Why Do We Celebrate Independence Day?

The American Revolution resulted in the original thirteen colonies legally separating from Great Britain on July 2, 1776.  The Second Continental Congress voted to approve a resolution of independence. Congress then appointed a Committee of five to draft the Declaration of Independence, including Thomas Jefferson as the main author.  Upon debate and revision, the Declaration was finally approved on July 4th. 

John Adams - one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence predicted that a "great anniversary festival" ought to be commemorated as an epoch day in history for America.  He wrote in a letter to his wife that it "ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of the continent to the other, from that date forward forever more."

Two of the original signers of the Declaration of Independence later served as President of the United States of America:  John Adams and Thomas Jefferson.  Both died on the same day: July 4th, 1826, which was the 50th anniversary of the Declaration. 

Today Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, political speeches, ceremonies, and various other public and private events celebrating the United States of America’s history, government, and traditions.

When you became a Christian you were officially set free from sin, guilt and shame.  Galatians 5:1 states, "Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage" [to sin].  I John 1:9 tells us, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."  And in Romans 8:1 Paul tells us, "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit."

Independence is truly a reason for celebration!  In John 8:31-32 Jesus said, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

Two passages from the book of Isaiah prophetically speak about our freedom in Christ. “The Lord will let the oppressed go free, and break every yoke” (Isaiah 58:6).

“[Jesus] Himself will proclaim liberty to the captives, and open the prison [doors] to those who are bound” (Isaiah 61:1).

 Independence from the world is dependence on God.  Unlike Frank Sinatra and his song "I Did It My Way" - we depend solely on God for our life and liberty in Christ.  While Paul was preaching in Athens he said, "for in Him  we live and move and have our being..." 

In Romans chapter 8 Paul says, "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death."  And in chapter 10 he says, "For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes."    True freedom relies on Christ and His atonement for our sin.

Our Independence Day is truly an event worthy of celebration and fireworks! We are no longer subject to the king of this world, but forever free in Christ as His joint heirs and citizens of a new nation.

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”.  It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 

http://www.Godmissionpossible.com

Why Do We Celebrate Independence Day?