Freedom: A Day of Deliverance
In America, we are remembering and celebrating liberty as a country. Also, I desire to always celebrate my spiritual freedom in Jesus Christ.
So when I read a letter John Adams wrote to his wife, Abigail, about Independence Day in 1776, I found this interesting.
“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.” (Wikipedia)
Like Adams, many of our founding fathers looked to God for “the day of deliverance.” And like others, I looked to God for my day of deliverance.
Jesus’ blood on Calvary’s cross set me free.
At sixteen-years-old, the Lord delivered me from sin and spiritual death, giving me eternal life—something worth remembering and celebrating.
Jesus' blood on Calvary's cross set us free. God delivered us from sin and spiritual death, giving us eternal life—something worth remembering and celebrating. #JesusChrist #freedom Click To TweetAmerica’s founding fathers commemorated freedom as the day of deliverance: Independence Day. Our heavenly Father commemorated spiritual freedom as the day of deliverance: Resurrection Day.
Therefore, here’s a list of 20 Scriptures to help us remember and celebrate.
Freedom in Jesus Christ
(1.) “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the suffering and afflicted. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted, to announce liberty to captives, and to open the eyes of the blind.” (Isaiah 61:1, TLB)
(2.) “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36, ESV)
(3.) “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” (2 Corinthians 3:17, ESV)
(4.) “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1, ESV)
Freedom From Sin
(5-6.) “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8:1-2, ESV)
(7-8.) “Brothers! Listen! In this man Jesus there is forgiveness for your sins! Everyone who trusts in him is freed from all guilt and declared righteous—something the Jewish law could never do.” (Acts 13:38-39, TLB)
(9-10.) “We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin.” (Romans 6:6-7, NLT)
Freedom for Holy Living
(11.) “For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” (Galatians 5:13, NASB)
(12.) “But now you are free from the power of sin and are slaves of God, and his benefits to you include holiness and everlasting life.” (Romans 6:22, TLB)
(13.) “Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.” (1 Peter 2:16, ESV)
Freedom From Distress
(14.) “Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free.” (Psalm 118:5, ESV)
Freedom Through God’s Word
(15.) “I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.” (Psalm 119:45, NIV)
Freedom From Death
(16-17.) “With eager hope, the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay.” (Romans 8:20b-21, NLT)
Freedom in Truth
(18-19.) “So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32, ESV)
(20.) “But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.” (James 1:25, NIV)
America's founding fathers commemorated freedom as the day of deliverance: Independence Day. Our heavenly Father commemorated spiritual freedom as the day of deliverance: Resurrection Day. #JesusChrist #freedom Click To TweetWhat’s your favorite freedom Scripture?
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© 2019 by Karen Friday, All rights reserved
Beautiful reminders of all we have in Christ! As discordant voices rise in hatred, attempting to shout down anyone who disagrees, may we strive to be the quiet voice of peace and life in our culture. May God grant is the grace to do so as his ambassadors.
Love how you said that, Melinda! Beautiful! And hope to be God’s grace and peace ambassador! So grateful Jesus’ blood set us free! “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36, ESV)
Christ’s salvation is truly the greatest freedom we can have. And yes, we must defend it also my friend. Great post!
Amen, J.D.! It’s truly the best independence because our very souls were set free in Christ. Thank you! “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” (2 Corinthians 3:17, ESV)
I don’t know that I can choose a favorite scripture as I love all of them, Karen. What a great way to celebrate our nation’s independence and our own freedom granted to us by God in Christ Jesus! Happy Fourth, my friend!
I agree, Martha, the freedom message in God’s Word is too deep and wide to choose only one. Happy fourth to you! “I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.” (Psalm 119:45, NIV)
My husband and i were just talking this morning how some Christians / churches are removing patriotic worship services because they don’t think it’s appropriate. I believe they go hand in hand.
We can worship God and celebrate the freedom He has given us.. spiritually and patriotically.
