’s found in the cross of Jesus Christ.

"So if the Son sets you free, you really will be free." – John 8:36, LSB

The independence we celebrate on the 4th of July is national; it’s about a country being set free. But the independence we have in Christ is spiritual; it’s about a soul being set free. America gained liberty from the rule of a king. In Christ, we gain liberty from the rule of sin, death, and condemnation.

Before Christ, we were enslaved—not to a foreign power, but to our own flesh. We were in bondage to the very things that destroyed us: pride, lust, fear, greed, bitterness. And no amount of effort, willpower, or good behavior could break the chains. But Jesus did what no army or leader ever could: He broke the power of sin once and for all.

"Therefore there is now no condemnation at all for those who are in Christ Jesus." – Romans 8:1, LSB

This is the truest freedom the world has ever known, not political liberty, but spiritual victory. Freedom from shame. Freedom from guilt. Freedom from the weight of trying to earn God’s approval. Freedom from trying to prove your worth. In Christ, you are forgiven. You are secure. You are free.

On the cross, Jesus declared independence for every sinner who would trust in Him, not from a government, but from hell itself.

But don’t mistake Christian freedom for lawlessness. Freedom in Christ isn’t permission to do whatever you want. It’s power to do what is right. Freedom to walk in righteousness. Freedom to say “no” to sin and “yes” to the Spirit. True freedom isn’t the absence of authority—it’s the presence of the right authority.

"But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you have your benefit, leading to sanctification, and the end, eternal life." – Romans 6:22, LSB

As we celebrate the birth of our nation this weekend, take time to thank God for the freedoms we enjoy in this country—but don’t stop there. Reflect on the far greater freedom Jesus purchased for you. His blood didn't just buy your pardon—it broke your chains.

You may live in the land of the free, but if you are in Christ, you live in the grip of grace. You’ve been rescued from the kingdom of darkness and transferred into the kingdom of the beloved Son (Colossians 1:13). That’s a declaration of independence that echoes into eternity.

So let freedom ring, not just from the rooftops of America, but from the redeemed hearts of God’s people.

Happy Independence Day, and praise God for our ultimate freedom in Jesus Christ.

In Love,

Pastor Jody


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