Imagine, it's late July 6, 1776, and you've just walked into the heart of Philadelphia's main square for dinner. Suddenly, you begin hearing the clamor of people shouting, "Freedom!" A well groomed gentleman passes by, and you ask him, "What's all the hubbub?" The man thunders back, "Haven't you heard? Look man!", as he points emphatically to a lengthy article in the Pennsylvania Evening Post, signed by John Hancock, then President of the Continental Congress. As you begin to read this "Declaration" embossed on parchment, you are filled with a sense of fear and dread. And then, as if caught unaware, you are overcome by a feeling of exhilaration, and you too shout, "Freedom!"

What power did this "rabble rousing" group of United Colonies have that they could contend with the world's most powerful military force of the time (or to even hope for victory)? This same freedom that was so boldly shouted across the young American colonies was also heard across the Atlantic Ocean. Challenging the powerful English Empire to release it's oppressive grip on these colonies was not a pursuit of little cost. It would be a freedom that would not be taken without bloodshed for its payment, nor all they owned - property, homes, wives, children and even their own lives. Have you ever wondered what happened to these men who signed the "Declaration of Independence?"

These men were lawyers, jurists, merchants, farmers, plantation owners, men of means and well-educated. Five of these signers were captured as traitors and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Four lost their sons in war. Nine fought and died from wounds. Carter Braxton saw his ships swept away at sea by the British Navy, sold his home to pay his debts and died in rags. Thomas McKeam lost all his possessions, served in Congress for no pay and led a fugitive's life in hiding. Thomas Nelson, Jr. ordered his own home destroyed under General Washington, as it was made into British headquarters. He later died, bankrupt. Francis Lewis also lost everything, including his wife who was imprisoned and died within a few months. John Hart was driven from the bedside of his dying wife, his 13 children fled into the forest and were never found again. Having lost everything, he died of exhaustion and a broken heart. Such were the lives and consequences for the signature of these men. They, in fact, did pledge to each other, their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor. American freedom was purchased at a high cost, and over the years, this freedom has continued to be paid for at a high cost.

What power did these United Colonies have that they could contend with the mighty British Empire? They had the power of God through their faith in appealing to His Providential support. Congress made five specific references to God in the "Declaration of Independence", by various titles, and for various means. First, in recognition of the colonies subordinate power under God, "Laws of Nature and Nature's God". Second, in recognition of their inherent rights under God as made in His image, "that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness." Third, in recognition of God as the Supreme Judge of the world, "appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions". Fourth, in recognition of God's authority found in His Name, "in the Name". And fifth, in recognition of their reliance, and need, for Divine power in order to accomplish this impossible task, "And for support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor." It was this trust in God that gave the Colonists the power to overcome the tyranny of England.

Is this freedom that was purchased, a freedom "to do anything you want"? No! The freedom that was paid for in blood, by our founding fathers, was a freedom under God. Although Thomas Jefferson made few appeals to God in his rough draft of the "Declaration", Congress clearly over-ruled the Declaration’s primary architect, and made a point to recognize their reliance on the protection of the Divine Providence in their "Declaration of Independence". For freedom without order is anarchy. Freedom without restraint is rebellion. Freedom without responsibility is foolishness. Freedom without consequences is wickedness, and freedom without God is evil. True freedom requires an understanding that we are only free under a Sovereign, Holy and Loving God. The Colonies sought freedom from at least 28 separate oppressions embodied in the main part of the "Declaration", but true and complete freedom is found in Christ alone. A freedom not only from physical oppression, but from a spiritual oppression as well.

This spiritual freedom was also purchased at a high cost. It too was paid for in blood, the blood of the Son of God, who came down from Heaven, becoming a man to suffer and die at the hands of evil men. And though, he was free of any crime, he was sentenced to death by crucifixion. And because there was no other way in which man could be saved from his sins, Jesus willingly laid down His Life for ours. Experience the true and complete freedom that comes in Christ. Not just a political freedom for Life, Liberty & the Pursuit of Happiness, but a Divine freedom for Eternal Life, Christian Liberty & Happiness in God. Consider this passage from Scripture:

As He spoke these words, many believed in Him. Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are my disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." [John 8:31]

THESE WORDS ARE INTENDED TO DIRECT YOU TO A KIND OF SPIRITUAL FREEDOM THAT CAN ONLY BE FOUND AS A DISCIPLE OF CHRIST. BUT YOU MUST FIRST ABIDE IN HIS WORD, WHICH IS THE BIBLE. THIS IS THE ONLY TRUE AUTHORITATIVE SOURCE FOR FAITH AND PRACTICE FROM GOD, THE ONLY TRUE AUTHORITY AND SOURCE FOR ALL OTHER AUTHORITIES.

Freedom under God is only the beginning. In order to understand all the freedom we have in Christ, we need to attach ourselves to a church, a body of people who are seeking God's Truth from His Word. God is Perfect in all His Being and in all His Ways, He has not left us as orphans or without a guide.

As most Americans do not experience the kinds oppression that were experienced in past days, please consider yourselves blessed of the Lord. Instead of declaring war against an oppressive government that sought to deprive our nation of spiritual freedom, "declare war" against the many spiritual oppressions we are apt to suffer in our society and this world: violence, drugs, alcohol, gangs, sexual and physical abuse, abortion, divorce, and many more. Jesus desires that we become free of these oppressions as well. So, as we enjoy our freedom today, let us also learn to enjoy our eternal and true freedom found only in Christ!

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