Independence Independence is not just a characteristic or attitude, but true independence is won through actions and words. For our nation, it also required more than just a military revolt. There was a need for a declaration stating once and for all that we would no longer answer to the dictates of a foreign entity. There was significant oppression and reason to desire freedom, but until a stand was taken with activated weapons, the bondage would go on with no relief. It wasn’t just for those declaring it, though. What gave it purpose way beyond what occurred in 1776 is the countless hearts and lives that have experienced the liberation of independence throughout the many years till today. Thomas Jefferson, the main author, and 55 other delegates signed the document, but what they were committing to personally would enable millions to know its same impact on their personal freedom. As great as this enablement is, though, there is yet a need for each of us to make our own statements of independence from the constraints that would hold us back or return us to dependence on outside dependence. While in Christ we have received independence from the demands and dictates of sin’s bondage, there is yet a need for us to use weapons we’ve been given to secure and maintain it. It does no good to have the appropriate weapons if they are not activated and directed at any that would threaten freedom. Against the bondages of lack, sickness, addiction, oppression, and sin of every kind, there is a declaration of independence that will repel and demolish them as factors. While this is true on a personal level for the experience of liberty today, the true purpose of independence goes way beyond just the personal one. For every personal declaration made and lived, there is an equipping for it to be shared with countless ones to follow. Our activated weapons of declaration will continue impacting with an ever-expanding effect of God’s glory. Notes Independence from harm requires dependence on arms Congress debated and revised the wording of the Declaration, removing Jefferson's vigorous denunciation of King George III for importing the slave trade, finally approving it two days later on July 4. A day earlier, John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail: The second day of July 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.[9] Adams's prediction was off by two days. From the outset, Americans celebrated independence on July 4, the date shown on the much-publicized Declaration of Independence, rather than on July 2, the date the resolution of independence was approved in a closed session of Congress.[10] Thomas McKean of Delaware wrote John Adams that he was "hunted like a fox by the enemy — compelled to remove my family five times in a few months …". Abraham Clark of New Jersey had two of his sons captured by the British during the war. Eleven signers had their homes and property destroyed. Francis Lewis's New York home was razed and his wife taken prisoner. John Hart's farm and mills were destroyed when the British invaded New Jersey, and he died while fleeing capture. Carter Braxton and Nelson, both of Virginia, lent large sums of their personal fortunes to support the war effort but were never repaid. By a remarkable coincidence, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, the only two signatories of the Declaration of Independence later to serve as presidents of the United States, both died on the same day: July 4, 1826, which was the 50th anniversary of the Declaration.[16] Although not a signatory of the Declaration of Independence, James Monroe, another Founding Father who was elected president, also died on July 4, 1831, making him the third President who died on the anniversary of independence.[17] The only U.S. president to have been born on Independence Day was Calvin Coolidge, who was born on July 4, 1872.[18] Declaration – greatest weapon of freedom Either dominated or liberated by weapons Either slave of words or Master with them Freedom in heritage change John 8:36 (AMPC) 36 So if the Son liberates you [makes you free men], then you are really and unquestionably free. Liberated in Christ – independent in our testimony Galatians 5:1 (TPT) 1 Let me be clear, the Anointed One has set us free—not partially, but completely and wonderfully free! We must always cherish this truth and stubbornly refuse to go back into the bondage of our past. Loss of bondage requires new reliance Romans 6:22 (NKJV) 22 But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. What dependence produces independence? John 8:31-32 (NKJV) 31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Directions applied lead to dominance denied Psalms 119:133 (NKJV) 133 Direct my steps by Your word, And let no iniquity have dominion over me. Our freedom – our responsibility 2 Timothy 1:13-14 (NKJV) 13 Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. 14 That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us. Within reach – no excuse Romans 10:8 (TLB) 8 For salvation that comes from trusting Christ—which is what we preach—is already within easy reach of each of us; in fact, it is as near as our own hearts and mouths. Liberated by the truth in our mouths Revelation 12:11 (AMPC) 11 And they have overcome (conquered) him by means of the blood of the Lamb and by the utterance of their testimony, for they did not love and cling to life even when faced with death [holding their lives cheap till they had to die for their witnessing]. Guilt: As I walk in the Spirit as a child of God, I am free from all guilt and shame. Romans 8:1 My Father cleanses me of all sin when I confess them to Him. 1 John 1:9 Lack: As I am faithful to give from the supply I’ve received I have way more than what I need. Philippians 4:19 Because I seek the Lord first, I will not lack for any good thing. Psalms 34:10 Peace: Because I keep my mind on and trust in the Lord, I am kept in perfect peace. Isaiah 26:3 Ability: I can do all things through Christ. Philippians 4:13 With God all things are possible. Luke 1:37 Identity: As I discover and know Christ I am secure in who I am. Galatians 2:20 I am a child of God with His nature and likeness. Romans 8:16 Overview: Independence from harm requires dependence on arms. In Christ we have a new heritage/identity in liberty. Our independence from harm requires dependence on weapons of the Word. The weapons defending our independence are continually within reach/our mouths. The declaration of our true identity in Christ by the blood defeats the domination of our accuser every time it is used. Prayer: Father, I am so grateful for the blood that has won my freedom from sin and death. I yield now my dependence completely on You and Your Word which always leads to freedom. Cause my experience of liberty to cause all those I touch to be drawn to this same freedom in Christ. Declarations: In Christ I am no longer dominated by the demands of sin and death. The lies that I used to follow are now crushed by the truth that is in my mouth. For every threat of bondage in my life there is a weapon of liberty from the Word in my mouth. I overcome every time, and when I do I take others to a new life of freedom with me.