I agree, Mandy. What many people have forgotten, or maybe never knew, is how the good ole U.S.A was founded on “In God We Trust.” America’s history had beginnings in His-story. Therefore, as we celebrate freedom, we remember Calvary’s cross and an empty tomb!
Love this Karen, it is so hard to pick 1 favorite freedom verse, I think today Rom 6 stood out and spoke to my heart. I never heard that quote of Adams, we seem to have forgotten that this country was built with a firm faith in God. Praying we remember soon. Many Thanks 8)
Thank you, Debra. I had never read the letter by Adams either. But how fitting to go back to the beginning of Independence Day and see how much of the celebration included God: “It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty.” I love how the acts are by God, but the devotion to God is from us!
I’m so thankful for the freedom I have in Christ. I am no longer a slave to sin, but free to serve Him. Thank you for this wonderful reminder on the day we celebrate our freedom as a nation. The freedom Jesus offers means so much more! I love all the wonderful verses you shared reminding us of the amazing gift God offers to all who will accept it.
Hallelujah, Anneliese! Our freedom brings such shouts of praise in my spirit and heart, thus, from my lips and fingertips. 🙂 We are free, free, free! Praise Jesus, we are free!
I enjoyed your thoughts, Karen. It is an apt comparison. Enslaved to a tyrant, in need of freedom. No we’re free but only as long as we continue to seek the source of that freedom, Christ Jesus.
Amen, Chip! The Apostle Paul encouraged us to stay yoked to Christ, not enslaved to anything else. Christ is the source of real freedom!
Karen,
It’s sad that we have lost sight, as a Nation, of the meaning of celebrating our freedom and day of deliverance. To so many, they see it as a freedom to practice all means of immoral and hateful behavior instead of concentrating on the spiritual freedom and deliverance we have as children of God. I pray that we would return to the original intent of celebration on the 4th and every day as Christians. Great scriptures to turn to!!
Blessings,
Bev xx
Hey Bev, it is so sad. Yes! I agree! May we return to not only the God of our country’s forefathers, but also the God of our spiritual forefathers…OUR personal God and Delieverer!
Love the Adams quote. Christ delivers us and frees us. Thanks and God bless!
Nancy, Adams quote is both historical and refreshing. We tend to think things and people and words from the past are historical but not for us in this present day and culture. But that thought couldn’t be further from the truth! Those timeless words of our great leaders are inspiring!
Thanks for adding to our concept of freedom on more than just the freedom that we have as being Americans. (Although I definitely appreciate that!!!) But living in God’s kingdom is far better and brings the most freedom possible.
Thanks for commenting, Lisa. So true…the freedom from living in God’s kingdom, as citizens of heaven on this earth, is the best way to stay free!
My favorite is Galatians 5:13! Great post, Karen! I am so grateful for the freedom we have in Jesus.
Jessica, I love Galatians 5:13 as well. I find it interesting and powerful that Paul starts chapter 5 saying that it’s for freedom Christ has set us free. Then in verse 13 states that this freedom is a calling. We are called to freedom and therefore pursue it and maintain it and walk in it!
( Psalms 22:4 KJV ) “Our fathers Trusted in Thee: they Trusted, and Thou didst Deliver them.”!!
Happy Brithday too our Judeo-Christian Nation USA 1776-2019 ~> ( https://kristiann1.com/2016/07/01/h4thusa/ )!!
( Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV ) “Trust in the LORD ( ADONAI ) with All thine Heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In All thy ways Acknowledge HIM, and HE shall direct thy Paths.”!! TRUST in the LORD Jesus-Yeshua Christ with All Thine HEART and SOUL!!
( II Corinthians 3:17 KJV ) “Now the LORD is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the LORD is, there is Liberty.”!!
( James 1:25 KJV ) “But whoso looketh into the Perfect Law of Liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be Blessed in his deed.”!!
