Most people love a good party.
We the people generally enjoy the food, games, laughter, joy and fun that usually accompany a party. This Wednesday, July 4th, a lot of people will be partying.
This annual American festival is so big that many people plan their parties for days and weeks ahead of time. There will be countless picnics, cookouts, and barbeques. And serious money will be spent on first-class fireworks.
All of this is a part of our tradition and heritage as American citizens. Every nation has July 4th, but not every nation celebrates Independence Day. Americans have always celebrated their independence—as well we should. It’s a meaningful moment from our history.
You may think your neighborhood sounds and looks like a war zone, but I’m 100% certain it’s nowhere near the level of noise and celebration exuberated in 1776, because their festivity went beyond fireworks. It was more meaningful to them because they saw firsthand the great cost of that freedom.
Over time we forget. We grow accustomed to simple, but important liberties. We take them for granted because most of us have never experienced a life any different than a free one. Freedom is a pretty good reason for a party. Graduation parties, retirement parties and even birthday parties all celebrate emancipation to some degree or another. Freedom gives us cause to celebrate.
When you think about all that, consider now our eternal liberty. We in Christ have been freed from so much! As Paul wrote, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:1-2).
If the Son sets you free, then you are free indeed! In Christ, we’ve been set free from sin and death. We’ve been set free from the curse of Adam. We’ve been set free from spiritual bondage, and captivity. We are no longer slaves to the prince of this world.
For all Jesus has freed us from, Christians ought to be the most joyful and celebratory people around. Are you? I hope His joy shines in your face and that His victory is shared in your life.
Because if you’re in Jesus Christ, you’ve been given grace upon grace and have been set free from sin. As near as I can tell, that’s the best reason in the world to celebrate!