Freedom
The death toll of American soldiers in all wars from the American Revolution to the current War on Terrorism, is estimated to be 657,946 to 1.1 million.
657,946 to 1.1 million lives.
Each one, an individual with a name and a story.
Each one sacrificing his/her life for freedom and human rights.
The bloody, brutal battle fields littered with souls exhaling their last breath for freedom.
Pain, suffering, and horror of death on the battle field, staring these men and women in the face.
Each soul carrying the weight of war inside and out, watching war wreak havoc and ruin in effort to preserve freedom and life.
As I take time to remember the fallen freedom fighters this Fourth of July, their courage and conviction, it points me to one very specific freedom fighter.
Like the glare on a soldier's shield reflects the light of the sun, the sacrifice of a soldier, reflects a True and Better Sacrifice.
There was only ONE man who ever lived that sacrificed His life so ALL could live. He died for every tribe and language and people and nation. (Revelations 5:9) This man gave His life for a freedom that no worldly power could or can ever take away; an eternal freedom.
His name is Jesus Christ.
He is and forever will be the greatest, victorious freedom fighter.
He is the True and Better Sacrifice.
His sacrifice was not for any earthly kingdom, it was for the Kingdom of God; it was not for temporary gain, it was for the eternal souls of men.
His sacrifice was for everyone and anyone who believes in Him. (John 3:16) His fight was a bloody battle against the bondage of sin. No man took His life from Him. He gave it willingly. (1 John 3:16)
This perfect, innocent man sweat great drops of blood, wore a bloody crown of thorns, was bruised, was beaten, was nailed to a cross, and willingly died to win our justification, our freedom, and our eternal life.
The Significance of Jesus' sacrifice:
The sacrifice of Jesus, is SO significant because no other man or woman could do what Jesus did.
No one else could free mankind from the bondage of sin.
No one else was the Perfect Sacrifice needed to quench God's wrath and justify men and women before Him. Why?
Because He is the only human being who ever lived (or will live) perfectly according to God's Holy standard.
It is our faith in Him alone and His sacrifice, that justifies us before God. Our sin is washed clean by the blood of Jesus Christ and we stand righteous and redeemed in God's sight.
True and Better Sacrifice:
He is the True and Better Sacrifice because He did not remain dead. His victory was not temporal. He rose up from the grave on the third day and after being seen by hundreds of witnesses, He ascended into Heaven, where He sits on the right hand of God, and continues to intercede for us!
The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead, now lives in us! (Romans 8:11) We are not only redeemed, but we are given power to live a life of freedom as sons and daughters in God's Kingdom.
We have the great privilege of living our one life in service and worship for the One who set us free.
"When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned.
But there is a great difference between Adam’s sin and God’s gracious gift. For the sin of this one man, Adam, brought death to many.
But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through this other man, Jesus Christ. And the result of God’s gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man’s sin. For Adam’s sin led to condemnation,
but God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God, even though we are guilty of many sins. For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many.
But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ. Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone.
(Romans 5:15-18 NLT)
Because of Jesus Christ, God's gracious gift to sinners, we get to live in TRIUMPH over sin and death. We receive new life; life that has freedom to glorify Jesus and reflect His sacrifice.
(see also 1 Corinthians 15:57)
We all were sinners, bound for eternal death and destruction, when God sent His Son to die for us.
God gave us The Way out of slavery to sin and into Life everlasting. (John 14:6)
"Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God." (1Peter 2:16)
"For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh (sinfulness, selfishness, and self righteousness), but through love serve one another."
(Galatians 5:13)
Jesus Christ has set us free:
to love Him for Who He is and for the freedom He won for us,
to treasure Him above anything or anyone else,
to live in the newness of life God gives us,
to live in triumph over sin by the power of His Spirit within us,
to use our freedom to serve and love others, as He did, and to point others to Him.
He is the greatest Victor, Freedom Fighter, and Savior the world has ever known.
He is The Way, The Truth, and The Life.
He is our freedom.
Blessings,
Amy