( Exodus 3:15 KJV ) “And GOD said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, The LORD GOD of your fathers, the GOD of Abraham, the GOD of Isaac, and the GOD of Jacob, hath sent Me unto you: this is My Name ( JEHOVAH-YAHWEH ) For ever, and this is My Memorial unto all Generations.”!!
( Ruth 2:12 KJV ) “The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD GOD of Israel, under whose Wings thou art come to TRUST.”!!
“I pledge Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for Which it Stands, One Nation Under GOD, indivisible, with Liberty and justice for all.”!!
“Happiness keeps You Sweet, Trials keep You Strong, Sorrows keep You Human, Failures keeps You Humble, Success keeps You Glowing, But Only GOD keeps You Going.”!! Amen-Amein Praise Christ-Messiah Jesus-Yeshua Hallelujah!!
Love you all Everyone through Jesus-Yeshua Christ, because HE LOVED EVERYONE FIRST!! 💕 Praise Jesus-Yeshua Christ-Messiah for Today and Everyday!!
Love 💕 Always and Shalom ( Peace ), YSIC \o/
Kristi Ann
Thanks, Kristi Ann. Yes, Happy birthday, America. Our country started with God, I pray we get back to Him.
I love the scriptures you listed, Karen! The quote by John Adams is incredible as we still celebrate our freedom in America. I pray we are celebrating it for many years to come. But, even if we don’t, no matter the changes we experience in America, we are always free in Jesus. 🙂
Agree, Marcie. Our spiritual freedom in Jesus is secure and never-ending. We can count on it forever!
2 Cor 3:17 has always been a favorite freedom verse, but I love Psalm 103 in its entirety for the underlying message that we are free from the bondage of sin: As far as the East is from the West.
Oh, Candice, I love Psalm 103 as well. Thanks for adding such a wonderful freedom passage.
I, too, love all those verses and they bring to mind the verse of the hymn, “And Can It Be” that says, “My chains fell off, my heart was free. I rose, went forth, and followed thee.” There is nothing like the feeling of freedom that comes from Christ!
Powerful lyrics, Beth. That hymn is not familiar but now, I will have to look it up. 🙂
Such a wonderful freedom we have in Christ. Thank you for the scripture references. That is a great resource.
You’re welcome, S.A. And this list of 20 Scriptures is certainly not exhaustive. It’s a theme weaved throughout the entire Bible from Genesis to Revelation!
Oh, yes, we have so much to celebrate!
And celebrate we shall! Brothers (and sisters)! Listen! In this man Jesus there is forgiveness for your sins! Everyone who trusts in him is freed from all guilt and declared righteous—something the Jewish law could never do. (Acts 13:38-39, TLB)
I love your list of scriptures. Thank you for helping us to remember with ”solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty.” (Even if I am a few days late!)
Thanks for stopping by and reading, Jennifer. You’re fine…it’s never really “late” to celebrate freedom…it should last all year long.
This is so encouraging! I love the connection that celebrating our freedom as Americans should mean we are praising God. What a great reminder!
Glad it encouraged you, Emily. We are free…something worth raising our voice in praise to the One who set us free!
How encouraging to remember what freedom really looks like and where it comes from! God is so good to us, in all things!
Rebecca, I like that “what freedom looks like and where it comes from.” Yes!
Karen, hi! Yes, Jesus is where our freedom lies! Not a country, a political party, an earthly entity.
We are free indeed!
Our hope of freedom, staying free, walking free, and living free is all wrapped up in Christ!
Karen, so much to celebrate! Thank you for this wonderful list of freedoms in Him!!
Bethany, I celebrate how Jesus came to announce liberty to captives like us! (Isaiah 61:1)
May we always celebrate our freedom in Christ
Yes, we are free, free, free…Jesus set us free!
Thank you for pointing us to freedom in Christ. You chose so many wonderful verses. I really like Galatians 5:13 and the way it shows us to love one another.
I love that Scripture as well, Mary. Especailly how we are “called” to freedom and how it calls us to lay down fleshly desires and love each other. Appreciate your comment!