Celebrating 250 Years of Freedom as a Nation
By Lynette Kittle
Bible Reading:
“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.” - Galatians 5:1
Our Founding Fathers were a group who believed in God, the freedom He gives each of us, and His providence in establishing the United States of America.
Although debates continue over how godly each one lived and how deeply they each believed in God, they still gave us a biblical basis for our nation, one that continues today.
As the first Vice President and second President of the United States, John Adams wrote on July 3, 1776, to his beloved wife, Abigail, concerning the high cost of freedom paid to create the Declaration of Independence:
“You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not—I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States—Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will triumph in that Days Transaction, even although we should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not.”
Adams also credited the American Revolution’s success with the spiritual revival in the hearts and minds of the people that preceded it by a generation, laying the foundation for America.
The spread of “The Great Awakening” across the colonies greatly influenced and strengthened Patriot leaders, leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence, in which prayer and fasting played a vital role in helping America establish its freedom.
America is a testament of what God has done, leading America’s Founders to establish our nation and government on godly principles. These biblical truths have given us the freedom to live as followers of Jesus Christ without reserve.
As Galatians 5:13 directs us, “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”
The following are three freedoms that America has granted us as Christians:
1. America gives us freedom to openly worship God. First and foremost is the freedom America gives us to worship God. It’s our highest calling as Christians, and it’s the freedom that tops all the others because it’s also fulfilling the first commandment, recorded in Matthew 22:37-38: “Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.”
2. America gives us freedom to openly preach the Gospel. In America, we have this freedom, like no other country in the world. As 2 Corinthians 3:17 explains, “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
3. America gives us the freedom to openly live as Christians. We, as Americans, have been granted the right, as citizens, to live as Christians in the freedom Jesus gave us. As Jesus assured us in John 8:36, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
Although we, as Americans, fought for freedom from King George and British tyranny, proclaiming independence from their harsh reign, our independence was rooted in our dependence upon Almighty God and the freedom He gives us through Jesus Christ.
Adams supported the spiritual awakening in our country, calling attention to and recognizing the connection between faith in God and freedom in life, validating where true freedom originates.
Miracles in American History author, historian, and speaker, William J. Federer, writes, “In defending the Declaration, Adams told the Continental Congress, July 1, 1776: ‘Live or die, survive or perish, I am for the Declaration. It is my living sentiment, and by the blessing of God it shall be my dying sentiment. Independence now, and Independence forever!’”
Intersecting Faith & Life:
As we celebrate our nation’s 250 years of freedom this July 4th, consider our founders’ faith in God and the fortitude they displayed in standing on His truth amid conflict and tyranny. Spend time thanking God for their bravery and boldness in believing that true freedom comes from Him.
Further Reading:
How the Church Paved the Way for America’s Freedom
Join the conversation! Share how today’s devotional encouraged or challenged you in your walk with Christ.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/LeoPatrizi
Lynette Kittle is married with four daughters. She enjoys writing about faith, marriage, parenting, relationships, and life. Her writing has been published by Focus on the Family, Decision, Today’s Christian Woman, kirkcameron.com, Ungrind.org, StartMarriageRight.com, and more. She has a M.A. in Communication from Regent University and serves as associate producer for Soul Check TV.
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