In 1776 the United States won its independence from England. It was a freedom that was won by fighting and in which many people lost their lives. This freedom was only given to those who lived, live or will live in this country. It was set forth by the writing of the Declaration of Independence and signed by those who were the powers to be. It is a day which is celebrated each year on the 4th of July. Many who have some sort of celebration on that day never recall what it really is about.

In A.D. 33 there was a far greater day of independence. In one way it was a sad day but in another a day of gladness. For on that day the Perfect Scarified that God demanded for the sins of man was crucified. One Man shed his blood to pay that price, Jesus Christ the Only Begotten Son of God. He was buried and rose again the third day. Which He won the victory over Satan by overcoming the power of death. Satan lost the battle that day; it was not just for the freedom of Jesus Christ but every one who lives on the earth. We still have a battle to fight in our own lives. This battle is described in Ephesians 6:13-18 “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints” Our battle is not against a physical foe as in the freedom of the United States, by one that is an evil force working against us every day. 1 Peter 5:8 “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” We have the power to overcome Satan by following the commands found in James 4:7,8 “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” There is another passage of scripture that helps us realize this independence and that is 1 Corinthians 15:57 “The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Are you able to celebrate this day which Christ died for? It is a calibration to those who have been and are following His commands. One must be in Christ, Galatians 3:27 “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” Must be walking with Him, 1 John 1:7 “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” And be faithful till death, Revelation 2:10 “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” The true reward that is given is a home in Heaven, John 14:1-4 "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know." This day in not just celebrated once a year but on every first day of the week, 1 Corinthians 11: “For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, "Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me." In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me." For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes.” Where do you stand this day?