Forever Freedom

"For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God." (Romans 8:20-21)

This weekend seems like the perfect time to talk about freedom. On July 4th, Americans celebrate our political freedom and honor the men and women who have fought and are fighting now to defend it. Freedom is also huge deal to God. According to the Bible, every single one of us is born a spiritual slave. We belong to sin, and we obey it every time it calls. We are not free.

Sin brings death, and all living things on the planet carry a countdown clock around our necks, ticking away the moments until we're physically dead. All of creation, Paul wrote, is in a constant state of inescapable decay. It's ugly and it hurts.

Jesus changed all of that. He died the death our sin had earned us. For those who trust in Him, in His substitution in our place on the cross, He gives an amazing gift: freedom from the power of sin, freedom to be part of God's family. Now all of creation waits for the completion of our adoption for the ultimate freedom from the burden of sin forever. It is coming.

Think: If you're a Christian, do you ever think of yourself as a former slave to sin? Do you ever long to be fully free from the consequences of living on a sin-drenched planet? Why or why not?

Pray: Thank God for your freedom from the power of sin through Jesus? Ask Him to help you to appreciate and use that freedom every day.

Do: Try to think about your spiritual freedom this weekend during your Independence Day celebrations.