Independence Day John 8:36

The Slavery Of Sin Do you remember the children’s story about Hansel and Gretel? The witch knew how to make a dangerous thing look good So the devil works with sin “…seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8)

Sin is usually candy coated (Lk. 15:11-18) The Prodigal looked to the far-off country with dazzled eyes thinking that life would be so much better there The devil tempts with pride and lust (1 Jn. 2:15-16) The offer of “liberty” is a false one (cf. 2 Peter 2:19) In actuality it only produces slavery (Jn. 8:34) and death (Rom. 6:23)

Hopelessness of sin Sin is a situation that alienates us from God (Isa. 59:1-2) We cannot solve this problem ourselves (Rom. 5:6) The only way to God is through His Son Jesus Christ (Jn. 14:6) This is redemption (Rom. 3:23-24)

The Freedom From Sin We can have independence or freedom from sin Through Jesus Christ-we could say that we are freed or saved John 3:16-“He that believes in Him should not perish…” Mark 16:16-“He that believes and is baptized shall be saved”

How did Jesus accomplish this? God demands a sacrifice for sin Under the Old Covenant, He accepted the blood of animals (Heb. 9:22; 10:1-3) Under the New, He only accepts the perfect sacrifice (Heb. 10:4-12) Blood shed, died, buried; then raised to live again (1 Cor. 15:3-4; 1 Peter 1:3-4) We who were dead to sin are made alive (Eph. 2:1)

The Celebration Of Our Independence In the US, by an act of Congress, we have a declared remembrance of this country’s independence that is celebrated once a year on July 4th To celebrate our freedom from sin we celebrate more often (Acts 20:7 – weekly)

In the way that Christ has assigned Instituted the Lord’s Supper (Matt. 26:26-29) Declared its observance (1 Cor. 11:23-29) In remembrance of Christ—His life, His death, His resurrection