Today is the 4th of July, the day we celebrate our civic freedoms here in the United States with parades, picnics, and fireworks displays. We celebrate the great American experiment and the unique freedoms codified in our founding documents, such as the freedom to assemble, the freedom of speech, and even the freedom from a state-imposed religion. Although this country is far from perfect, I am grateful for the freedoms we enjoy – products of the radical ideas of our founding fathers and the selfless commitment of men and women who have given so much for the cause of freedom. I am truly grateful.

Yet today I also remember that there is no freedom like the freedom found in Christ! This ultimate freedom is the result of the radical idea of God and His Son’s sacrificial commitment to the cause. Our spiritual freedom came at a high price to Jesus as He willingly stepped out of heaven to take on human form. He was innocent and sinless, yet He sacrificed His earthly life to reclaim ours from the grip of the grave.

Our freedom in Christ has no geographic boundaries, is available to all who would humble themselves to accept it, and it destroys the oppression from our supernatural enemies. This radical supernatural freedom is unlike any other freedom, and it is only possible through faith.

So how does one get this freedom? Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31b-32, NIV, emphasis added) People often quote the second sentence in this passage while neglecting the first. We all want freedom, but the freedom offered by Jesus is an if/then statement.

In John 14:6 Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Truth by definition isn’t variable. It doesn’t change or evolve. If something can change or evolve, then it is by definition something other than truth.

Hebrews 13:8 says, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Jesus is the Truth, and true freedom only comes when we know Him, allow Him to disciple (teach) us, and then actually follow His teaching. I’m afraid that many believers in Christ remain in unnecessary bondage because they do not really know Him and do not hold to His teachings.

Often before coming to know, love, and follow Jesus as Savior and Lord, we search for ways to find peace in our soul and spirit. We may look to human relationships, careers, finances, and accolades. Many get ensnared to addictions such as shopping, gambling, sex or substances like alcohol, drugs, or food. But the truth is that genuine peace-producing freedom cannot be found in the desires of the flesh or obtained through human achievement. There are no gadgets, gizmos, or glam that can satisfy the soul like a genuine, faith-fueled relationship with the God of the Universe.

When we come to Jesus in faith – trusting He is who He said He is and He can and will do what He said He will do – the ultimate freedom is ours. This freedom isn’t a license to sin; it is freedom from sin and it’s eternal effects (Romans 6:1-15). It is the peace that surpasses all human understanding (Philippians 4:7). And this true freedom is only found in one place…a person, Jesus Christ.

So, put your best faith forward, for freedom!

Reflection Questions:

• Are there any areas of my life in which I do not walk in freedom (e.g. addictions, fleshly desires, pride, selfishness)?

• What lies have I believed about myself or about God? (See this month's free resource for finding freedom from the lie!)

• What steps can I take this week to grow in faith through prayer, worship, and Scripture?