In a letter dated July 3, 1776, John Adams wrote to his wife:
This will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time for- ward forever more.
The second President of the United States was right. Without question, our freedom should be celebrated!
However, in order to celebrate properly, we must understand our freedom. Consider the spiritual truths as well.
Freedom comes at a high cost.
The last line of the Declaration of Independence says: “And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.”
Jesus Christ gave His life to secure our eternal freedom (Rom. 6:3-9; 8:1-4). You and I must choose to die to self and live for Christ in order to be truly free (Gal. 2:20).
Freedom must be maintained.
Freedom can be lost. History has shown again and again that nations can be destroyed.
Spiritual freedom can be lost as well (John 8:31-36; Heb. 3:12; Gal. 5:4).
Freedom can be dangerous.
People with free will and free reign often make wicked choices. We all choose to serve someone or some- thing (Rom. 6:16-18, 22).
Freedom must be loved.
Fools take freedom for granted. The wise recognized that they’ve been blessed. “Live as people who are free…living as servants of God” (1 Pet. 2:16; cf. Gal. 5:1).
