The Smithsonian Museum, in Washington D.C., has an exhibit entitled “The Price of Freedom.” Artifacts and photos from many of the armed conflicts experienced by America fill the exhibit. Shoes, bullets, uniforms, equipment and amazing full wall photos fill the exhibit. They are physical reminders of the past.
A few weeks ago, on the 4th of July, many Americans celebrated the holiday with fireworks and cookouts. Independence Day for some means little more than a day off from work. They will give little real thought to the incredible price that has been paid through the years for the freedoms and liberty that are the birthright of every American citizen. Those who dreamed of liberty, would be proud to hear it honored in the pledge of allegiance; “... with liberty and justice for all.” They might not be so proud of how complacent many Americans have become.
Similarly, as Christians, we too have a great heritage of liberty. That liberty was purchased with the blood of Christ (Acts 20:28). The Holy Spirit consistently reminded the church, through the writers of the N.T., to remember the price of their freedom from sin and victory over death (Rom. 5:19, Heb. 12:2-3, 1 Pet. 2:9-10). They were also reminded of the resulting liberty. But like American liberty, the liberty that we have through Christ came at great cost.
Paul spoke of the “glorious liberty of the children of God,” (Rom. 8:21).
That liberty, purchased by the work and sacrifice of Christ, makes us free (Gal. 5:12).
James calls the Christian covenant with God, “the law of liberty” (James 1:25, 2:12).
Peter warned that Christian liberty does not mean freedom to live unrighteous lives (1 Pet. 2:16). And that some may falsely promise liberty while actually bringing people into bondage (2 Pet. 2:19).
Paul warned that liberty can be lost (Gal. 5:1).
Every Sunday, we remember our Christian liberty, that stands above all other treasures. Every day, the Statue of Liberty, Lady Liberty stands in the New York harbor ever poised to remind us that Liberty is important beyond words and irreplaceable if lost.
- Tim Orbison
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