His Ambassador Blog

America signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4^th, 1776. The founding fathers spent hours, days, weeks writing it up and many soldiers lost their lives fighting Britain for that independence. I am personally so thankful to have been born in America and I enjoy celebrating the 4^th of July. But there is a day that I celebrate a much more personal independence day, which is the day that I surrendered my life to Jesus. Unfortunately, I don’t remember the exact date, but I remember the moment like it was yesterday and I have grown so much more since. Jesus has had to do so much work in my life, teaching me things, helping me grow, battling sin and weakness, and yet He still has more work to do in and through me. But nevertheless, I am free. Free from the bondage of sin, the bondage of anxiety and depression, free from fear, free from condemnation. Jesus set me free, not only from a life of sin but from potential hurt in the future and eternal separation from Him. I hear often that people think the word of God is simply a rule book that keeps you from having fun or living your life to the fullest. I think that many believe a relationship with Christ will hold them back from the life they want to live. But without Christ we are zombies, living but not truly alive, dead on the inside or in all the ways that count. Many spend this life trying to slow the aging of the body while the soul is still dead.

Ephesians 5:8 reads, “For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are light in the Lord: walk as children of light.” We are born into the bondage of sin and darkness. Sin is a plague, destroying everything in its path. Even you and I. Sometimes sin is unrecognizable, but it is ever so deadly that even the earth can feel the disaster that sin is (Romans 8:20-21). For a moment, in the moment, sin will feel great. It is easy to do and for a fleeting time it can be fun, which is what makes it so appealing. But that is where the gratification of sin ends. After that it eats at your life, your heart, and your body until there is nothing left. But I read once, something astounding, I don’t know who said it, but he/she said, “For a moment I felt awe for a God who loved me enough to hate the things that hurt me without hating me for causing them.” God’s love is so beautiful, so true, that even the ‘worst’ of sins cannot separate us from Him (Romans 8:38-39). Freedom in Christ is not an overwhelming list of rules, it is life, joy, peace, goodness, and so many more holy things that only adds beauty to our lives.

John 8:36 says, “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” I’m not lying when I say that freedom in Christ is so much better than the bondage to sin. I feel an overwhelming sense of peace, I feel secure in who I am, I feel safe knowing I am protected by God and because of Christ I don’t have to:

1. Live in a constant state of insecurity and comparison (although Christ is still working on this in my own life) because the One who made me makes no mistakes. He has a purpose meant for only me and in His eyes, I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
2. Live in a depressed or anxious state. Both of which are very real. But depression is no match for the joy found in Christ and anxiety is no match for His peace which passes all understanding.
3. Live a life that is unfulfilling and feel as though I have no purpose. Because of Jesus I can live to the fullest extent knowing He will provide me with all my needs but also give purpose and meaning to my being.

The freedom that Jesus gives is a privilege of surrendering to Him. A.W. Tozer said, “Christian liberty is freedom from sin, not freedom to sin.” When a believer is saved, they are not to go back to their old ways. Galatians 5:1 commands, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” When Christ frees us from sin He means it. With that newfound freedom we should not abuse it by sinning carelessly and expecting no consequence nor punishment. Christ wants us to use this freedom for good. Galatians 5:13 says, “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.” True salvation in Christ will bear fruits of goodness, love, and joy. Which comes through freedom from the bondage of sin. We are free from the sin and evil that wears down the world, which means we get to bring salt and light to others who are stuck in slavery to sin.

2 Corinthians 3:17 reads, “Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” If you or someone you know is experiencing oppression from the bondage of sin, you should know that freedom is found in surrendering at the foot of the cross. The liberty found in Christ is more than an end to the pain of death, it is the application of beauty, fulfillment, and most of all life! I’d like to ask you this: have you experienced your independence day?