Over two hundred years ago, our forefathers signed the Declaration of Independence—a document that shaped the future of the American colonies, setting their destiny as a mighty nation. By signing this document, courageous men boldly stated the value they placed on freedom. And they proved it with their lives and fortunes in the ensuing war for independence.

Freedom isn’t free; it comes with a price tag. But only a few are willing to pay that price. Freedom rings where men are willing to sacrifice. And liberty is valued where people surrender their lives to its preservation.

Two thousand years ago, Christ proclaimed a different kind of freedom: “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed” (John 8:36). And then He paid the price for our freedom with His own blood (Revelation 1:5). When we trusted Him as our Saviour, He “Delivered us from the power of darkness” and “translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son” (Colossians 1:13).

Our national freedom was costly, paid for by the blood of American soldiers who treasured freedom. But our spiritual freedom was paid for with, “The precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Peter 1:19).

One of the greatest treasures of our national freedom is the liberty to tell others of the Son who can make them free indeed. Do you value this freedom? Will you courageously declare it to others? Remember, freedom rings where men are willing to sacrifice. In what ways do you need to sacrifice that others may experience the freedom from sin and death that Christ can give?

Celebrate liberty by telling others of the freedom already purchased by Christ.