Wednesday we will celebrate the anniversary of when the United States first declared its independence from the oppressive empire of Britain. (This is history, not politics.) In contrast, every Sunday, as believers we celebrate our dependence on Jesus Christ. The United States, at its very foundation, gained its freedom by declaring itself sovereign then fighting and winning a war for liberty. As believers, we recognize Christ as our sovereign. We trust in the battle that Christ won on our behalf; His death on the cross a substitute for our sin, His resurrection from the dead that we might have life.
The slave does not remain in the house forever, the son remains forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:35-36
In this word picture, Jesus explains why He, the Son of God, had to be the One to pay the debt of sin owed by humanity. We are all slaves to sin because of our sin nature. We owe a debt that we cannot pay. As slaves, we do not have authority over sin. We cannot break its power over us by our mere, limited words. But Jesus could pay our debt and He did. And after paying our debt, Jesus as God’s Son, has the authority to declare us free! And He does, to all who believe in Him and call upon His name!
Christ is the One who has made us free! Let us celebrate our dependence on Him.
This post originally appeared in “The Connection.” The Sunday morning publication of First Southern Baptist Church Lawrence.
