Free in Christ

I love pondering our American history—especially the early years when approximately 100 people set off from England on the Mayflower in search of the New World. 

These pilgrims came to America seeking religious freedom after breaking away from the Church of England. They first landed on the shores of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, in November 1620. They called the point of the Cape “Provincetown”—recognizing God’s providence and protection over them as they made the long journey across the Atlantic. 
    We celebrate our freedom in America—land of the free and home of the brave. As believers, we also have freedom in Jesus Christ. We are instructed to live in a godly manner. There are only two masters in this world: our heavenly Father above and Satan. But, freedom in Christ is not the freedom to do whatever we want. Jesus is our King, Savior and Lord. We need to obey His law which is instructed in His holy Word—the Bible. Without laws or order in the universe, there would be utter chaos. God created this world and we were created to have a loving relationship with Him. 
    Hebrews 13:14 tells us, “For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come.” Our ultimate goal is to have our eyes fixed upon our reward when Christ returns. Webster’s dictionary defines a pilgrim as one who journeys to foreign lands; one who travels to a holy place. One day, we will be celebrating in Heaven, as we are merely pilgrims on this earth. 
    I believe in people’s right to believe as they wish.  Religion or the abolishment of religion should never be forced upon anyone. Romans 8:1-4 provides us an excellent explanation of freedom in Christ. “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.”
    At times we may need to be reminded that we have been saved by grace and through faith. By the shedding of Christ’s blood we are clean and holy. We need not fixate on our past mistakes, sins or failures—as we have all sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). We need to learn from our past sins and mistakes in order to grow in Christ. We are His children. We’ve been redeemed and forgiven—and need to walk in His grace, power and love.
    The Bible says, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” (Gal. 5:1) Keep in mind, Paul didn’t write this to the “world” but to the “church.” Jesus gave up everything in order for you to be free; the cross purchased your freedom.
    So, as we celebrate Independence Day as a nation, let’s remember that not only are we free as a country, but we are free in Christ, as well. ~Charlie DeTellis